Welcoming a New Pet to Your Family
If you plan on adding a new member to your family, congratulations! Whether this is an addition to a house with other pets, or a first pet, we know that dogs and cats can add so much joy, laughter, and companionship to our lives. Their arrival will undoubtedly cause excitement and celebration within your family.
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Caring for Your New Puppy or Kitten
Start your new puppy or kitten on the road to a long, healthy, and happy life by getting them set up with a dependable and experienced veterinarian right away.
If you are adopting a shelter pet, we are so proud of you! You are helping to decrease the amount of homeless pets in shelters by providing your new dog or cat with a loving home. If you have other pets in the house, we suggest bringing your new shelter pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible, maybe the same day you adopt them, to be completely sure that they have no contagious diseases that can be spread to their pet siblings.
Cats in particular can be carrying feline leukemia or feline AIDS in its early stages without detection, so please have them tested before introducing them to other feline members of the household.
Whether your pet is from a shelter or a breeder, the love they will share with you for the rest of their lives will be never ending. During the craziness and excitement of their arrival, please remember to schedule your first veterinary visit with them to take care of the following items:
- Microchipping allows your pet to be safely reunited with you if they are ever lost by implanting a very small microchip associated with your contact information between their shoulder blades. If you are adopting a pet, there is a chance they already have one. Our hospital team can check for you, and help you to register your contact information.
- Spay/Neuter Procedure is recommended for all pets who will not be intentionally and responsibly bred. The best time to spay or neuter is before puberty, so make sure this is on your list of to-dos.
- Vaccinations are needed to keep your pet free from serious diseases and to keep the pet population at large safe as well. Puppies and kittens need to visit a veterinarian for shots at least three separate times before they are fully protected.