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 Old Town Animal Hospital
Animals We See Avians, Cats, Dogs, Pocket Pets, Rabbits, ZooMED
  • Contact
    Phone-outline-Icon Phone 703-549-3647 Fax 703-549-0992
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  • Location
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    425 N. Henry Street
    Alexandria, VA 22314
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  • 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.

    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.