The First Vet Visit
What to expect, what to bring, and the questions you should ask.
Booking Your First Appointment
Your new pet should see a veterinarian within the first week of coming home. Even if they appear healthy, this initial visit establishes a health baseline, checks for issues that may not be obvious, and starts building a relationship with your vet clinic.
Many adoption organisations in Australia require a vet visit within a set timeframe as part of the adoption agreement. Check your paperwork.
When booking, mention that this is a new pet so the clinic can allow extra time. A new patient appointment is typically longer than a standard consult.
What to Bring
Come prepared with the following:
- Any paperwork from the shelter, breeder, or previous owner — vaccination records, desexing certificates, microchip details, medical history
- A list of what food your pet is currently eating, including brand and quantity
- Notes on any behaviour you have observed — appetite, energy, toileting, coughing, sneezing, scratching
- A fresh stool sample in a sealed bag (the vet may want to test for parasites)
- Your pet in a secure carrier (cats, rabbits) or on a lead (dogs)
- A list of questions — see below
Questions to Ask Your Vet
A microchip is only useful if the registration details are correct and up to date. After adopting or purchasing a pet, update the microchip registry with your current name, address, and phone number. In most Australian states, this can be done online through registries like the NSW Pet Registry, Central Animal Records, or your state's equivalent.
First Vet Visit Quiz
When should you schedule your new pet's first vet visit?