A veterinary restraint collar for an animal, such as a cat or dog, comprising one or more layers of soft and relatively flexible stain resistant material forming a ring to be placed around the neck of the animal. The collar has a drawstring around its inner periphery and radial reinforcing stays for stiffening the collar and also has a post-treatment instructions panel composed of special writing material, such as the non-woven plastic TYVEK (i.e. flashpun high-density polyethylene fibers), for receiving hand-written instructions in permanent or durable ink for the continuing care and recovery of the animal experiencing professional injury, surgery, dental or grooming procedures. The special writing material is different in appearance from the protective material and occupies either a full segment of the collar or a substantial portion of one segment, preferably on the back side with the front side covered by a stain resistant coating or sheet.