Your puppy or kitten's first year of life can set a foundation for lifelong health. Our Ruckersville vets can offer guidance, advice and high-quality veterinary care.

Request Appointment

Veterinary Care for Puppies & Kittens in Ruckersville

It's an exciting day when you get to bring your new puppy or kitten home! Your cute, cuddly new family member will soon be making everyone they meet a smile. 

As fun as this time can be, there is also some serious healthcare business to attend to during your new pet's first year. 

Your veterinarian will create a custom healthcare plan to meet your pet's unique needs during their first year. We can also provide plenty of guidance and support along the way! 

Puppy & Kitten Veterinary Care in Ruckersville

Your Pet’s First Appointment in Ruckersville Animal Hospital

Ideally, puppies should have their first veterinary appointment around six weeks of age, and kittens around eight weeks. 

During this initial checkup, your pet will receive a complete head-to-toe physical examination to evaluate their overall health. Specifically, the vet will check the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth for signs of disease, infection, or parasites. 

More About Physical Exams

We will also administer deworming medications for hookworms and roundworms, and the first round of puppy or kitten vaccinations. 

More About Vaccines & Prevention

Finally, for kittens, we will perform a blood test to check for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus.

Followup Appointments

Puppies and kittens should attend 3 to 4 veterinary appointments between the ages of 6 and 16 weeks. These visits allow our vets to assess your pet's overall health and to administer vaccines on schedule.

Puppy & Kitten Guidance

When you bring home your new puppy or kitten, you're also taking on many new responsibilities.

To help you navigate your puppy or kitten's first year, our veterinary team will offer plenty of guidance, support, and helpful information.

Specifically, we can share everything you need to know about your pet's early development, including:

  • When vaccinations and medical care are necessary, based on your pet's age and development
  • Information on spaying and neutering your pet
  • Information on common medical problems such as heartworm disease, feline leukemia, and zoonosis
  • Tips for how to socialize your puppy or kitten with animals and people, including pets, already living in your home
  • Basic puppy training guidelines
  • Nutrition information

Our vets will be happy to answer any questions you may have and put any concerns or worries to rest. We want to make sure that you and your puppy or kitten have all the veterinary care you need to begin a wonderful life together in Ruckersville!

« Go Back