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

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Gather Medical Records

Bring any medical, vaccine or adoption records you may have for your pet.
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Complete Our New Client Form

Download and complete this form to bring with you to your visit.
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Get Tips for a Successful Trip

New environments can be stressful for any pet, we've got some tips for you.
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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 Avondale Veterinary Hospital
Animals We See Cats, Dogs
  • Contact
    Phone Icon 515-262-6111
    Fax Icon 515-262-6017
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  • Location
    4318 E. Army Post Road
    Des Moines, IA 50320
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    Location Map
  • Hours & Info
    Mon - Fri: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Sat: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Sun: Closed

    We are closed from 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm on the third Thursday of each month for team development.

    WE DO NOT HAVE VETERINARIANS ON STAFF UNTIL 8:00 am.

    Hours by appointment only.

    Monday-Friday: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm (Appointments start at 9:00 am)
    Saturday & Sunday: Closed

    **Hours by appointment only**

    Monday-Friday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm (Appointments start at 9:00 am)
    Saturday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (Appointments start at 9:00 am)
    Sunday: Closed

    Any pet scheduled for grooming should be dropped off at the Pet Resort between the hours of:

    Monday-Thursday: 7:00 am - 8:00 am

     

    Monday-Friday: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Saturday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm (drop-off/pick-up is 8:00 am - 1:30 pm)
    Sunday: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

    Any pet scheduled for surgery or dental procedure should be dropped off between the hours of 7:00 am - 8:00 am.