Bringing a new pet home is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. One of the most important steps in ensuring your furry friend’s lifelong health is scheduling their first veterinary visit. Whether you’ve adopted a puppy, kitten, or rescued an older animal, that first appointment sets the foundation for their future care. At Atlas Animal Hospital, we want new pet parents to feel confident and prepared, so here’s everything you need to know before your pet’s first vet visit.

Why The First Vet Visit Matters

Your pet’s first vet visit is more than just a routine checkup—it’s a comprehensive health assessment that helps your veterinarian understand your pet’s baseline condition. It’s also your opportunity to ask questions about nutrition, vaccinations, parasite prevention, training, and behavior.

For puppies and kittens, the first few visits are especially important because they’ll need a series of vaccines, deworming treatments, and developmental evaluations. Early visits also help your pet get comfortable with the veterinary environment, making future appointments less stressful.

What To Bring To The Appointment

Preparation makes the experience smoother for both you and your pet. Here’s a list of what you should bring:

• Adoption or breeder records: These often include your pet’s age, breed, and any previous vaccinations or medical treatments.
• Medical and vaccination history: If your pet was seen by a previous vet or shelter, bring those records along.
• A fresh stool sample: This helps check for intestinal parasites, which are common in young pets.
• List of questions or concerns: Jot down any topics you want to discuss, such as diet, potty training, or spaying/neutering.
• A secure carrier or leash: Cats should always come in a sturdy carrier, and dogs should be on a leash for safety.
• Treats and comfort items: A favorite toy or small treat can help reduce anxiety during the visit.

What Happens During The First Exam

At Atlas Animal Hospital, we take a thorough yet gentle approach to make your pet’s first visit positive and comfortable. A typical first exam includes:

• Physical examination: Checking your pet’s weight, coat, eyes, ears, teeth, and overall condition.
• Vaccination plan: Discussing which vaccines your pet needs and when to schedule them.
• Parasite prevention: Screening for fleas, ticks, and worms and starting preventive medication if needed.
• Microchipping: If your pet isn’t already microchipped, we’ll discuss how it helps reunite lost pets with their families.
• Nutrition advice: Guidance on choosing the right food for your pet’s age, size, and breed.
• Behavioral and training advice: Especially helpful for puppies and kittens to establish good habits early.

Helping Your Pet Feel Comfortable

It’s normal for pets—especially young ones—to feel nervous about their first vet visit. A little preparation at home can make a big difference.

• Practice gentle handling, such as touching their paws, ears, and mouth, to get them used to being examined.
• Take short car rides beforehand so they don’t associate the car with the vet alone.
• Reward calm behavior with praise or treats.
• Stay calm yourself—your pet picks up on your emotions.

Cats, in particular, may need extra time to adjust to their carriers. Try leaving the carrier open at home with a soft blanket and treats inside a few days before the visit to make it feel familiar.

Questions To Ask Your Veterinarian

Your first visit is the perfect time to ask questions and set up a care routine. Some helpful topics to discuss include:

• How often should my pet visit the vet?
• What vaccines does my pet need and when?
• What’s the best food and feeding schedule?
• When should I spay or neuter my pet?
• How can I prevent fleas, ticks, and heartworms?
• What behavior or health changes should I watch for?

No question is too small—your vet’s goal is to help you feel informed and confident as a new pet parent.

After The Visit

Once your pet’s first exam is complete, you’ll leave with a personalized health plan, vaccination schedule, and next appointment date. Keep these records in a safe place—you’ll need them for future visits, grooming, boarding, or travel.

At home, monitor your pet for any reactions to vaccines, such as mild tiredness or slight swelling at the injection site. These symptoms usually resolve quickly, but if you notice anything unusual, contact your vet.

Building A Lifelong Relationship With Your Vet

Your pet’s first vet visit is just the beginning of a lifelong partnership. Regular checkups, preventive care, and open communication with your veterinary team will keep your pet healthy and happy through every stage of life.

At Atlas Animal Hospital, we love meeting new pets and their families. Our goal is to make every visit positive, informative, and stress-free—for both you and your furry companion.

To schedule your pet’s first appointment or learn more about our wellness services, call us at (604) 301-0300.