Your Puppy or Kitten’s First Vet Visit: Why Early Care Sets the Stage for a Healthy Life

Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is one of life’s sweetest moments, full of excitement, cuddles, and plenty of questions. One of the most important steps you can take early on is scheduling their first veterinary visit.

At Safe Harbor Animal Hospital, our goal is to help your new companion get off to the healthiest start possible. Here’s what you can expect during that first appointment and why early care matters so much

Your Puppy or Kitten’s First Vet Visit: What to Expect

Your pet’s first veterinary visit lays the foundation for lifelong health. During this appointment, our team will:

  • Perform a full nose-to-tail physical exam
  • Check for congenital concerns
  • Discuss nutrition and proper feeding schedules
  • Review parasite prevention and start core vaccinations
  • Talk through behavior, socialization, and training basics

This visit is the perfect time to ask questions, build a wellness schedule, and make sure your new family member is growing and developing as they should.

For more information, watch this short video: 

Your Puppy or Kitten’s First Vet Visit: Vaccines, Parasite Prevention & Early Diagnostics

Early preventive care sets your puppy or kitten up for a healthier future. During this visit, we’ll discuss:

  • Core vaccines to protect against contagious diseases
  • Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention—especially important in the Charleston area
  • Fecal testing to check for intestinal parasites
  • Microchipping, a simple and effective way to ensure your pet can always find their way home

These steps help safeguard your pet during their most vulnerable months of life.

Your Puppy or Kitten’s First Vet Visit: Preparing Your Puppy or Kitten for a Stress-Free Appointment

We want your pet’s first visit to be positive! Here are a few tips to help them feel more at ease:

  • Bring a familiar blanket or toy
  • Keep carrier training positive and calm
  • Offer treats before and after the visit
  • Try short practice car rides if they’re new to travel

Positive early experiences help your pet feel comfortable in the veterinary environment for years to come. 

Your Puppy or Kitten’s First Vet Visit: Understanding Pet Insurance (and Our Partnership)

While your pet’s first visit is focused on health and prevention, it’s also a good time to consider pet insurance. Puppies and kittens are curious, and sometimes accident-prone, so coverage early in life can help protect against unexpected medical costs.

Animal Hospitals of the Lowcountry partners with Trupanion Pet Insurance to make it easier for families to access affordable, useful coverage. We’re happy to walk you through common plans during your visit and help you decide what works best for your new companion.

Your Puppy or Kitten’s First Vet Visit: When to Call the Vet

Reach out to us before or after your first visit if your puppy or kitten shows:

  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
  • Lethargy or trouble breathing
  • Sneezing, coughing, or eye discharge
  • Loss of appetite
  • Signs of pain or discomfort

Our team is always here to help you determine what’s normal, and what may need medical attention.

Your Puppy or Kitten’s First Vet Visit: We’re Here to Support Your Growing Family

Welcoming a new pet into your family is an exciting journey, and we’re honored to be a part of it. At Safe Harbor Animal Hospital, we’re here to guide you through every milestone, from puppy and kittenhood to adulthood and beyond.

Call us today at (843) 648-4787 or schedule your first visit online. We look forward to helping your new best friend grow into a healthy, happy adult.

Safe Harbor Animal Hospital in Mount Pleasant, SC, is part of Animal Hospitals of the Lowcountry, a family-owned network that includes:

  • Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital – South Mount Pleasant, SC (Coleman Blvd & Old Village)
  • Shuler Veterinary Clinic – Central Mount Pleasant, SC (Town Center)
  • Safe Harbor Animal Hospital – North Mount Pleasant, SC (North MP & Hwy 41)