First Vet Visit Checklist for New Pet Parents

Pet adoptions typically tick up during the holidays as many people get them as gifts for themselves or their kids. If you’re planning on adopting a pet this year, then you’re in for a fantastic experience. However, there’s also a lot of responsibility involved. You need to keep them safe, clean, and healthy, and these requirements may entail visiting the vet. 

Taking your pet to the vet can be a bit nerve-wracking at first, so we have some tips to help put you at ease so you don’t need to be so nervous during this essential step of pet parenthood.

The joy and responsibility of pet parenthood

Bringing a pet into your home can be one of the most rewarding experiences. Whether you’re getting a dog, a cat, a bird, or something completely different, you’re in for a lot of fun. While they bring a lot of responsibilities, they also bring plenty of benefits, especially when it comes to your health.

Pets can be expensive, and they’ll require a lot of attention, but that attention can be good for you. For example, getting outside to walk a dog or even a cat can be fun, and you’ll increase your physical activity, which is good for your overall health. That movement prevents a sedentary lifestyle of sitting at home, which has been linked to chronic diseases, including cancer, so it’s a win for everyone.

Going to the dog park or local events with your pet can also introduce you to new people, and having friends and talking to others is good for your mental health. 

While you’ll need to take your pet to the vet anyway, you'll want to keep them safe and out of harm’s way as much as possible. That’s why every new pet parent should prepare their home by setting up a room where they can have their bed, toys, and toilet. Also, remove dangerous items and chemicals from the pet’s reach.

Pet documentation

As soon as you pick up your brand new copilot from a rescue, shelter, or breeder, you’ll need to start keeping track of their documents so you can have what you need for the vet and any other issues that may come about. Every pet parent should hold onto the following:

• Latest vaccine records

• Proof of ownership

• Rabies certificate or waiver

• Pet insurance policy

• Emergency phone numbers for the vet and pet poison hotline

You’ll want to keep all these records in a safe place. Many people use a binder or organizer specific to the pet - but if you have the Pet Cloud, you can store them digitally all in one place. When in doubt, it doesn't hurt to take photos of the documents if you need them on the go.

It’s important to get pet insurance so you can have some financial assistance during routine visits and emergencies. Nearly all veterinarians take pet insurance, so it’s worth the cost.

Ensuring your vet visit goes smoothly

Going to the vet for the first time can be as stressful for your pet as it is for you. After all, they’re going to a strange place with a person they don’t know who will be touching them and doing things they’re not used to. However, there are ways that you can have a relatively stress-free vet visit.

You can start by getting your pet used to being touched in places a vet may investigate, like its ears or nails. Do that by training your pet to give a paw or lay down on command and reward with treats.

You should also get your pet used to the idea of going to the vet. If you have a cat or dog that needs to be put in a carrier during the journey, get them used to being in there when you’re driving to the park or on a pet play date. That way, taking out the carrier doesn’t only remind them of the anxiety of the vet.

Before your appointment with the doctor, consider taking a trip there in an unofficial capacity, just so your pet can see that it’s not a destination to be feared.

What will happen during your pet's first vet visit?

During a pet's first visit, veterinarians typically conduct a thorough examination and gather comprehensive information to ensure the pet's health and well-being. Here's what usually happens:

1. Medical History: The vet will ask about the pet's medical history, including any known health issues, previous treatments or surgeries, vaccination status, and any medications currently being taken. For puppies or kittens, this might include details about their mother's health and the condition of their littermates.

2. Physical Examination: A comprehensive physical exam is conducted. This includes checking the pet's eyes, ears, mouth, teeth, skin, fur, heart, lungs, abdomen, and musculoskeletal system. The vet looks for any signs of illness, infection, or congenital abnormalities.

3. Weight and Growth Check: The pet's weight and growth are recorded to ensure they are on track for their age and breed. This helps in monitoring their development over time.

4. Vaccinations: Depending on the age and vaccination history, the pet may receive necessary vaccinations. Puppies and kittens require several rounds of vaccinations in their first year to protect against common diseases.

5. Parasite Control: The vet will discuss parasite control, including prevention of fleas, ticks, and worms. They may perform a fecal exam to check for intestinal parasites.

6. Nutrition and Diet: Advice on proper nutrition, feeding schedules, and suitable diet options for the pet's age, breed, and health status will be provided.

7. Behavioral Assessment: The vet may ask about the pet's behavior to identify any early signs of behavioral issues and provide advice on training and socialization.

8. Spaying/Neutering: For puppies and kittens, the vet will discuss the benefits of spaying or neutering and suggest a timeline for the procedure.

9. Future Care Planning: The vet will outline a schedule for future check-ups, vaccinations, and any other recommended tests or treatments.

10. Questions and Concerns: The vet will answer any questions the pet parent has and address any specific concerns about care, behavior, or health risks.

This first visit is crucial for setting a foundation for the pet's ongoing health and for establishing a relationship between the veterinarian, the pet, and the parent. It's an opportunity for pet owners to learn how to best care for their new companion.

Questions to ask your vet during your first visit

During your first vet visit, it’s vital to ask questions so you can learn how to care for your curious copilot, and so you can understand any potential concerns. Important questions to ask include:

• What type of food should I feed my pet?

• How often should I have blood work done?

• How often should I bathe my pet?

• What vaccines do I need?

• Is my pet at a healthy weight? If not, where should it be?

• What type of training do you recommend?

It’s also good advice to have a conversation with your vet about helping your pet settle into your home. Socialization is a key part of a pet’s health and development. One of their recommendations may be to introduce your pet to each family member gradually, one person at a time, allowing them to sniff and get comfortable with each other. 

When your new pet is a family pet or when you’re living with roommates, you should set ground rules for who is responsible for which jobs, like feeding or cleaning, and how often they should be handled. When everything runs smoothly, your dog or cat will be happier.

Also, establish rules for cleaning up after your pet and yourself. Pay special attention to disposing of garbage, especially if there is harmful food that could hurt your pet if ingested.

Prepared, not scared

There’s a lot to consider when you get a new pet, and going to the vet can be stressful at first, but it’s also very rewarding. Get your plans in order your first vet visit should go off without a hitch.

Lizz Caputo is a Content Strategist at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.