The first vet visit sets the tone for a lifetime of health care. Done well, it gives your new pet a clean bill of health, a vaccination and parasite plan, and a first impression of the clinic that involves treats rather than fear. Aim to book it within the first week of bringing your pet home — sooner if the breeder or rescue offers a health guarantee.
What to bring
- Any paperwork from the breeder or rescue: vaccination card, worming and flea treatment records, microchip number.
- The name of the food your pet eats.
- A fresh stool sample if your vet asks for one.
- A list of questions — it’s easy to forget them in the room.
- Small, tasty treats.
- Cats in a secure carrier; puppies on a lead or carried.
What the vet will do
- A nose-to-tail examination: eyes, ears, mouth and teeth, heart and lungs, belly, skin and coat, joints and genitals.
- Weight, which helps calculate doses and track growth.
- Vaccinations, if due — see our vaccination guide and schedule tool.
- Parasite control: worming and flea treatments suited to your pet’s age and lifestyle.
- Microchip scan to check the chip works and is registered to you.
Questions worth asking
- How much and how often should I feed?
- When should my pet be neutered?
- Is pet insurance or a preventive care plan worth it for us?
- Are there health issues common in this breed?
- When can my puppy safely go out on walks?
- Who do I call out of hours?
Making it a positive experience
Many clinics run “happy visits”: short trips to sit in the waiting room, be weighed and get a treat with no injection. They are one of the best investments you can make, especially for nervous animals. At home, practise gentle handling — looking in ears, touching paws, opening the mouth — followed by rewards.
For cats, leave the carrier out at home as a comfy bed with treats inside, so it isn’t a signal that something bad is about to happen. Our guide to stress-free vet trips for cats has more ideas.
Choosing a practice
Consider location, opening hours, out-of-hours arrangements, whether they have a cat-friendly waiting area, and how they explain costs. A practice where you feel comfortable asking questions is worth a slightly longer drive.
Questions owners ask
How soon should I take a new puppy or kitten to the vet?
Within a few days of bringing them home, and sooner if they seem unwell — off food, vomiting, with diarrhoea or lethargic.
How much does a first vet visit cost?
It varies widely by country and practice. Ask for an estimate when you book; many practices offer puppy and kitten packages.
My new rescue dog is very nervous. What should I do?
Tell the clinic when booking. They can offer a quiet appointment, a separate entrance, extra time, and in some cases medication to reduce anxiety before the visit.
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Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
