Care of your new pet!

Congratulations! Bringing a new pet home is a wonderful and very exciting time for you and your family.Your pet’s first visit to the Mercy Animal Hospital is the beginning of a joint effort between you and our doctors to keep your pet healthy.

We recommend scheduling your first visit with one of our veterinarians within the first week

The AAHA vaccine guidelines indicate three to four rounds of booster vaccinations

    * Testing for intestinal parasites and de-worming.

    * Testing for viruses in kittens: Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FeLV/FIV)

    * Beginning heartworm preventive and internal (dewormer) and external (flea/tick) parasite control medication

    * Nutrition: what and how much to feed

    * Behavior and what to expect or modify (including house training for puppies)

    * Answering any questions regarding your new puppy or kitten

During this visit, we will also discuss any breed specific or environmental risks to your pet. Unfortunately, not all of your new pet’s short-term wellness needs can be met in a single visit. New pet owners should plan to make repeated visits to MAH for exams and vaccine boosters in the first few months of ownership, usually 3 to 4 weeks apart. This will allow you to complete your pet’s initial vaccination series, begin heartworm medication, and monitor any developing medical or behavioral conditions. Your pet should undergo spay or neuter surgery between 5 and 6 months of age.

Your pet’s first visit to Mercy Animal Hospital marks the beginning of a team effort between you and us. The common goal is for you and your new pet to have a happy and healthy relationship! Our goal is to help you achieve this through compassion, experience, and knowledge.