What To Expect At A Kitten or Puppy’s First Visit

By Kay Hisano | Dated August 25, 2025

Welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your family is an exciting and heartwarming time. Amid the cuddles and playtime, it’s important to make sure your new companion gets the healthiest start in life—starting with their first vet visit.

When Should My Puppy or Kitten See the Vet?

Ideally, your pet should have their first veterinary check-up between 6–8 weeks of age. If you’ve adopted an older puppy or kitten, don’t worry—it’s never too late to get started on the right track.

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What Does the Vet Check For?

At your pet’s first visit, our vets perform a comprehensive health check from nose to tail, including:

• Listening to the heart and lungs

• Checking eyes, ears, teeth, and skin

• Feeling the abdomen and joints

• Weighing and measuring your pet

• Screening for any birth defects, hernias, or developmental concerns

• Checking for external parasites like fleas, ticks, and ear mites

We’ll also discuss your pet’s history (if known), diet, toileting habits, and any concerns you may have noticed at home.

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💉 Vaccination Schedule – Protecting Your Pet

Vaccines are essential for protecting puppies and kittens from serious and potentially fatal diseases.

Puppies and Kittens:

• 1st vaccination: 6–8 weeks

• 2nd vaccination: 10–12 weeks

• 3rd vaccination: 14–16 weeks

• Then yearly boosters

Core vaccines protect against for Puppies:

• Canine Parvovirus

• Canine Distemper

• Canine Hepatitis

• Canine Parainfluenza/ Bordatell Bronchiseptica

Core vaccines protect against for kittens:

• Feline Herpesvirus

• Feline Calicivirus

• Feline Panleukopenia

• +/- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

• +/- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

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Parasite Prevention

We’ll start your puppy or kitten on safe and effective parasite control to prevent:

• Fleas and ticks

• Intestinal worms (roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm)

• Heartworm (especially important in dogs)

Prevention can range from a chew to a top spot and even injections.

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Desexing

Desexing (spaying or neutering) is recommended to:

• Prevent unwanted litters

• Reduce the risk of certain cancers and infections

• Minimise roaming and undesirable behaviours

We typically recommend desexing at 5–6 months of age, but timing may vary depending on breed, sex, and your pet’s health.

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🐾 Socialisation and Training

The early months of life are a critical window for social development. We’ll talk to you about:

• Puppy preschool and kitten classes

• Safe ways to expose your pet to new people, pets, and environments

• Avoiding problem behaviours before they start

• Basic training tips and enrichment ideas

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Ask Us Anything!

Your first vet visit is a great time to ask questions. Whether it’s toilet training, chewing, feeding, or sleep routines—no question is too small. We love supporting new pet parents.

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📞 Ready to Book?

Starting your pet’s life on the right paw sets them up for a lifetime of health and happiness. If your puppy or kitten is due for their first vet visit, give us a call or book online today—we can’t wait to meet your newest family member!