Welcome to pet parenthood! Those first few months are an exciting whirlwind of cuddles, playtime, and yes — lots of questions. At Greater Saint John Veterinary Clinic, we’re here to guide you through every step of your young pet’s early health journey.
Your Puppy or Kitten’s First Visits
We recommend bringing your new pet in for their first veterinary visit within a few days of bringing them home. During these early appointments, we’ll conduct thorough physical examinations to check for any health concerns, discuss what to expect as your pet grows, and create a personalized health plan tailored to your puppy or kitten’s specific needs.
Vaccination Schedule
Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccinations to protect them from serious diseases. We’ll start their vaccine series at 6-8 weeks of age and continue through 16 weeks, with carefully timed boosters to build strong immunity. The specific vaccines we recommend will depend on your pet’s species, lifestyle, and any potential exposure risks — we’ll walk you through exactly what your pet needs and why.
Parasite Prevention & Testing
Young pets are especially vulnerable to parasites. We’ll perform fecal testing to check for intestinal parasites, provide deworming as needed, and recommend ongoing parasite prevention to keep your pet healthy. We’ll also help you choose the right products for fleas, ticks, and heartworm prevention.
Nutrition & Growth Guidance
Proper nutrition during puppyhood and kittenhood sets the foundation for lifelong health. We’ll help you choose the right food for your pet’s age, breed, and activity level, and advise on feeding schedules and portions to support healthy growth without overfeeding.
Spaying & Neutering Consultation
Wondering when to spay or neuter your pet? We’ll discuss the timing that’s right for your specific animal, considering factors like breed size and overall health. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about the procedure and recovery.
Behavioral & Training Support
The early months are crucial for socialization and training. We’ll provide guidance on house training, crate training, socialization with people and other animals, and addressing common behavioral challenges like nipping or scratching. Setting good habits early makes life easier for everyone.
Microchipping
We strongly recommend microchipping your pet for permanent identification. If your puppy or kitten ever gets lost, a microchip dramatically increases the chances they’ll be returned safely to you.
Questions Welcome
New pet parents always have questions — that’s completely normal! Whether you’re wondering about strange behaviors, concerned about eating habits, or just want reassurance that everything is going well, we’re here to help. No question is too small.
Contact Us
If you’ve welcomed a new puppy or kitten, contact our team to schedule their first visit or ask any questions — we’re happy to help.