Bringing home a new pet is exciting, and one of your first responsibilities is scheduling a veterinary visit. A thorough first checkup sets the foundation for a lifetime of good health. Here's everything you need to prepare.
Before the Appointment
Gather any existing medical records if you adopted your pet from a shelter or previous owner. Make a list of questions you want to ask — it's easy to forget when you're in the exam room. Bring a fresh stool sample (collected within 12 hours) for parasite screening.
What the Vet Will Check
A comprehensive first visit typically includes: a full physical exam (eyes, ears, mouth, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, and joints), weight and body condition assessment, fecal exam for intestinal parasites, heartworm test (for dogs over 6 months), and FeLV/FIV test (for cats). Your vet will also discuss spay/neuter timing and answer any behavior questions.
Vaccination Schedule
Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccines starting at 6–8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks. Core vaccines include distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and rabies. Your vet will recommend non-core vaccines based on your pet's lifestyle.
Questions to Ask Your Vet
- What food do you recommend for my pet's age and breed?
- When should I start flea/tick/heartworm prevention?
- What weight should my pet be at full growth?
- When should I schedule the next visit?
- Are there any breed-specific health concerns I should watch for?
After the Visit
Schedule follow-up appointments before leaving the clinic. Set up a pet health journal to track vaccinations, weight, and any health notes. Most importantly, establish a relationship with your vet — they're your partner in keeping your pet healthy for years to come.