Quick take
- Puppies and kittens – vet visits every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks
- Adults (1–7 years) – a vet visit at least once a year for a full health check
- Seniors (7+ dogs, 10+ cats) – vet check-ups every 6 months for closer monitoring
- Book an extra visit if you notice behaviour changes, tummy upsets or breathing issues
- Bring records, note any concerns and ask about vaccines, dental care and parasite prevention
Why regular vet visits matter
Routine check-ups help catch issues early, keep vaccinations and parasite prevention on track and support long-term wellbeing. Even healthy pets benefit from regular vet visits – problems like dental disease, weight gain or age-related changes are easier to manage when found early.
How often should you take your pet to the vet?
Puppies and kittens
- Every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks
- Focus on core vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick prevention and growth checks
- Early guidance on nutrition, toilet training and socialisation
Adult dogs and cats (1–7 years)
- At least once a year
- Typical inclusions: full physical exam, vaccine review, parasite prevention plan, dental check, weight and body condition review, behaviour and nutrition advice
Senior pets (7+ years for dogs, 10+ years for cats)
- Every 6 months recommended – more often if there are ongoing conditions
- Extra monitoring may include kidney, liver and heart health, mobility, weight changes and age-related issues such as arthritis or diabetes
Signs your pet may need an extra visit
- Sudden changes in appetite or weight
- Lethargy, vomiting or diarrhoea
- New or unusual behaviours
- Coughing, sneezing or breathing changes
- Lumps, bumps or skin irritation
Prompt attention helps stop small issues becoming bigger problems.
What to bring and how to prepare
- Medical history and vaccination records
- A list of questions or changes you’ve noticed
Safe transport – carriers for cats; seatbelts or harnesses for dogs - Details of diet, treats and any supplements or medications
- Recent photos or videos of any concerning behaviours
What happens at a routine check-up
- Nose-to-tail physical exam
- Vaccine update if due
- Parasite prevention review and plan
- Dental health check and home-care tips
- Weight and body condition score with nutrition guidance
- Screening tests as needed based on age, breed and history
Final thoughts
Regular veterinary care is one of the simplest ways to keep your pet healthy and happy. Pups and kittens need frequent visits early on, adults do best with a yearly check-up and seniors benefit from six-monthly reviews.
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FAQsFrequently Asked Questions about routine vet visits
Vet visits can feel a bit unknown – here are clear answers to the most common questions.
How often should puppies and kittens see the vet?
Every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks to complete vaccinations and early health checks.
Do indoor-only cats still need annual check-ups?
Yes – indoor pets can still develop dental disease, weight issues or other conditions that benefit from early detection.
How often should adult pets see the vet?
At least once a year for a full exam, vaccine review and prevention plan.
When should seniors be seen?
Every 6 months is a good rule of thumb, with extra monitoring for mobility, organ health and weight changes.
What should I bring to the appointment?
Records, a list of concerns, details of diet and meds and safe transport. Photos or videos of behaviours can help your vet assess what’s going on.
7 Nov 2025