All puppies and kittens receive a series of distemper vaccines, a rabies vaccine, deworming, and a fecal test. Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s vaccination status and consider their lifestyle to recommend the necessary vaccines. In some cases, we may spread out vaccinations to reduce the risk of reactions, ensuring your pet’s safety and comfort.

Puppies and kittens should visit the vet every 3–4 weeks for booster vaccinations and health check-ups. Just like human babies, young pets need close monitoring to ensure they’re growing properly. These visits also help your pet build a positive relationship with us, making future appointments less stressful.

During these check-ups, your veterinarian will discuss wellness, training, and answer any questions you have. We know this stage is full of excitement — and sometimes uncertainty — so we’re here to support you with the guidance and care your pet needs for a happy, healthy life.

Puppies and kittens need to be dewormed multiple times, especially after leaving the breeder’s environment, where littermates can pass parasites back and forth. Some parasites can even be transmitted to humans, so it’s crucial to take proper precautions. Additionally, the monthly heartworm preventative your pet will be on also acts as a regular intestinal dewormer, providing ongoing protection.

Even though dewormers are effective, no single treatment covers every type of intestinal parasite. Testing a fecal sample helps us identify any parasites that may not be treated by the dewormer used. In some cases, multiple tests are needed to ensure thorough treatment and your pet’s continued health.

A physical exam is a great first step to help us get to know you and your new pet while mapping out their vaccine schedule and future visits. If no vaccines or treatments are needed during this appointment, it becomes a positive experience filled with gentle care, treats, and affection — helping reduce stress during future visits.

Many breeders and rescue groups also require a physical exam within a set timeframe after adoption. This ensures any health concerns are addressed right away and gives you peace of mind as a new pet parent.

Plus, this initial visit is the perfect opportunity to ask your veterinarian any questions about your pet’s health, behavior, or care. We’re here to support you every step of the way!

Parasite preventatives can safely be started as early as 6–8 weeks of age and are suitable for pets weighing as little as 1–2 pounds. The specific age and weight requirements depend on the product you and your veterinarian decide is best for your pet. Prevention is key, and starting early helps protect your pet while making monthly treatments a simple, familiar routine for your family.

With so many flea and tick preventatives available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. They vary in price, application method, and coverage. Click here to explore your options and learn what to consider when selecting the best product for your pet.

If this is your pet’s first trip out, help them get comfortable with their collar, leash, or carrier beforehand. Ensure the collar fits properly — you should be able to slip two fingers underneath. During the visit, keep your pet close to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.

If you received any health records from a breeder, rescue group, or shelter, please bring them along. These records help us determine the right starting point for vaccines and can prevent unnecessary treatments, saving you time and money.

For pets with prior vet visits, we’ll request those records when you book your appointment. This helps reduce wait times and ensures we have all the info we need before you arrive.

We’re happy to provide estimates for all visits. While we can sometimes offer a rough estimate beforehand, we’ll have a clearer picture of what’s needed during the appointment. This is especially true if your pet is sick, as a physical exam and consultation with the doctor are often necessary to determine the best course of treatment. Pet insurance is also a great option to help manage the costs of your pet’s care.

Pet health insurance works differently than human insurance — any licensed veterinarian can provide care, and the insurance company will accept the claim. Click here to learn more about pet insurance.

At your appointment, payment is due at the time of service. You’ll then submit a claim form to your insurance company for reimbursement. To speed up the process, we recommend bringing a printed claim form to your visit.

We’re happy to help you complete insurance forms, ideally on the day of your appointment, but we can assist up to 30 days after. Just ask one of our Client Care Specialists for guidance. Since policies vary, we’ll give you the forms for final review and submission, and you’re welcome to use our fax machine if needed.

Unfortunately, we cannot administer vaccines that aren’t ordered and stored by us, as we can’t guarantee their efficacy.

No, our doctors don’t specialize in specific breeds, but they’re experienced with both large and small breed dogs, as well as all breeds of cats. Each doctor has their favorite breeds — often ones they’ve chosen as their own pets — so feel free to ask!

A comprehensive physical exam is required before the day of surgery to confirm the procedure is necessary and assess any potential risks. This also gives us time to review the treatment plan with you, perform pre-anesthetic blood work, and adjust the surgical plan or anesthesia if needed based on the results.

Absolutely! We welcome you to be part of your pet’s care. We understand the special bond you share and strive to support it every step of the way.

Yes! We believe in maintaining an open and transparent environment. If you’re interested in observing your pet’s surgery, just let your veterinarian know, and we’ll make the necessary arrangements.

Some locations may not offer boarding due to limited space, as we prioritize room for our hospitalized patients. Please check with your nearest location to see if boarding is available.

Caring Hands Animal Hospitals don’t have groomers, but we do offer select grooming services. Contact your nearest location for details.

We offer house calls for established clients when our schedule allows. This service is most commonly for euthanasia, but we’ll do our best to accommodate at-home exams if it’s in your pet’s best interest.

We understand you have options when it comes to your pet’s care, and pricing can vary between clinics. At Caring Hands Animal Hospital, we’re committed to providing the highest quality care for your furry family member. When comparing prices, especially for surgeries, it’s important to consider what’s included. Our Standards of Care ensure every pet receives essential services for a safe, successful, and comfortable procedure — these are never optional because your pet’s well-being is our top priority.