1. Home
  2. Patient Resources

Your Pet's First Visit

A pet's first visit to the vet can seem a bit daunting, so we've put together a list of info and resources to help you prepare. 

At your first appointment, we will gather information about your pet’s background, health, diet, and training. We can also address any questions or concerns you might have.

Your veterinarian will examine your pet from nose-to-tail, looking for things like heart murmurs, ear infections, and/or parasites. Your vet can also provide pet-proofing tips, training assistance, and parasite protection recommendations. 

Before Your First Appointment
  1. Complete the New Client Form prior to your first visit.
  2. Assemble and be sure to bring all the proper items with you:
    • Your pet's adoption or purchase records
    • Any existing medical history
    • A list of current medications and supplements
    • Current feeding schedule and the brand of food you use
    • A list of questions you have for your veterinarian
  3. Collect any necessary stool or urine samples, if requested.
  4. If you're bringing in your dog, be sure he or she is accustomed to being on a short leash. If you're bringing a cat, be sure to have an appropriate carrier.
  5. Feel free to bring your pet's favorite treats to keep them happy and distracted!

Appointment Policies

​Please arrive 5 minutes prior to your pet's appointment for check-in. If you have not filled out all relevant patient forms yet, plan to arrive 10 minutes ahead of your appointment.

While we do our best to make sure all of our patients are seen on time, there will be times of occasional unexpected delay due to an emergency or because we are providing care for a patient that needs a little more time. Please accept our apologies should this occur, and understand that the same dedication and courtesy will be provided to your pet should they ever need it.

Book Appointment (440) 238-7797

"Mika, our little 11-year-young Japanese Chin girl, and I went to Animal Wellness of Strongsville for the first time this last week for a well-visit, and our vet was Dr. James Vance. Our experience was great!!! Dr. Vance is officially our new vet! Our German Shepherd/Husky Max will be seeing him for a well-visit next week! In all my many years of being a pet-parent, I have never felt so comfortable with a vet as I did with Dr. Vance, and the entire staff on a whole. He was so gentle with Mika, and so very knowledgeable and thorough, clearly and concisely explaining every detail of his exam without my even having to ask. Until now, I have found that most vets don't bother to include the pet-parents in on the details, and we walk out of an office with still-unanswered questions. Not here! Dr. Vance earned my trust and confidence very quickly. His exam was incredibly thorough, and he explained certain things that other vets from other offices didn't even address because either they didn't know the answers, or didn't have the patience to take the time to explain. I really appreciated him and the assistants, because I could tell they all really care and have big hearts. I'm really grateful we found him and Animal Wellness, and I definitely recommend them!"

Jeanne A.

(440) 238-7797 Appointments
Arrow up icon Top