What to expect at a puppy or kitten's first vet visit
By Dana Whitfield · Updated 2026-09-05
This is general information, not veterinary advice. Your vet will tailor the plan to your pet.
A first vet visit is mostly a conversation with a small physical exam attached. Knowing the flow helps you ask better questions. Clinics that see a lot of new puppies and kittens are listed under general practice vets.
Before you go
Gather any records from the shelter, breeder or rescue, including any vaccine dates and deworming. Write down what your pet eats, how often, and anything odd you have noticed. If the clinic asks for a stool sample, a fresh one in a sealed bag will do. Bring a towel and a carrier or leash, and let your pet explore the carrier at home beforehand.
What happens at the visit
- Check-in and history. The team asks about origin, diet, behavior and any problems.
- Weight and physical exam. The vet checks eyes, ears, teeth, skin, heart, lungs, belly and joints.
- Parasite checks. A fecal test looks for intestinal worms. Heartworm and flea or tick prevention come up for dogs, and often for cats.
- Vaccines. The vet discusses which shots to give now and which to schedule. Some are recommended for every pet and others depend on lifestyle.
- Planning. Spay or neuter timing, microchipping, nutrition, training and what to watch for at home.
| Topic | What the vet usually explains |
|---|---|
| Vaccine schedule | Which shots, when, and what is lifestyle-based |
| Parasite prevention | What to use and how often |
| Spay or neuter | Timing and what the surgery involves |
| Microchip | How it works and why to register it |
| Diet | Portions, food type and treats |
| Behavior | Socialization and house training basics |
What it costs
Reviewers report first visits at about $200 for an exam with a few extras and around $450 when exam, vaccines, preventives and nail trim are bundled. Many clinics discount the first exam, with figures like $25 to $50 off or 50% off mentioned. These are individual accounts, so confirm the price when you book. For help reading a quote, our approach to review data is on how we score.
Questions worth asking
- What vaccines does my pet need now, and which can wait?
- Which parasite preventives do you recommend for Austin’s climate?
- What is the plan and rough cost for spay or neuter?
- What should I watch for in the next week?
- How do I reach you after hours?
Reviewers praise vets who explain things plainly and handle small pets gently. If your puppy or kitten is anxious, say so at the start.
After the visit
Ask for a printed or emailed summary with the next appointment dates. Watch your pet’s appetite and energy for a day or so, since mild tiredness after vaccines is common. Call the clinic if you see swelling, vomiting, or anything else that worries you. Then put the next dates in your calendar, because puppies and kittens return for boosters on a schedule.
If you are still looking for a clinic, the guide to choosing a general practice vet can help, or you can compare options on the directory home.
FAQ
- When should a puppy or kitten first see a vet?
- Soon after you bring them home, commonly within the first week or so. Many clinics also want a check within a few days of adoption.
- What should I bring to the first visit?
- Any adoption or shelter records, a stool sample if the clinic requests one, a list of questions and the food your pet is eating.
- How much does a first visit cost?
- Reviewers in our data mention anything from around $200 to about $450 depending on vaccines, tests and preventives. New-client discounts are common.
- Will my pet get shots on the first visit?
- Often, but it depends on age, history and what the vet recommends. Ask for a written schedule.