Your pet's first visit: a checklist

Paws & Claws Animal Hospital • September 11, 2026

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Bring any records from a previous vet, or have them faxed ahead to us. Bring a list of current medications, the name of the food you feed, and a fresh stool sample if you can manage it.

Fill out the new client form online before you come, or print it and bring it with you. It saves about ten minutes in the lobby.

For cats: leave the carrier out at home for a few days beforehand with a blanket inside so it is not a scary object. Cover it with a towel in the car. For dogs: a leash, not a retractable one, and skip breakfast if the doctor may need to draw blood.

Plan on about thirty to forty minutes. The doctor will examine your pet, talk through a vaccine and prevention plan, and give you an honest estimate for anything that is due. You will not be surprised at checkout.

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