Guide: first vet visit for a puppy
First Vet Visit for a Puppy: What to Expect and What to Bring
Book the first vet visit for a puppy within the first week at home. Bring the breeder’s vet records and a fresh stool sample. The vet will weigh your puppy, examine it from nose to tail, check for parasites and plan the remaining vaccines. It is also your chance to ask every question you have.
When to book the first vet visit for a puppy
Call a clinic before your puppy comes home, and book an appointment for the first few days. An early visit confirms that the puppy is healthy, and it starts a relationship with the people who will care for your dog for years.
In addition, many breeders ask buyers to see their own vet within a set number of days. So check your paperwork for a deadline.
What to bring to the first vet visit for a puppy
- The breeder’s records. These show vaccines, deworming and any other treatment, with dates.
- A stool sample. VCA Animal Hospitals suggests one collected within six hours, or within 24 hours if refrigerated (VCA).
- The food label, or a photo of it.
- Treats and a favorite toy.
- Your questions, written down.
Our puppies go home with their vet records, so hand that folder to the clinic.
What the vet checks
According to the American Kennel Club, a first exam usually includes (AKC):
- Weight and temperature
- Heart and lungs, with a stethoscope
- Eyes, ears, nose, teeth and mouth
- Skin and coat
- Feet and genitals
- Belly and lymph nodes, by touch
- A stool check for worms
The vet may also scan the microchip to confirm that it reads.
What gets planned
- Vaccines. The vet sets dates for the rest of the series. See our puppy vaccine schedule.
- Parasite prevention. That covers worms, fleas, ticks and heartworm.
- Diet. Bring up how much and how often you feed.
- Spay or neuter timing. See when to spay or neuter a small dog.
Questions to ask at the first vet visit for a puppy
- Is my puppy at a healthy weight?
- Which vaccines does my puppy need in this area, and when?
- Which parasite preventives do you recommend?
- Where is it safe to take my puppy before the vaccines are finished?
- What should I watch for with this breed?
- Who do I call after hours?
Making the visit a good memory
Carry your puppy into the clinic, and keep it on your lap or in its carrier in the waiting room. A puppy that has not finished its vaccines should not walk where many other dogs have been.
Then feed treats all the way through. A puppy that learns the vet means snacks is far easier to treat for the rest of its life. Afterward, see our first time dog owner guide for what comes next.
Related guides
- New Puppy Supplies: The Checklist You Actually Need
- Puppies and Children: Safety Rules for a Happy Home
- Puppy Schedule: A Daily Routine by Age
- Introducing a Puppy to a Cat: A Calm Five-Step Plan
- Introducing a Puppy to an Older Dog: Step by Step
See all our puppy guides, or meet our Havapoo puppies for sale and Goldendoodle puppies for sale.
Sources
- American Kennel Club. What to Expect at Your Puppy’s First Vet Visit. akc.org
- VCA Animal Hospitals. Preparing for Your Dog’s First Veterinary Visit. vcahospitals.com
Sources were checked on October 7, 2026. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your veterinarian.
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Our puppies are born and raised inside our family home in Eagle Mountain, Utah, from health-tested parents. See who is available now, or ask us a question.