Your puppy's first vet visit is one of the most important appointments you'll ever attend. It sets up their entire health foundation — vaccinations, parasite prevention, weight baseline, and the start of a relationship with a vet who will know your dog for life.
Here's exactly what to expect, what to bring, and what it will cost.
When to schedule the first visit
Book your puppy's first vet visit within 3–7 days of bringing them home — even if they came with a health certificate from the breeder or shelter. Here's why:
- Health certificates are limited in scope. A breeder's vet checked that the puppy appeared healthy on that day. Your vet will do a full baseline exam.
- Early detection matters. Some conditions (heart murmurs, hernias, developmental issues) are easier to manage when caught early.
- The visit starts the vaccine clock. Puppies need a series of vaccines in the first few months. The sooner you start, the sooner they're protected.
Most vets welcome calls to schedule, and many now offer online booking. Ask specifically for a new puppy examination.
What to bring with you
The vet will ask about your puppy's history. Come prepared with:
- Previous veterinary records (breeder's vet, shelter records, or rescue paperwork)
- Vaccination records if any shots have been given
- A stool (faecal) sample — a small, fresh sample in a zip-lock bag. The vet will test for parasites.
- A list of questions — write them down before you go. First appointments can feel overwhelming and you'll forget things.
- Proof of age if the breeder provided a birth certificate or registration papers
What the vet will examine
A new puppy examination is a comprehensive head-to-tail check:
| Area | What they check |
|---|---|
| Eyes | Clarity, discharge, alignment |
| Ears | Infection, mites, ear canal structure |
| Mouth & teeth | Bite alignment, palate, first teeth |
| Heart & lungs | Murmurs, breathing sounds |
| Abdomen | Organ size, hernia check |
| Skin & coat | Parasites, condition, lesions |
| Musculoskeletal | Limb conformation, joint mobility |
| Genitals | Normal development |
| Weight | Baseline for growth tracking |
The vet will also discuss your puppy's diet, behaviour, socialisation, and any breed-specific concerns.
Vaccination schedule explained
Puppies receive a series of vaccines in the first few months because maternal antibodies (inherited from mum) gradually fade and the puppy's immune system needs to build its own protection.
| Age | Vaccines typically given |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | Distemper, Parvovirus (DA2PP or similar) |
| 10–12 weeks | DA2PP booster, Bordetella (kennel cough) |
| 14–16 weeks | DA2PP final booster, Rabies (1-year) |
| 12–16 months | Booster round, Rabies (3-year) |
| Annually | Bordetella; Leptospirosis (high-risk areas) |
The specific schedule varies by your location, lifestyle, and vet's protocol. Puppies in high-traffic areas (dog parks, puppy classes) may need additional vaccines sooner.
First-year vet cost breakdown
In total, expect to spend $500–$1,500 on puppy vet care in the first year, not including spay/neuter (which adds another $200–$600). This is the baseline cost when everything goes well.
Unexpected illnesses or accidents — parvovirus, foreign body ingestion, a broken bone from a fall — can add $1,500–$5,000 or more on top of routine costs.
Starting your puppy's health record
After the first visit, start a simple health file for your puppy. Keep:
- All vaccination certificates
- Results from parasite tests
- Notes on any conditions mentioned (even minor ones)
- Your vet's contact details and after-hours number
- Records of any medications prescribed
This record will be invaluable if you move, change vets, travel with your dog, or need to file a pet insurance claim. Speaking of which:
The first vet visit is the ideal moment to enrol in pet insurance. Before that visit, your puppy has no documented health history — meaning no pre-existing exclusions. After it, any condition your vet notes becomes part of the record that insurers will review.
A 5-minute insurance quote now could save you thousands if your puppy swallows something, breaks a leg, or develops a serious illness in the months ahead.
