Veterinary Medicine: Step-by-Step Guide on How to Write SOAP Notes

Updated January 2026

SOAP notes are essential for effective patient care and documentation in veterinary medicine. This guide provides detailed instructions for each section of a SOAP note, helping you understand the structure and content required for thorough documentation in the veterinary context. By mastering SOAP notes, you can enhance patient care, ensure effective communication among healthcare providers, and maintain accurate medical records.

For specific examples, see our list of 10 Common Veterinary SOAP Note Examples.

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Subjective Section (S)

In a veterinary SOAP note, the Subjective section (S) captures the pet owner's observations and concerns about their animal's condition and symptoms. This section provides context for the veterinarian to understand the pet's history and the owner's perspective. Here are the specific things that should go into the Subjective section of a veterinary SOAP note:

Subjective Section (S) Components

1. Chief Complaint:

   • The primary reason the pet is being brought in for veterinary care.
   • Example: "My dog has been vomiting for the past two days."

2. History of Present Illness/Injury:

   • Details about the onset, duration, and progression of the current condition.
   • Description of any changes in behavior or symptoms.
   • Example: "The vomiting started suddenly and has occurred multiple times a day."

3. Behavioral Changes:

   • Any changes in the pet's behavior, appetite, or activity level.
   • Example: "The dog has been lethargic and has not been eating well."

4. Diet and Nutrition:

   • Information about the pet's diet, including any recent changes.
   • Example: "The dog is on a commercial dry food diet. No recent changes in diet."

5. Previous Treatments and Outcomes:

   • Information on any treatments the pet has previously received for the condition.
   • The effectiveness or outcome of those treatments.
   • Example: "The owner tried giving the dog over-the-counter anti-nausea medication, which did not help."

6. Relevant Medical History:

   • Any relevant past medical conditions, surgeries, or injuries.
   • Example: "The dog has a history of gastrointestinal issues."

7. Medications:

   • Current medications the pet is taking, including dosage and frequency.
   • Any recent changes in medication.
   • Example: "The dog is currently taking heartworm prevention medication monthly."

8. Owner's Concerns and Goals:

   • The owner's concerns and expectations from the veterinary visit.
   • Example: "The owner is concerned about the dog's vomiting and wants to ensure it is not a serious issue."

9. Other Relevant Information:

   • Any other information provided by the owner that may be relevant to the pet's treatment.
   • Example: "The owner reports that the dog has been drinking more water than usual."

Tips:

• Listen carefully to the owner's observations and concerns.
• Document the information in the owner's own words when possible.
• Ask follow-up questions to gather detailed information.

Example of a Subjective Section for Veterinary Medicine

Objective Section (O)

In a veterinary SOAP note, the Objective section (O) captures measurable, observable, and factual data obtained during the pet’s examination. This section provides concrete evidence of the pet's condition and progress. Here are the specific things that should go into the Objective section of a veterinary SOAP note:

Objective Section (O) Components

1. Vital Signs:

   • Record the pet's vital signs such as temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and weight.
   • Example: "Temp 102.5°F, HR 120 bpm, RR 30 bpm, Weight 25 lbs"

2. Physical Examination Findings:

   • Document the results of your physical examination, including inspection, palpation, and auscultation.
   • Example: "Abdomen is tense and painful on palpation. Mucous membranes are pale."

3. Behavior and Appearance:

   • Assess and record the pet's general behavior and appearance.
   • Example: "The dog appears lethargic and is lying down most of the time."

4. Hydration Status:

   • Evaluate and document the pet's hydration status.
   • Example: "Skin turgor is decreased, indicating dehydration."

5. Diagnostic Tests:

   • Include results of any diagnostic tests performed, such as blood work, urinalysis, or imaging.
   • Example: "Blood work shows elevated liver enzymes. X-ray reveals no foreign bodies."

Tips:

• Be precise and factual in your documentation.
• Include only measurable and observable data.
• Use standardized scales and measurements where applicable.

Example of an Objective Section for Veterinary Medicine

Assessment Section (A)

In a veterinary SOAP note, the Assessment section (A) synthesizes the information gathered in the Subjective and Objective sections to provide a clinical judgment about the pet’s condition. This section includes the veterinarian's professional interpretation, diagnosis, and the pet's progress and response to treatment. Here are the specific things that should go into the Assessment section of a veterinary SOAP note:

Assessment Section (A) Components

1. Diagnosis:

   • Provide a clinical diagnosis based on the subjective and objective findings.
   • Example: "Gastroenteritis with suspected hepatic involvement."

2. Clinical Impression:

   • Include your clinical interpretation of the pet's condition.
   • Example: "The dog's symptoms and elevated liver enzymes suggest gastroenteritis with possible hepatic involvement."

3. Functional Limitations:

   • Document the impact of the pet's condition on their daily activities and functional abilities.
   • Example: "The dog is unable to eat or drink normally and is lethargic."

4. Patient Progress:

   • Comment on the pet's progress since the last visit, if applicable.
   • Example: "This is the initial visit for this condition."

5. Prognosis:

   • Provide an outlook on the pet's recovery based on their condition and response to treatment.
   • Example: "With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for recovery is good."

6. Goals:

   • Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for the pet's treatment.
   • Example: "Short-term goal: Control vomiting and rehydrate within 24 hours. Long-term goal: Resolve underlying condition and restore normal liver function within two weeks."

