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Health · 5 min read

Vet Visit Checklist: What to Ask First

By Dr. Lena Marsh, Kennel Vet · Updated July 2026

A veterinarian examining a small dog with a stethoscope

Every PawHaven adoption includes a free first check-up within the first month. Bring this list and you'll leave with a complete picture of your new companion's health — not just a stamp in a booklet.

Before you go

Pack the vaccination card from your adopter kit, a note of what (and how much) they eat, and one honest observation: what does a normal day look like for them? Vets diagnose deviations, so your baseline matters.

Ask these twelve

  • Is their weight on track, and what should the target be?
  • Are boosters, flea, and worming schedules up to date?
  • How do their teeth look — is a dental clean due?
  • Any breed-specific screenings worth scheduling?
  • What's the ideal food portion for their current weight?
  • Spay/neuter status and aftercare, if recently done?
  • Skin, ears, and nails — anything to watch between visits?
  • Microchip registered to the right address?
  • Exercise limits while they settle in?
  • Which pet insurance level makes sense for them?
  • Emergency vet details for nights and weekends?
  • When should we book the next visit?

Keep the answers in one place — a phone note is fine — and share changes with us during your six months of post-adoption support. Small notes now prevent big surprises later.

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Keep them fit between visits

The food and play picks behind this checklist's weight and exercise questions — add to cart here or open their dedicated pages.

Everyday Kibble · 5 kg

$24

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Fetch & Tug Set

$16

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