CVC exclusive tool: Veterinary patient risk assessment information

A general risk assessment begins with a good and complete history and evaluation of the pet's lifestyle. Click here to download a PDF of the checklist "Patient History and Lifestyle Evaluation.”

Here are some points to keep in mind as you collect the answers in some of the areas of the form.

Household information

Be sure to ask about species other than dogs and cats. This provides information about other animals that may need veterinary services and also provides information about animals that may act as sources of disease, or social interactions that could impact the pet being evaluated.

The importance of asking about people with impaired immune system: The CDC estimates that 50% of the population have conditions that impair their immune system, rendering them susceptible to diseases of animals.

The importance of asking where the pet sleeps: This tells you not only about potential disease transmission and behavioral issues, but also gives you an idea of the status of the pet in the family.

Access to outdoors and contact with other cats and dogs

It is important to realize that many people answer “Is your pet primarily indoors or outdoors?” based on where the pet sleeps. Ask open-ended questions. Where is the pet's bed? When was the pet last outdoors?

Vaccination history

The veterinarian will determine the most appropriate frequency for revaccination.

Canine core vaccines: Canine distemper, canine adenovirus, canine parvovirus, and rabies

Feline core vaccines: Feline panleukopenia, feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus, and rabies.

Based on the pet's lifestyle and risk of exposure, additional vaccines may be indicated, such as against bordetellosis, Lyme disease, leptospirosis, canine influenza, feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus. The FeLV vaccine is highly recommended in kittens.

Nutrition information

Be sure to assess the pet's weight, body condition score, and muscle condition score.