Tips:

• Be clear and concise in your clinical judgment.
• Use evidence-based reasoning to support your diagnosis and clinical impression.
• Set realistic and measurable goals for the pet.

Example of an Assessment Section for Veterinary Medicine

Plan Section (P)

Plan Section (P) Components

1. Treatment Plan:

   • Specific interventions that will be implemented to address the pet's condition.
   • Example: "Administer antiemetic medication and intravenous fluids."

2. Medications:

   • Detailed description of the medications prescribed, including the type, dosage, frequency, and any progression plans.
   • Example: "Antiemetic medication: Maropitant 1 mg/kg once daily for 5 days."

3. Dietary Recommendations:

   • Any changes or recommendations for the pet's diet.
   • Example: "Introduce a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice once vomiting is controlled."

4. Owner Instructions:

   • Information and instructions provided to the owner to help them manage their pet's condition and prevent further issues.
   • Example: "Monitor the dog for any signs of worsening condition and ensure they have access to fresh water."

5. Follow-Up:

   • The plan for subsequent visits, including the frequency and duration of follow-up appointments.
   • Example: "Schedule a follow-up appointment in 3 days to reassess the dog's condition and adjust the treatment plan as necessary."

Tips:

• Be specific and detailed in your treatment plan to ensure clarity and adherence.
• Tailor the plan to the individual needs and goals of the pet.
• Ensure that the owner understands their role in the treatment plan, especially for home care and monitoring.

Example of a Plan Section for Veterinary Medicine

This detailed information in the Plan section ensures that the pet receives a comprehensive and personalized treatment strategy, and helps track progress and outcomes effectively.

AI-Assisted Documentation for Veterinary Medicine

As of 2025, 66% of healthcare providers use AI tools in their practice, and veterinary medicine is increasingly adopting similar technologies. AI scribes and ambient clinical intelligence can significantly reduce documentation burden for veterinarians while capturing comprehensive patient examinations and owner communications.

How AI Can Help with Veterinary Documentation

• Ambient listening: AI captures exam room conversations and automatically structures findings
• Species-specific templates: Modern AI tools can adapt to different species (canine, feline, equine, exotic)
• Treatment protocol capture: Accurately records medications, dosages, and weight-based calculations
• Efficiency: Reduces documentation time by up to 50-75%

Veterinary-Specific AI Considerations

What AI captures well:

• Owner-reported symptoms and history
• Treatment plan discussions and client education
• Medication instructions and dosing schedules
• Follow-up scheduling and recheck plans
• Preventive care recommendations

What requires careful review:

• Weight and weight-based medication calculations
• Vital signs (temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate)
• Physical examination findings by body system
• Species and breed identification
• Medication names and veterinary-specific dosages
• Vaccine lot numbers and administration sites

Tips for Using AI with Veterinary Documentation

1. State species and signalment clearly: "Patient is a five-year-old female spayed Labrador Retriever weighing thirty-two kilograms"
2. Verbalize medications precisely: "Prescribing carprofen at two point two milligrams per kilogram twice daily for seven days"
3. Dictate physical exam findings systematically: "Heart auscultation reveals a grade two out of six systolic murmur"
4. Confirm vaccine details: "Administered rabies vaccine, lot number one two three four, right rear leg subcutaneous"

For more details, see our complete AI-Assisted Documentation Guide.

Telehealth Veterinary Medicine Documentation

Telemedicine in veterinary practice (also called telehealth or teletriage) has specific regulatory considerations that vary significantly by state. Many states require an established Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) before providing telemedicine services. Per HIPAA telehealth guidelines (note: HIPAA applies to human healthcare; veterinary practices should follow state veterinary board regulations and AVMA guidelines).

State VCPR Requirements

Critical regulatory considerations:

• Most states require an in-person examination to establish VCPR before telemedicine
• Some states allow telemedicine to establish VCPR under specific circumstances
• Prescription medications typically require a valid VCPR
• Emergency triage may have different requirements
• Always verify current regulations with your state veterinary board

Appropriate Telehealth Uses in Veterinary Medicine

Telehealth visits are appropriate for (within established VCPR):

• Post-operative follow-up assessments
• Chronic condition management and medication refills
• Triage for acute concerns (determining urgency of care)
• Behavioral consultations
• Nutritional counseling
• Client education and compliance support
• Minor wound healing progress checks (with photos/video)
• Hospice and palliative care discussions

Telehealth Limitations for Veterinary Medicine

Critical limitations to document:

• Physical examination: Limited to visual observation via video
• Diagnostic testing: Not possible remotely
• Palpation: Unable to assess masses, organ size, or pain response
• Auscultation: Heart and lung sounds cannot be assessed
• Vital signs: Temperature, pulse assessment not possible
• Weight: Cannot obtain accurate weight remotely
• Laboratory work: Requires in-clinic visit
• Treatments: Injections, procedures, surgery require in-person care

Example Telehealth Veterinary Documentation

For complete telehealth documentation guidance, see our Telehealth SOAP Notes Guide.

Free Veterinary SOAP Note Template

Speed up your veterinary documentation with our comprehensive veterinary SOAP note template. This template includes all essential elements for veterinary examinations, diagnostic notes, and treatment planning.

More Template Resources

• Free SOAP Note Templates - Download templates for all specialties
• Veterinary Examples - See more veterinary documentation examples
• SOAP Note Template Hub - Browse all available templates