Puppy & Kitten Health Checks Explained: What Happens During These Important First Appointments

Quick Answer: Puppy and kitten health checks are early veterinary appointments that assess your pet’s general health, growth, weight, eyes, ears, heart, lungs, teeth, skin and development. They also give you practical advice on vaccinations, parasite prevention, feeding, behaviour and next steps, helping your new pet get the best possible start.

Introduction

Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is exciting, but it can also come with lots of questions. Many local pet owners in Hemel Hempstead, Great Gaddesden and across Hertfordshire want to know what happens at those very first vet visits and whether they are really necessary if their new pet seems well.

At The Vet Station we regularly help new owners feel more confident during the early weeks of pet ownership. A puppy or kitten health check is not just about looking for illness. It is an important opportunity to make sure your pet is developing well, to spot any early concerns, and to guide you through the preventative care that supports long-term health.

If you have recently welcomed a new pet, you can explore our Free Puppy & Kitten Health Checks, register your pet with us, or arrange a visit through our online booking page.

What is a puppy or kitten health check?

A puppy or kitten health check is a full first assessment carried out by a veterinary professional to make sure your new pet is healthy, comfortable and developing as expected. It is also the best time to ask questions about day-to-day care.

Our veterinary team often advises owners that these first appointments are as much for you as they are for your pet. They help you understand what is normal, what needs monitoring, and what steps to take next.

These visits are part of good preventative healthcare and can often link naturally with follow-up support such as nurse consultations, vaccination planning and tailored parasite control advice.

What happens during the appointment?

Although every pet is different, a puppy or kitten health check usually includes a gentle nose-to-tail examination and a discussion about your pet’s lifestyle, age and history.

1. General physical examination

We commonly check:

• Body condition and weight
• Eyes, ears and nose
• Mouth, gums and baby teeth
• Skin and coat condition
• Heart and lungs
• Tummy and digestion
• Limbs, joints and movement
• Hydration and general comfort

In our experience supporting pets across Hemel Hempstead and Hertfordshire, this basic examination often reassures owners that their new pet is settling in well, but it can also help identify issues that may need monitoring or treatment.

2. Checking for signs of congenital or early-life problems

Some conditions are present from birth or become noticeable early in life. During a health check, we may look for things such as heart murmurs, hernias, bite alignment problems, retained baby teeth later on, or signs that growth and development are not quite on track.

This does not mean we expect to find something wrong. Most young pets are healthy, but early checks are valuable because subtle concerns are often easiest to manage when picked up promptly.

3. Weight and growth advice

Young pets grow quickly, and their nutrition matters. We will usually discuss what food your puppy or kitten is eating, how often they are being fed, and whether their current body condition looks healthy.

At The Vet Station we regularly help owners who are unsure whether their pet is too thin, gaining too quickly, or simply eating differently after a house move. Small adjustments early on can make a real difference.

4. Vaccination planning

One of the most common reasons for a first appointment is to discuss vaccinations. We will review what your breeder, rescue centre or previous owner has told you, check any vaccine records, and advise what is needed next.

If your pet has missed or delayed vaccinations, our team can advise you on safe next steps, and some owners may also find our Vaccine Amnesty information helpful.

For ongoing early-life support, many owners also ask about our Little VIP options, including the Puppy VIP Plan and Kitten VIP.

5. Flea, worm and parasite prevention

Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable to internal and external parasites. We will talk you through sensible parasite prevention based on your pet’s age, weight, lifestyle and home environment.

This is also a good time to ask about other pets in the household and how to reduce reinfection risks.

6. Behaviour and early social development

These first appointments are a useful chance to discuss normal puppy and kitten behaviour. Biting, scratching, vocalising at night, litter tray learning, toilet training and confidence around new people are all common topics.

Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps local pet owners understand the difference between normal young-animal behaviour and signs that a little extra support may be useful.

7. Microchipping and practical care

If needed, we can also discuss microchipping, grooming, claw care, handling, toothbrushing, neutering timing and how often your pet should return for check-ups. You can also browse our wider veterinary services if you are new to The Vet Station.

