All puppies and kittens receive a series of distemper vaccines, a rabies vaccine, deworming treatments, and a fecal test. Your veterinarian at Caring Hands Animal Hospital will assess your pet’s vaccination schedule and lifestyle to determine the most suitable vaccines. In some cases, vaccines may be spaced out to reduce the risk of reactions.

Regular checkups every 3-4 weeks ensure your pet receives necessary booster shots and a comprehensive health evaluation. Like human babies, young pets require close monitoring to ensure proper growth. These visits also help your pet become familiar with our team at Caring Hands Animal Hospital, making future appointments less stressful. During these visits, we also discuss wellness, training, and any questions you may have to support a smooth transition into pet parenthood.

Puppies and kittens should be dewormed multiple times, especially after leaving their breeder’s environment where parasites can spread between littermates. Some parasites can also transfer to humans, so continued deworming helps protect both your pet and your family. Additionally, monthly heartworm preventatives act as ongoing intestinal parasite control.

While dewormers are effective, no single treatment covers every type of intestinal parasite. Fecal testing allows us to detect any parasites not eliminated by initial deworming. Some cases may require multiple fecal tests to ensure complete treatment.

A physical exam at Caring Hands Animal Hospital allows us to establish a relationship with your pet, assess their health, and create a tailored vaccination plan. Even if vaccines or treatments aren’t needed during this visit, it helps build positive experiences with our team. Many breeders and rescues also require an initial exam within a certain timeframe to address any health concerns early on.

Most parasite preventatives are safe for pets as young as 6-8 weeks and as small as 1-2 pounds. The appropriate product will depend on your pet’s age, weight, and health. Starting preventatives early helps establish a routine and ensures long-term protection.

If this is your pet's first trip outside, it’s important to get them comfortable with a collar, leash, or carrier. Ensuring their collar fits correctly—allowing two fingers to slide underneath—helps prevent escapes. Keeping a close eye on your pet upon arrival ensures safety and comfort for everyone.

If your breeder, rescue group, or shelter provided health records, please bring them to your appointment. This helps us determine the appropriate vaccination schedule and avoids unnecessary vaccinations, potentially saving you money.

If your pet has visited other veterinary clinics, we’ll request those records when you schedule the appointment. Having this information in advance helps streamline your visit and reduce wait times.

We’re happy to provide cost estimates for all visits. While some estimates can be given beforehand, a more precise cost is determined during the appointment, especially if your pet is unwell and requires a physical exam. Pet insurance is an excellent way to manage healthcare costs for your pet.

We cannot administer vaccines that were not ordered and stored by Caring Hands Animal Hospital, as we cannot verify their efficacy.

Our veterinarians are experienced with both large and small breed dogs, as well as all cat breeds. While each doctor may have personal favorite breeds as family pets, they are well-equipped to care for pets of all breeds. Feel free to ask us about any breed-specific concerns!

A thorough physical exam must be completed before the scheduled surgery day. This ensures the procedure is necessary, identifies any potential risks, allows for discussion of the treatment plan, and provides time to conduct pre-anesthetic blood work. Having results in advance helps us adjust the surgical approach or anesthesia as needed.

Of course! We encourage pet parents to be involved in their pet’s care. Your bond with your pet is important, and we strive to support it rather than create barriers.

Yes! We maintain an open and transparent environment. If you’d like to watch, speak with your veterinarian, and we’ll arrange it accordingly.

Some locations may have limited boarding availability due to space constraints. Our priority is ensuring adequate room for hospitalized patients. Contact your nearest Caring Hands Animal Hospital location to check availability.

Caring Hands Animal Hospital does not have dedicated groomers but does offer certain grooming-related services. Reach out to your nearest location for details.

House calls may be available for established clients based on scheduling. While primarily offered for euthanasia, we may also accommodate at-home physical exams when it’s in your pet’s best interest.

Veterinary care varies between clinics, and pricing differences reflect the level of care provided. At Caring Hands Animal Hospital, we prioritize high-quality care, including: