New Puppy or Kitten? Your First Vet Visit Checklist in Bedford, NS

Congratulations on your new puppy or kitten! Those first weeks are full of excitement, and there is a lot to think about. One of the most important steps is setting up your new pet's first vet visit.

This checklist explains how to get started with us at Vetcetera Animal Hospital in Bedford, what to bring and what we will cover at the visit.

Step one: register your new pet

Getting set up as a client is easy. You can call us at (902) 832-4818, email info@vetcetera.ca or fill out the form on our new clients page. We will call or email you to set up an appointment, and you will hear back within 24 hours, Monday to Friday.

You can also submit the registration form in advance so your pet is already on file for future visits. For more details, read how to become a client.

Step two: what to bring to the first visit

• Any papers, booklets or previous records you received with your puppy or kitten
• Any medications or supplements your pet is taking
• Information about what your pet is eating
• A written list of your questions. We love questions!

Please try to arrive at least 15 minutes early. This gives us time to make sure your information is correct and lets the doctor review anything you brought. It also gives your new pet some extra time to get familiar with the hospital and with our team.

What happens at the visit

You will check in at reception, and your pet will be weighed. Your pet is weighed at every visit, which is especially helpful for tracking a growing puppy or kitten. Our veterinarian will then do a thorough physical exam.

Puppies and kittens need more frequent checkups than healthy adult pets, so this will be the first of several visits in your pet's first year.

Vaccines

Vaccinations protect your pet from contagious and potentially life-threatening diseases. Common vaccines for dogs include those for rabies, distemper, parvovirus and adenovirus. For cats, essential vaccines include feline leukemia, rabies and feline distemper.

We build a vaccination schedule tailored to your pet's age, lifestyle and risk factors. We will also explain the importance of booster shots and the timing for each vaccine. Our goal is to protect your pet properly without over-vaccinating. Read more about how we build your pet's vaccine schedule.

Deworming and parasite prevention

We offer fecal testing and deworming for puppies and kittens. We also provide comprehensive parasite control to protect your pet from fleas, ticks, heartworms and intestinal parasites.

Nutrition

A well-balanced diet is fundamental to your pet's health. Our veterinarians offer nutritional guidance to help you choose the right diet for your pet's age, breed, size and health.

Behaviour and socialization

We offer lifestyle recommendations to help your new pet thrive, including exercise, environmental enrichment and socialization opportunities. If questions come up about behaviour, we provide behaviour counselling and training suggestions. You may also like our guide to pet behaviour changes.

Planning ahead for spay or neuter

Spaying and neutering prevent unwanted litters and contribute to a longer, healthier life. Spaying protects against serious health issues, including reproductive tract diseases and certain cancers. Neutering significantly reduces the risk of prostate and testicular cancer and can minimize roaming, aggression and marking. Neither procedure changes your pet's personality. Here is what to expect on surgery day.

For breeders: puppy litter exams

If you are a breeder welcoming a new litter, we offer puppy litter exams, plus fecal testing and deworming for puppies and kittens. Learn more about our breeder services.

Paying for your pet's care

If your pet needs treatment, we will give you a detailed estimate and review the options with you before beginning any procedure. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, debit and cash, and payment is due at the time of service. Financing through Humm is also available. Read more about financing with Humm.

Frequently asked questions

When should I take my new puppy or kitten to the vet?

Contact us as soon as you bring your new pet home so we can register them and set up their first visit. Puppies and kittens need more frequent checkups than adult pets.

Which vaccines does my puppy or kitten need?

Common dog vaccines include rabies, distemper, parvovirus and adenovirus. Essential cat vaccines include feline leukemia, rabies and feline distemper. We tailor the schedule to your pet's age, lifestyle and risk factors.

Do you deworm puppies and kittens?

Yes. We offer fecal testing and deworming for puppies and kittens, along with prevention for fleas, ticks and heartworms.

Do you see pets other than dogs and cats?

We primarily treat dogs and cats, but we also provide care for small mammals, birds and reptiles. Please contact us to ask about services for your pet.

Book your new pet's first visit in Bedford

Call Vetcetera Animal Hospital at (902) 832-4818, email info@vetcetera.ca or request an appointment online. We are located at 1144 Bedford Highway, Bedford, Nova Scotia.