Your new puppy or kitten should see a veterinarian within the first week or so of coming home. The first visit covers a full physical exam, the start of a vaccination schedule, parasite checks and prevention, and a conversation about diet, training, and spaying or neutering. It sets the foundation for a healthy life.
Why the first visit matters so much
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is exciting, and a little overwhelming. An early veterinary visit gives you a calm, expert starting point. It confirms your new family member is healthy, catches anything that needs early attention, and gives you a chance to ask all the questions running through your mind. As a neighbourhood practice caring for Dunbar families since 1998, our team has welcomed a lot of new pets, and we are happy to help yours start strong.
What to bring, and what happens at the first appointment
Bring any paperwork you received from the breeder, shelter, or previous owner, including any record of vaccinations or deworming, and a sample of your pet’s current food. At the visit, the veterinarian performs a nose-to-tail physical exam, checking the eyes, ears, mouth, heart, lungs, skin, and weight. This is the heart of our pet preventive care, and it is the best way to spot early issues before they become problems. You will leave with a clear plan tailored to your pet.
Vaccinations and parasite prevention explained
Puppies and kittens receive a series of vaccinations over their first few months, because protection builds gradually as the immunity from their mother fades. Your veterinarian will recommend a schedule based on your pet’s age and lifestyle. Parasites are the other early priority. Many puppies and kittens carry intestinal worms, and fleas are common, so a fecal check and a prevention plan are part of the picture. Our pet wellness program keeps these visits and boosters on track, so nothing is missed during this important window.
Feeding, socializing, and planning ahead
The first visit is also the time to talk about everyday life. Your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate diet and feeding schedule for a growing pet, offer guidance on house training and gentle socialization, and answer questions about behaviour. It is also the moment to plan ahead for spaying or neutering and to consider microchipping for permanent identification. If anything comes up that needs a closer look, our pet diagnostics are available on site to get answers quickly.
Settling in at home
Give your new pet a quiet, safe space to decompress, and introduce family members and any resident pets slowly. Keep an eye on appetite, energy, and bathroom habits in the first days, since changes can be an early sign something is off. Reach out to our medical services team if your puppy or kitten is not eating, seems unusually tired, has ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or simply does not seem right. Trust your instincts, you know your new companion better than anyone.
A simple first-year timeline
While every pet is different, the first year tends to follow a familiar rhythm. In the first weeks at home, the focus is the initial exam, starting vaccinations, and a parasite check. Over the next few months, your pet returns for booster vaccines that build lasting protection, usually finishing the core puppy or kitten series by around four months of age. Somewhere in those first several months, you and your veterinarian will plan spaying or neutering and confirm a microchip is in place. As your pet approaches their first birthday, they move toward an adult care schedule, including their first annual wellness visit.
Knowing this rhythm in advance makes it easier to plan your time, keep appointments on track, and avoid gaps in protection during the months when your pet is most vulnerable to preventable illness.
Preparing your home for a new arrival
A little preparation makes the first days smoother and safer. Before your pet comes home, tuck away electrical cords, secure the cupboards that hold cleaning products and medications, and remove or relocate any plants that could be toxic. Choose a quiet space with a bed, water, and, for kittens, a litter box, where your new pet can retreat and rest. Decide on house rules as a family so everyone is consistent, and gather the basics: appropriate food, food and water bowls, a collar with identification, and safe toys. A calm, predictable environment helps a nervous puppy or kitten settle and bond with you faster.
Patience is part of the preparation too. It is normal for a new puppy or kitten to be unsettled, have the occasional accident, or be shy for a little while. Giving them time, routine, and gentle encouragement pays off, and your veterinary team is glad to help with questions about behaviour, feeding, or training along the way.
Frequently asked questions
How soon should I take my new puppy or kitten to the vet?
Within the first week or so of bringing them home is ideal, even if they seem healthy. An early exam confirms they are well and gets their vaccination and prevention plan started.
What vaccinations does my puppy or kitten need?
They need a series of core vaccines given over several months, plus others based on lifestyle. Your veterinarian will build a schedule suited to your pet.
When should I spay or neuter my pet?
Timing depends on species, breed, and size. The first visits are a good time to discuss it so you can plan ahead with your veterinary team.
What should I feed my new pet?
A complete diet formulated for puppies or kittens supports healthy growth. Your veterinarian can recommend an option and the right portions for your pet.