A Strong Start for Your Newest Family Member.
Welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your home is one of the best feelings in the world—right alongside the slight panic of realizing you’re now responsible for keeping this tiny creature happy, healthy, and out of trouble. At Cornwall Veterinary Hospital, we’re here to make those early months easier. From your puppy or kitten’s very first visit, we’ll walk you through everything they need to grow up strong, including the questions you didn’t know to ask. You don’t have to have all the answers. That’s what we’re here for.
First Exams & Health Checks
Your puppy or kitten’s first vet visit is more than just a quick checkup—it’s the start of a lifelong relationship with our care team. During this visit, we’ll perform a head-to-tail physical exam, look for signs of common health concerns, talk through any quirks you’ve noticed at home, and answer all your questions (no matter how small they might seem). We’ll also help you understand what’s normal for your pet’s breed and age, and build a personalized care plan to guide you through their first year and beyond.
Puppy & Kitten Vaccinations
Young pets need a series of vaccinations during their first few months to protect them from serious diseases like parvovirus, distemper, feline leukemia, and rabies. We follow current veterinary guidelines to build a vaccination schedule tailored to your puppy or kitten’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors, and we’ll walk you through exactly what each shot does and why it matters. Most puppies and kittens need boosters every three to four weeks until they’re around four months old—we’ll keep track of the schedule so you don’t have to.
Spay & Neuter
Spaying and neutering your puppy or kitten offers lifelong health benefits, including a reduced risk of certain cancers, fewer behavioral issues, and a longer overall lifespan. The right timing depends on your pet’s breed, size, and individual health, so we’ll have an honest conversation about when the procedure makes the most sense for your puppy or kitten. Our team performs spay and neuter surgeries with the same gentle, attentive approach we bring to every procedure, and we’ll walk you through what to expect before, during, and after the visit.
Puppy & Kitten Parasite Prevention
Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable to fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites—and many of these are passed from mother to baby before they ever came to you. Starting parasite prevention early is one of the simplest ways to protect your new pet’s developing immune system and keep them feeling their best. We’ll recommend safe, effective preventives based on your puppy or kitten’s age and weight.
Nutrition & Training Guidance
The choices you make in the first year shape your pet’s habits for life—and that includes what’s in the food bowl and how they learn to navigate the world. We’ll help you choose a high-quality food appropriate for your puppy or kitten’s breed, size, and life stage, and we’re always happy to share tips on housetraining, socialization, and basic behavior. There’s no question too small here, whether it’s about crate training, litter box habits, or what to do when your puppy decides your shoes look delicious.
Big Lives Start With Small Visits.
Those first few months go by fast, and the care your puppy or kitten receives in that window sets the tone for the rest of their life. Regular early visits help us catch developmental concerns early, build a relationship with your pet before they associate vet visits with stress, and give you a trusted partner to call when something seems off. You’re learning your new pet, and we’re learning them too—together, we’ll set them up for the longest, happiest life possible.
Ready to Meet Your New Vet?
Take a deep breath—your family is in the best hands, and we're genuinely excited to meet them and be a special part of their health journey. Let's take care of your pet together.