Your Pet's Most Important Appointment
The first vet visit sets the foundation for your pet's lifetime of health. Whether you've adopted from a shelter, bought from a breeder, or rescued a stray, getting your new companion checked within the first week is crucial.
Here's exactly what happens, what to bring, and the questions you should be asking.
When to Book
Book your first appointment within 3-7 days of bringing your pet home. If you notice any of these signs before your appointment, see a vet immediately:
- Not eating for more than 24 hours
- Vomiting or diarrhoea (especially with blood)
- Lethargy or difficulty breathing
- Discharge from eyes or nose
What to Bring
Documents
- Vaccination records from the breeder/shelter/previous owner
- Microchip details (number and registration)
- Adoption or purchase paperwork
- Any medical history you've been given
Practical Items
- A secure carrier (cats) or lead and collar (dogs)
- Paper towels and a spare towel (nerves cause accidents)
- A small bag of their current food (for diet discussion)
- A fresh stool sample in a sealed bag (for parasite testing)
Your Questions List
Write your questions down beforehand — it's easy to forget in the moment. We'll cover the essential ones below.
What Happens During the Visit
The Physical Examination
Your vet will perform a thorough nose-to-tail check:
Eyes: Checking for discharge, cloudiness, or signs of infection. In brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Persians), they'll check for breed-specific eye issues.
Ears: Looking for mites, infections, or excessive wax. Floppy-eared breeds are more prone to ear problems.
Mouth: Examining teeth, gums, and palate. Puppy and kitten teeth should be clean and white. Your vet will discuss dental care early.
Heart and Lungs: Listening with a stethoscope for murmurs, irregular rhythms, or breathing issues.
Abdomen: Feeling for any lumps, organ enlargement, or discomfort.
Skin and Coat: Checking for parasites (fleas, ticks, mites), ringworm, or skin conditions.
Musculoskeletal: Checking joints, limbs, and gait. For large breed puppies, they may discuss hip and elbow screening.
Weight: Establishing a baseline weight and discussing ideal body condition.
Vaccinations
Australian vaccination guidelines recommend:
Puppies (Core — C3):
- 6-8 weeks: First C3 (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus)
- 10-12 weeks: Second C3
- 14-16 weeks: Third C3
- 12 months: C3 booster
- Then every 3 years
Optional: Kennel Cough (recommended if socialising, boarding, daycare)
Kittens (Core — F3):
- 6-8 weeks: First F3 (Herpesvirus, Calicivirus, Panleucopenia)
- 10-12 weeks: Second F3
- 14-16 weeks: Third F3
- 12 months: F3 booster
- Then every 3 years
Optional: FIV vaccine (for outdoor cats)
Your vet will check what vaccinations your pet has already received and create a schedule for the remaining ones.
Microchipping
Microchipping is compulsory across all Australian states and territories. If your pet isn't already chipped:
- Cost: $50-80
- Quick procedure (like a vaccination injection)
- Must be registered with your contact details
- Update details if you move or change phone numbers
Parasite Prevention
Your vet will recommend a parasite prevention plan covering:
Intestinal Worms: Puppies and kittens need worming every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months, then every 3 months for life.
Fleas: Year-round prevention in Australia's climate.
Ticks: Especially paralysis tick prevention if you're in eastern Australia (QLD, NSW, VIC coastal areas). Paralysis ticks kill hundreds of pets annually.
Heartworm: Monthly prevention recommended, especially in warmer regions.
Desexing Discussion
Your vet will discuss desexing (spaying/neutering):
- Typically done at 4-6 months
- Some councils require desexing
- Reduced registration fees for desexed pets
- Health benefits (reduced cancer risk, fewer behavioural issues)
- Cost: $200-600 depending on species, size, and location
Essential Questions to Ask Your Vet
About Diet
About Health
About Behaviour
About Emergencies
About Cost
What to Expect Cost-Wise
First visit costs in Australia typically range from:
- Consultation fee: $60-90
- Vaccination (per dose): $80-120
- Microchipping: $50-80 (if needed)
- Worming treatment: $15-30
- Flea/tick prevention (monthly): $15-25
Total first visit: $150-300
After the Visit
Monitor for Reactions
After vaccinations, mild side effects are normal:
- Slight lethargy for 24-48 hours
- Mild swelling at the injection site
- Reduced appetite for a day
Contact your vet if you notice:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Facial swelling or hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe lethargy lasting more than 48 hours
Record Everything
Keep all vet records, vaccination certificates, and receipts organised. Pet Capsule makes this easy — you can store health records, set vaccination reminders, and track your pet's weight and milestones all in one app.
Schedule Follow-Ups
Before you leave, book your next vaccination appointment. Having it in the calendar prevents it from slipping.
Building a Lifelong Relationship
Your vet is your partner in your pet's health. A good vet-client relationship means:
- Being honest about symptoms and concerns
- Following through on recommended treatments
- Asking questions when you don't understand
- Keeping regular annual check-ups (even when your pet seems healthy)
This first visit is just the beginning of a wonderful journey. Your pet is lucky to have an owner who cares enough to do their research.