Every pet owner wants to provide the best care for their pet’s health and well-being. And just like humans, animals need regular checkups. On this page, you will find information on what to expect when you take your pet to the veterinary clinic for the first time.

Owning a puppy or kitten is a decision that involves a great deal of responsibility as well as happiness. If it gets into our arms, we must take it to the veterinary clinic as soon as possible for a simple checkup, correct vaccinations, and a plan for future visits.

Here are some points to remember concerning your pet’s first veterinary visit:

1) Go to a Renowned Veterinary Clinic

Just as we would take our children to the best hospital for their health care, it is essential to rely on a quality veterinary hospital to ensure the safety of our pets. Therefore, our first recommendation is to find the right veterinarian in advance and to know the cost of veterinary care based on their experience.

Keep in mind that personal, quality care is usually not cheap, and it is advisable to work with a certified professional rather than a vet of questionable reputation. You may also want to consider pet medical insurance to keep costs down, as veterinary care should be done at least once a year.

2) Establish a Vaccination Schedule for Your Pet

According to several studies on vaccination guidelines for dogs and cats, vaccinations should be given between 6 and 9 weeks of age. This is because, before this time, the animal’s immune system is not yet developed and is protected by the mother’s passive immunity. Therefore, it is best to plan a vaccination schedule with your veterinarian.

Commonly recommended and used dog vaccines include parvovirus, distemper, canine infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis, and rabies (required).

For cats, rabies vaccine and the three vaccines for cats (feline parvovirus, feline herpesvirus, and feline calicivirus) are mandatory. All of the above vaccines must be boosted after one year and after several years.

3) Don’t Waste Time

An initial examination of your pet is the best way to ensure everything is okay and healthy. It is also an excellent opportunity to finalize the vaccination schedule and clear up any questions you may have.

Therefore, remember to rely on a good veterinarian. That way, you will be able to deal with all the responsibilities of owning an animal. From loving, feeding, housing, vaccinations, to recreation.

4) Get All Your Questions Answered

Puppy health care is unique. Studies have confirmed that the mortality rate of newborn animals is higher than that of human infants. Therefore, it is essential to establish the medical status of the newborn during this initial evaluation. By doing so, all questions regarding care can be answered.

For example, from when to wean to what is the right diet for the pet’s breed and size. So, take advantage of your veterinarian’s presence and ask anything. Keep in mind that both dogs and cats need a good diet and constant rest during the first few months of life. Therefore, try to get as much information as possible.

5) Check the Veterinary Clinic

Choosing a good veterinarian for your pet is more than just about his or her qualifications. The facility where they work is also a significant factor, and there are several points to consider.

Location

The clinic should be easy to get to and quickly accessible. This is not only convenient, but it can also save your pet’s life.

Hours of Operation

Clinic hours should fit your schedule. It is also essential to have the possibility of 24-hour availability in the event of a severe emergency.

Facilities

First and foremost, the veterinary clinic should be clean. It should also have ample space to house animals, X-ray equipment, and facilities for blood pressure monitoring and laboratory tests.

Pet owners should request a tour of the facility to see if what the clinic claims is true. This allows them to see if it is sanitary and well-maintained.

Let us know if these few tips have helped you in the comments below!