Annual exams for dogs & cats: the essentials, even when vaccines aren’t due
One visit a year to catch issues early, tailor prevention to age and lifestyle, and give you an upfront estimate before any care.
Why come in every year?
Early detection
Pets often hide discomfort: teeth, skin, weight, joints. The annual exam finds changes before they worsen.
Tailored plan
Pets age faster than we do. The visit lets us personalize nutrition, behaviour and prevention for their lifestyle.
Informed decisions
We present options with an upfront estimate before any procedure, so you can decide comfortably with your goals and budget in mind.
Continuity of care
When needed, we plan a progress exam to check how things are going and adjust the plan.
What’s included
- Complete physical exam (nose to tail): mouth/teeth/gums, ears, eyes, skin/coat, heart/lungs, abdominal palpation, joints, pain, mobility.
- Weight and body condition: trend tracking.
- Lifestyle review: diet, behaviours, environment, travel and boarding, parasite exposure.
- Prevention plan update: vaccines and parasite control as appropriate; screening recommendations (ticks, fecal test, etc.).
- Time for your questions and a written summary of recommendations (printed or emailed).
What’s changed in our protocols
We don’t give every vaccine every year. The schedule depends on individual risk and duration of immunity. The result: fewer unnecessary injections and a stronger focus on the physical exam, personalized prevention and your pet’s comfort.
What to expect on the day
- Check‑in and chart update (a few minutes)
- Complete physical exam (≈ 15–25 min)
- Discussion and prevention plan: priorities, options and an upfront estimate before any care
- Next steps and follow‑up: next appointment booked (progress exam if needed)
Before you come: checklist
- Stool sample: about 1 tsp (≈ 5 mL), ideally < 12 h old.
- Food, medications, supplements: names, doses and quantities (a label photo helps).
- Your questions/observations: appetite, thirst, weight, behaviours, mobility, etc.
- Health record and favourite treats
- Cats: carrier covered
- Dogs: leash or appropriate carrier
Tip: Anxious pet? Tell us when you book. We’ll prepare a low‑stress visit and, if helpful, a pre‑visit plan.
Our low‑stress approach
Gentle handling, positive reinforcement, feline pheromones, and breaks as needed. When appropriate, we can discuss an anxiety‑management plan (supplements or medication).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
My pet seems fine. Do they really need a yearly exam?
Yes. Many issues (dental disease, skin/ear problems, weight, pain/mobility) develop without early signs. The exam supports early detection and targeted advice.
If no vaccines are due, why come?
The visit is not dependent on vaccines. We perform a complete exam and update a prevention plan; vaccines are offered based on lifestyle.
How long does the visit take?
In general 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the patient and your questions.
My pet is very stressed at the vet.
Please let us know. We offer a low‑stress visit (calm environment, pheromones, acclimation time). Supplements or medication can be considered if needed.
Will I get a price before any care?
Yes. We present a care plan with an upfront estimate before any procedure.
What if follow‑up is needed?
We schedule a progress exam (date/time) before you leave to ensure continuity.
When to come in sooner than once a year
- Loss of appetite, repeated vomiting, diarrhea
- Increased thirst or urination
- Rapid weight loss or gain
- Limping, stiffness, signs of pain
- Coughing, shortness of breath, exercise intolerance
- Itching, ear infection, skin lesions
- Sudden behaviour change
⚠️ Emergency — seek immediate evaluation
Breathing distress/blue gums, fainting, seizures, unstoppable vomiting, marked pain, urinary blockage (especially in cats), bleeding.
Call the clinic or a 24/7 emergency centre right away.