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 Cherry Bend Animal Hospital
Animals We See Cats, Dogs
  • Contact
    Phone Icon 231-922-0500
    Fax Icon 231-922-0161
    Mail Icon Contact Us

    Press Inquiries >Opens in New Window

  • Location
    10387 Cherry Bend Road
    Traverse City, MI 49684
    Map Location IconGet directions Opens in New Window
    Location Map
  • Hours & Info
    Mon - Fri: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
    Sat: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
    Sun: Closed

    When your pet is scheduled for a surgery, we ask that you arrive with your pet at 8.00 am. Please allow 10-15 minutes for a veterinary technician to check your pet in, complete paperwork, and talk about the procedure your pet will be having. Please feel free to ask questions at this time and our staff will be happy to answer them for you.