Welcome Your New Puppy or Kitten with Confidence
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is an exciting milestone and we’re just as excited to meet your newest family member! Our team is here to help give your pet the healthiest possible start and provide you with plenty of guidance and support along the way.
Before Your Appointment, What to Bring, and What to Know
To make your first visit as smooth as possible, please keep the following in mind:
- Keep your pet secure.
Puppies should be on a leash, in a kennel, or carried in your arms. It’s best to not allow your puppy to socialize with other pets inside or outside the clinic. We highly recommend carrying your pet or keep them in a carrier to minimize exposure to viruses they are not yet fully vaccinated against.
We ask that kittens arrive in a carrier and remain in a carrier until taken into an exam room.
- We recommend parasite screening. If you would like us to screen your pet for intestinal parasites, please bring a fresh stool sample (about a grape size) with you. For more information about this test, click HERE. *Active link to taking the reader back to the Services > Parasite Screening section of the website*
- Bring any previous medical history
- Bring a list of any questions or concerns that you would like to discuss
First Vet Visit
Puppies and kittens should have their first veterinary exam at around 6 to 8 weeks of age. This initial check-up is crucial for setting a foundation for good health and early detection of potential health issues.
What’s included:
- A complete nose to tail physical exam
- Discuss recommended vaccinations based on age
- Growth and development check
- Nutritional and behavior guidance
- Discuss any other recommendations post exam
- FREE – First month of flea, tick, and heartworm protection (if available in stock)
- FREE – Hill’s Science Diet food sample (if available in stock)
- Lots of love and hugs – and treats (if given permission by you, of course)!
How Often Should I Bring My Pet for a Visit?
After your initial visit, puppies and kittens typically need follow up exams every 3-4 weeks until they are about 16-20 weeks old. These visits are important for completing their vaccination series and monitoring their growth and development.