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.
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.
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

VCA Old Town Animal Hospital
Animals We See Avians, Cats, Dogs, Pocket Pets, Rabbits, ZooMED
  • Contact

    Press Inquiries >Opens in New Window

  • Location
    425 N. Henry Street
    Alexandria, VA 22314
    Location Map
  • Hours & Info
    Mon - Fri: 7:30 am - 7:00 pm
    Sat: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Sun: Closed

    Please be aware that our phones turn over at 7:45 am Monday through Friday, and at 8:00 am on Saturdays.

    You are welcome to bring your pets in for boarding at any time we are open, although we prefer to have them here at least 30 minutes before closing. Please expect to spend about 10-15 minutes filling in paperwork so we have accurate information about your pet, as well as current contact information for you. We can perform services for your pet while he/she is boarding, although a great plan is to schedule your pet's appointment and leave him or her with us at the end. That way you can take full advantage of the doctor's exam for you!

    We schedule surgery admission times between 7:30 am and 8:15 am in the morning. When we call to confirm the surgery or dental appointment, we will give you a specific admission time, early in the morning. Please be on time; you will meet with the Surgery Technician for your pet, who will review the procedure with you and answer any questions you may have.