Wellness & Preventive Care for Dogs and Cats in Williamsburg

Most dogs and cats should be examined at least once a year, and senior pets every six months. Pets age faster than we do and are experts at hiding pain, so a lot can change between visits.

A wellness exam is a head-to-tail check: weight and body condition, teeth and gums, heart and lungs, joints, and a feel of the abdomen. Because your pet can't tell us what's wrong, we'll also ask about eating, drinking, energy, and behavior. We recommend basic lab work once a year too, which for cats especially helps us catch kidney disease early.

Vaccines protect your pet from diseases that are dangerous, sometimes fatal, and largely preventable. We split them into core vaccines, recommended for nearly every pet, and non-core vaccines, which depend on lifestyle and risk.

For dogs, core vaccines are distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis, and rabies (rabies is required by Virginia law); non-core options include Bordetella, canine influenza, and Lyme. We follow AAHA's core vaccine recommendations. Puppies and kittens start their series young and finish around 16 weeks, with boosters at one year and periodically after. We'll build the right schedule around your specific pet.

Spaying and neutering prevents unwanted litters and lowers the risk of several serious health problems later in life, including certain cancers and infections. The right timing depends on your pet's species, breed, and size, so it's a conversation we'll have during a wellness visit rather than a fixed date for every animal.

We'll walk you through what the procedure involves and what recovery looks like. Procedure details live on our Surgery page.

A microchip is a permanent ID about the size of a grain of rice, placed under the skin during a routine visit. If your pet is ever lost and brought to a clinic or shelter, a quick scan pulls up your contact information so you can be reunited.

Collars and tags can fall off; a microchip stays with your pet for life. Keeping your registration details current is what makes it work, and we can help with that.

Diet affects nearly every part of your pet's health, and the right choice depends on age, breed, weight, and activity level. Puppies and kittens need different nutrition than adults, and senior pets often need adjustments for specific health concerns.

There's no single best food for every animal, so bring your questions, including about treats and any food you share from the table. You won't get judgment from us. The more openly we can talk about what your pet eats, the better we can help.

Your pet's needs change from the first puppy or kitten visit through the senior years, and our care changes with them. Early visits focus on vaccines, parasite prevention, nutrition, and a good start on training.

Senior pets benefit from more frequent exams, body-condition and pain checks, and small adjustments that keep them comfortable. Whatever stage your pet is in, we'll meet them there.