Education

Preparing for your first visit with the veterinarian

Congratulations on your new addition and for prioritizing your pet’s health. To help you prepare for your pet’s first visit, here is some information to consider. While every clinic is different, these resources should give you a better idea of what to expect on this big day.

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What are the goals of the first veterinary visit?

As you introduce your new pet into your home, you’ll want to make your first trip to the veterinary clinic as soon as possible (ideally within a few days). A lot could happen at that first visit, but it is a great time to lay a positive foundation for your pet’s future care. Here are some goals to keep in mind: 

Help your pet feel comfortable with trips to the veterinary clinic
Ascertain your pet’s health & behaviour baseline
Ask important questions about pet care

Goal #1: Help your pet feel comfortable at every step of their visit, from home to the clinic^1,2,3

Schedule strategically. Consider your pet’s behaviour, and request an appointment at a time of day when your pet tends to be calm & relaxed.

Prepare for the visit

Get them used to handling – Gently touch their paws, ears, and mouth at home to make physical examination by the veterinary team easier.
If you use a pet carrier, make it a safe space.
Add treats or a familiar-smelling towel or blanket.
For cats, cover the carrier with a light towel to block visual stressors.
Start basic training – Commands like “sit” and “stay” can help during check-ups.
Bring comfort items – A favourite toy can ease anxiety.

In the waiting room

If your pet is nervous around other animals, ask the clinic if you can wait outside or in the car until your appointment time.
Keep your pet in a pet carrier or close to you. Your pet may feel safer if they do not have to interact with strangers.
Position your pet so that they are not facing other animals.
Talk to your pet in a calm, reassuring tone.

During the appointment

Provide your pet with positive reinforcement when they are cooperative, using touch and speaking with an affirming tone.^4,5

Your veterinary team is your go-to for your pet’s health

From information about vaccinations and health conditions to medications and preventive care, your veterinary team is your best resource. Be sure to tap into that expertise, and schedule regular visits.

Goal #2: Ascertain a health & behaviour baseline^2,3

A great first step is for the veterinarian to get to know what’s normal for your pet.

During the first visit, the veterinarian may:

Review any previous health records, including immunization records and treatment history. Don’t forget to bring this with you!
Perform a complete physical examination of your pet, including listening to the heart and lungs.
Check for parasites and other health conditions; both a stool sample and a blood sample could be needed.
Administer required vaccines based on your pets age, health and lifestyle. It is important to note that in some cases a booster vaccination may be required a few weeks later.

Goal #3: Ask important questions about pet care^6,7,8

Planning for pet care

What do I do if my pet needs after-hours care? Where are the closest emergency services?
What does routine veterinary care entail (vaccinations, wellness checkups)?
If my pet needs medication, how do I administer it? How often?
What are common parasites in the area? How can I prevent them?
Should my pet be spayed or neutered?

Care for behaviour & lifestyle

How often should they poop and pee? How should the poop look?
How much exercise and sleep are the right amounts?
What should I feed my pet? How does it change at different life stages?
Any breed-specific information I should know?
Do you recommend microchipping?
Does my pet require regular grooming?

In the spotlight

Are you looking for a veterinarian?

Your veterinarian plays an essential role in ensuring the good health of your dog or cat. Find a professional near you!

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References

American Kennel Club. “Puppy First VeterinarianVisit.” American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/puppy-information/puppy-first-vet-visit
VCA Canada “Preparing for Your Dog’s First Veterinary Visit.” VCA Canada, https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/preparing-for-your-dogs-first-veterinary-visit
BetterPet. “Your First VeterinarianVisit.” BetterPet, https://www.betterpet.com/learn/your-first-vet-visit
American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. “What are Reward-Based Training Methods for Dogs (and Cats)?” American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, https://avsab.org/what-are-reward-based-training-methods-for-dogs-and-cats/
Danks, Lee. “Lessons in Positive Reinforcement.” Veterinary Practice, https://www.veterinary-practice.com/article/lessons-in-positive-reinforcement
MSD Veterinary Manual. “Special Pet Topics.” MSD Veterinary Manual, https://www.msdvetmanual.com/special-pet-topics
Shaw, Jane R., et al. “Veterinarian-Client-Patient Communication during Wellness Appointments versus Appointments Related to a Health Problem in Companion Animal Practice.” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, vol. 233, no. 10, 15 Nov. 2008, pp. 1576–1586, https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.233.10.1576.
AVMA. “Ways to Make Veterinary Visits Better for Everyone.” American Veterinary Medical Association, https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/yourvet/10-things-you-can-do-make-veterinary-visits-better-everyone.

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