New Pet Parent Guide

Congratulations on your new family member! Those first few months with your new companion set the foundation for a lifetime of health and happiness. We’re here to help you through it!

Your First Visit

Schedule your new pet’s first exam within a few days of bringing them home. Even if they seem healthy, this visit lets us establish a baseline, check for any issues and answer all of your questions.

What to bring:

  • Any medical records from the breeder, shelter or previous owner
  • A stool sample if possible (helps us check for parasites)
  • A list of questions (there are no silly questions)

Vaccination Schedule

Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccines to build immunity against serious diseases. We’ll create a vaccination schedule tailored to your pet and explain what each vaccine protects against. Most young pets need visits every 3 to 4 weeks until they’re about 16 weeks old.

Spay & Neuter

We typically recommend spaying or neutering between 4 to 6 months of age, though timing can vary based on your pet’s size and breed. We’ll discuss the health and behavioral benefits and help you choose the right timing for your companion.

Microchipping

A microchip is your pet’s ticket home if they ever get lost. We usually place microchips during spay or neuter procedures while your pet is under anesthesia. We’ll provide everything you need to register your pet’s chip.

Nutrition Matters

What you feed your puppy or kitten shapes their growth and long-term health. We’ll recommend diets appropriate for their age, size and any special needs. Avoid the urge to switch foods frequently or add too many treats while they’re growing.

Puppy and Kitten Basics

Parasites: Puppies and kittens are susceptible to intestinal parasites. The easiest way to test is by bringing in a sample! We’ll recommend deworming and ongoing prevention for fleas, ticks and heartworm.

Socialization: The first few months are critical for socialization. Expose your puppy or kitten to new people, sounds and experiences in a positive way. (But keep them away from unknown animals until they’re fully vaccinated.)

Training: Start early. Housetraining, basic commands and good manners are easier to teach when they’re young. Our community is filled with places that can assist you in this journey!

Teething: Puppies and kittens teethe just like human babies. Provide appropriate chew toys and expect some mouthing behavior. We have some tips and tricks up our sleeves so if this is something you struggle with just reach out to us and we can help!

When to Call Us

Some things can wait until your next scheduled visit. Others need attention right away.

Call us immediately if your puppy or kitten:

  • Stops eating or drinking
  • Vomits repeatedly or has diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
  • Seems lethargic or unresponsive
  • Has difficulty breathing
  • Ingests something suspicious, toxic or dangerous
  • Shows signs of pain

Normal puppy and kitten quirks:

  • Hiccups
  • Occasional soft stool (especially after diet changes)
  • Sleeping a lot (young animals need lots of rest)
  • Clumsy behavior (they’re learning coordination)

Questions We Hear Often

How much should I feed my puppy/kitten?
Follow the guidelines on your pet food, but remember those are just starting points. We’ll help you adjust based on your pet’s growth and body condition.

When can my puppy go to the dog park?
Wait until they’ve completed their vaccination series, usually around 18 weeks.

Is it normal for my kitten to get the zoomies at night?
Yes. Kittens have bursts of energy, especially in the evening. Provide toys and playtime to channel that energy.

Should I get pet insurance?
We can discuss the pros and cons based on your situation. Many people find it helpful to have coverage for unexpected emergencies or illnesses.

We’re Here for You

Raising a puppy or kitten comes with questions, surprises and occasional worries. That’s completely normal. Call us anytime you’re concerned or uncertain. We’d rather answer a hundred questions than have you worry alone.

Questions

Call us at 815-462-8600, text us at 815-427-4596, or email [email protected]