What is the purpose of a cage card in veterinary practice?

The purpose of a cage card in veterinary practice primarily revolves around providing essential care information for the pet residing in the cage. These cards typically include vital details such as the pet's name, breed, and a summary of its health status or special care instructions that the veterinary staff must follow. This ensures that all staff members are informed about specific needs, such as dietary requirements, medications, or particular behavioral considerations, enhancing both the quality of care and the safety of the animal.

While tracking vaccination dates, identifying the pet's owner, and recording a pet's medical history are all important aspects of veterinary practice, they are usually documented in different formats or records, rather than addressed directly on a cage card. Cage cards serve as immediate, on-hand resources that facilitate real-time understanding of the animal's immediate care needs within the clinical environment.