Household and carer handover sheet for a diabetic pet

Agree as a household

• Who gives the morning insulin, and who gives the evening one?
• Where is the record kept, and does everyone know how to fill it in?
• How will each person say "done" so nobody has to guess, for example writing it down straight away?
• What will you do if nobody is sure whether a dose was given? Write down what your vet has told you
• Who feeds the meals, and who handles treats from visitors and children?
• Who takes your pet to appointments, and who collects repeat prescriptions?

Write down for anyone who helps

Copy these from your vet. This sheet does not suggest any amounts or times.

• Your vet practice name and phone number
• The out-of-hours vet name and phone number
• The name of the insulin, the amount and the times your vet has set
• The food, the amount and the times your vet has set
• Where the insulin, syringes and sharps bin are kept
• The signs your vet has told you to ring about, and the number to ring
• Anything else your vet has asked everyone to do or avoid

Questions to ask your vet so everyone has the same plan

Your vet is the one to ask. Write down their answers.

• Can you write the plan down so every carer has the same copy?
• Is there anything a second carer should be shown in person, such as the injection?
• What should a carer do, and who should they ring, if I cannot be reached?
• Can another person collect a prescription or bring my pet in?

Each time care changes hands

• Say out loud, or write, what has been given since the last handover
• Say what the next task is, and at what time
• Mention anything unusual about eating, drinking, toilet trips or energy
• Check the next person knows where the record and the vet numbers are