Why these early appointments matter

A first health check helps build a strong foundation for lifelong care. It can:

• Confirm that your pet appears healthy
• Pick up early concerns before they become bigger problems
• Help you plan vaccinations and parasite prevention
• Support healthy growth and nutrition
• Give you trusted, practical advice tailored to your pet
• Help your puppy or kitten get used to positive vet visits

Many owners also use this stage to compare options such as our VIP Health Plan and other VIP Plans for ongoing preventative support.

What We Commonly See at The Vet Station

One of the most common concerns we hear from new owners is, “They seem fine, so do they really need to be seen?” In many cases, the answer is yes. Young pets often hide mild discomfort well, and some early developmental issues are only obvious on examination.

Many local pet owners ask us whether sneezing, soft stools, scratching, puppy mouthing or kitten zooming around the house are normal. Often they are part of early adjustment, but context matters. We regularly help owners work out what is harmless settling-in behaviour and what deserves closer attention.

A common misunderstanding is that a health check is only about vaccinations. In reality, it is broader than that. At The Vet Station we regularly help owners with feeding questions, parasite worries, toilet training, socialisation, dental care and the small day-to-day concerns that come with a new pet.

We also commonly see puppies and kittens that are naturally nervous at first. Gentle handling and calm, positive visits can make future appointments much easier. This is one reason early visits are so useful for pets and owners alike.

Practical Advice

Before your appointment, it can help to:

• Bring any vaccination records, breeder paperwork or rescue information
• Write down any questions in advance
• Take a photo of the food you are feeding if you are unsure of the brand
• Bring a fresh stool sample if you have been advised to do so
• Transport kittens securely in a carrier and puppies on a safe lead or in a secure crate

After the appointment, follow the plan you have been given for feeding, parasite control and follow-up visits. If you are not sure about anything, speak to our local veterinary team rather than guessing.

If you are budgeting for a new pet, you may also wish to look at our prices, current offers, and 5 Weeks Free Pet Insurance offer where applicable.

When To Contact A Vet

Even if your puppy or kitten has already had a health check, you should seek veterinary advice if they are:

• Not eating or drinking normally
• Vomiting repeatedly
• Having ongoing diarrhoea
• Very tired or unusually quiet
• Coughing, struggling to breathe or breathing unusually fast
• Limping or showing signs of pain
• Scratching constantly or losing fur
• Producing discharge from the eyes or nose
• Not using the litter tray or unable to pass urine

Urgent veterinary attention is important if your pet collapses, has a seizure, has breathing difficulty, suffers an injury, or you think they may have eaten something harmful. If you are worried, please contact us for advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should a puppy or kitten have their first health check?

Ideally, as soon as possible after coming home. Early review helps confirm your pet is well and allows prompt planning for vaccinations, parasite prevention and ongoing care.

How long does a puppy or kitten health check take?

It varies, but the appointment is usually long enough for an examination and a practical discussion about your concerns, routine care and next steps.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

Yes. Bring any paperwork you have, including vaccine history, breeder or rescue notes, and a list of any concerns. This helps us give more tailored advice.

Will my pet have vaccinations at the first appointment?

Sometimes, but this depends on age, previous vaccine history and whether your pet is well enough on the day. Our veterinary team will advise what is appropriate.

Are free health checks still thorough?

Yes. A free health check should still provide a proper assessment of your pet’s general health and an opportunity to discuss preventative care and next steps. You can arrange one through our Free Puppy & Kitten Health Checks page.

What if a problem is found?

If we notice anything that needs attention, we will explain it clearly and talk you through the next steps. Some issues simply need monitoring, while others may need treatment or further investigation. Where appropriate, The Vet Station also provides Advanced Surgery & Medicine support.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general guidance only. If your pet is unwell, showing concerning symptoms, or you are unsure what to do, please contact your vet for professional advice.

Book Your Puppy or Kitten’s First Check

If you have a new pet at home, our team at The Vet Station would be pleased to help you get started with confident, practical support. We care for pets across Hemel Hempstead, Great Gaddesden and the wider Hertfordshire area with a personal approach and clear advice.

You can register your pet, book an appointment online, or speak to our veterinary team about arranging a health check. If you would like ongoing support, you can also explore our Health Checks & Clinics and ask us about the best preventative options for your new puppy or kitten.