Two sleepy golden puppies snuggled together

Puppy & Kitten Care

Welcoming a puppy or kitten is exciting, and their first months lay the foundation for a long, healthy life.

From their first check-up and vaccinations to parasite prevention, microchipping and desexing advice, we’ll guide you through each stage so that your new family member gets the best possible start.

Book an Appointment

Woman crouching to kiss her golden retriever on a woodland path

A healthy start, step by step

Your puppy or kitten’s first visits are a chance to check that they are growing well and to put a plan in place for the months ahead. Please bring any paperwork from the breeder or shelter, and your questions.

Early care commonly includes:

A full health check, including weight, heart, eyes, ears, teeth and skin
Vaccinations to protect against serious infectious diseases
Worming, flea and heartworm prevention suited to their age and weight
Microchipping, and advice on council registration
Advice on when to desex
Feeding and nutrition advice for healthy growth
Early socialisation, toilet training and behaviour tips

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Every pet deserves
to be treated as an individual.

Compassion first
We want every visit to feel calm, respectful and comfortable for your pet.
Care that's considered
We look beyond the immediate problem to understand your pet's overall health.
Clear communication
We keep you informed and explain your options in straightforward language.
Here for the long term
We're here to support your pet throughout their changing needs and different stages of life.

Microchipping, registration and desexing

In Victoria, dogs and cats must be microchipped before they are sold or given away, and registered with your local council from three months of age. Councils generally require cats to be desexed before they will register them, and desexed dogs usually have lower registration fees. We can microchip your puppy or kitten and talk to you about when to desex. Please check with your council for the exact requirements and fees.

Man hugging his golden retriever outdoors

Hand scratching a contented calico cat under the chin

When should I bring my puppy or kitten in?

Book a first check-up as soon as you bring them home, ideally within the first week or two, even if they seem perfectly well. Most puppies and kittens begin vaccinations from around 6 to 8 weeks of age and return every few weeks until they are about 16 weeks old. Call us sooner if your puppy or kitten is lethargic, has stopped eating, or has vomiting or diarrhoea, because young animals can become very unwell quickly.

HOW WE CAN HELP

What can we help with?

Our puppy and kitten appointments can help
your new arrival settle in, including:

First
Check-ups
A full examination to make sure your puppy or kitten is healthy and growing well.
Vaccinations
& Prevention
Vaccines, plus flea, worm and heartworm protection, at the right times.
Microchipping
& Registration
Microchipping, and the information you need to register your pet with your council.
Desexing
Advice
Guidance on when to desex and what the procedure involves.
Nutrition
& Behaviour
Advice on feeding, toilet training, socialisation and settling in.