We're committed to providing a comfortable, safe environment and complete vet care for your pets
Puppies & kittens
Passion for Pets and their People
GOOD TO KNOW
ESSENTIALS FOR NEW PET OWNERS
Though this information is specific to puppy and kitten vet care, if you recently adopted an older animal without veterinary history, this also pertains to your pet.
FIRST EXAMS
Your veterinarian should see your new family member at 7-8 weeks of age for their initial examination.
VACCINATIONS
Vaccines must be given by a qualified veterinarian until your puppy or kitten is 16 weeks old and adult vaccinations are typically administered every 1 to 3 years.
SAFETY FIRST
As much as you want to take your pet out into the world, it may save you headaches and heartache to pause and proceed carefully.
Your new puppy
You can expect your puppy to be full of energy and much fun with all the running and tumbling
As you may already know, your pup needs a complete vaccine set before entering the open world. Vaccines protect your pet from diseases that can be highly harmful and even fatal to a dog.
Here are some pointers to keep your pup safe.
- As much as you may want to play in a park, hike, or visit your favorite dog-friendly brewery with your new pup, waiting until they are fully vaccinated is best.
- If you want a safe outdoor experience, it is best to stick with a fenced-in backyard. Otherwise, your pup should be indoors until fully vaccinated by a veterinarian.
KNOW THE RISKS
It’s perfectly fine, as long as your pup does not have intestinal parasites and the other dogs are not sick and are up to date on their vaccinations.
Your veterinarian should test all new pet adoptions for intestinal parasites. These parasite tests screen for microscopic parasites like giardia and the microscopic eggs of larger parasites like roundworms.
Your veterinarian will suggest that your new pup starts on heartworm prevention protocol. Heartworm disease is a parasite that lives in the blood vessels, and adult worms lodge in the vessels of the lungs and heart.
We want all dogs in Arizona to be protected against heartworm disease because heartworm treatment is burdensome for pets and owners.
Your new kitten
New kittens are fantastic and can be a fun addition to your home
You should expect them to have an endless capacity for play, hunting, and climbing. Kittens are also self-sufficient, as they potty train quickly in a litter box.
Kitten vet visits follow a similar schedule as puppies.
- We usually start seeing kittens 7 to 8 weeks old and continue vaccine boosters through 16 weeks.
- Fecal testing is essential to screen for intestinal parasites, as many kittens test positive for something even if they have normal stool.
- FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) tests are also crucial for new kittens, especially if you already have other cats at home.
Have Questions?
Our team is interested in getting to know you and your pets. We know that many new puppy and kitten owners want to learn more about their chosen vet clinic.
Let’s start a conversation!
Have Questions?
Our team is interested in getting to know you and your pets. We know that many new puppy and kitten owners want to learn more about their chosen vet clinic.
Let’s start a conversation!
They truly care about their patients, they won’t try to sell you more than what you feel comfortable with. Appointment times are available quickly and you don’t feel rushed when there.
We're in it for the long haul
And we want you to have a stress-free experience to enjoy your new family member long into their adult life. Give us a shout to learn more about our FREE EXAM for new puppies and kittens!
