Your First Visit
Preparing for Your First Veterinary Visit

Your first visit will allow us to get to know each other, check your pet's health, and begin wellness care to help prevent against future illnesses.

Before Your First Visit

document icon

Gather Medical Records

Bring any medical, vaccine or adoption records you may have for your pet.
medical document icon

Complete Our New Client Form

Download and complete this form to bring with you to your visit.
Learn More
dog amd cat icon

Get Tips for a Successful Trip

New environments can be stressful for any pet, we've got some tips for you.
Learn More
During Your First Visit

During your pet’s first visit, your veterinarian will do a head-to-tail exam and check overall health, including the skin and coat, eyes and ears, teeth and gums, heart, lungs and other vital organs.

The veterinarian will also check your pet for fleas, ticks and other external parasites.

Your veterinarian will also ask questions about your pet’s diet, habits and activities, and discuss overall health and wellness including:

  • Vaccine History
  • Parasite Prevention
  • Spaying/Neutering
  • Dental Care
  • Microchipping
Ask Questions
Your first visit is an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your pet's breed. Symptoms of many hereditary conditions are not always obvious, so awareness is important for early detection.

This is also a great time to ask for any recommendations or tips about care, training and feeding. Don't forget to schedule your pet's follow-up visit before you leave. After all, preventive care can help your pet live a longer and healthier life.

If you have any questions at all about your pet's upcoming visit, don't hesitate to contact us. We're looking forward to seeing you and your pet soon.
Helpful Links

Education New Client Form
Friends Tips for Visiting Your Veterinarian
VCA Franklin Park Animal Hospital
Animals We See Cats, Dogs
  • Contact
    Phone Icon 847-455-4922
    Fax Icon 847-451-2141
    Mail Icon Contact Us

    Press Inquiries >Opens in New Window

  • Location
    9846 W. Grand Avenue
    Franklin Park, IL 60131
    Map Location IconGet directions Opens in New Window
    Location Map
  • Hours & Info
    Mon - Tue: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm
    Wed: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Thu: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm
    Fri: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Sat: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Sun: Closed

    Boarding drop-off can be done at any time during normal business hours. It is best to come in at least one hour before closing time due to the check in process and the time needed.

     

    Grooming drop-off is at the time of appointment unless otherwise indicated. If your pet is due for medical services the same day as your grooming appointment, please arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment to be checking in by a Veterinary Assistant before your grooming appointment.

    Surgery drop-off hours are 7:30 am - 9:00 am.