A vet visit you prepared for is worth twice as much as one you showed up to cold. Five to seven days of lead time turns a quick checkup into an appointment that actually covers everything.
Done in seconds. No sign-up required.
Vets have 15 to 20 minutes per appointment. The more specific you are about what you've noticed, the more useful that time becomes. Write down anything that changed since the last visit, even if it seems minor.
Weight gain or loss, lumps or bumps, coat quality, eye or ear discharge, limping, changes in appetite or water intake, vomiting or diarrhea frequency.
Lethargy, hiding, aggression, house soiling, excessive licking or scratching, changes in sleep patterns, anxiety around food or people.
For many pets, the car ride and waiting room are the worst parts. The Fear Free Pets initiative (used by over 100,000 veterinary professionals) recommends these strategies to make visits less stressful.
Take your pet to the clinic parking lot or lobby a few times without an appointment. Let them sniff, get treats, and leave. The car ride stops being a predictor of needles.
At home, practice touching ears, paws, and mouth gently. Reward with treats. This makes the vet exam less foreign and reduces reactive behavior during the visit.
Bring a blanket or towel from home in the carrier. Familiar scent reduces stress in unfamiliar environments. Some vets also use calming pheromone sprays (Adaptil for dogs, Feliway for cats).
Don't leave without asking about these. Write them down before the visit so you don't forget in the moment.
For how often you should be scheduling these visits, see how often should you take your dog to the vet. Or go back to the main vet appointment reminder page.
Vaccination records (if it's a new vet or you don't have them on file), any medications your pet takes, a list of symptoms or behavioral changes, a fresh stool sample if requested, and your pet in a carrier (cats) or on a leash (dogs). Bring your phone for notes.
Only if the vet specifically asks for bloodwork that requires fasting. Most routine wellness exams don't require fasting. If your vet requests it, typically 8 to 12 hours of no food (water is usually fine). Call ahead to confirm.
Take practice trips to the clinic without an appointment so the car ride and building aren't always associated with exams. Use treats and calm praise. Bring a familiar blanket. Avoid restraining anxiously. Some vets offer "fear-free" appointments with pheromone sprays and low-stress handling.
Ask about your pet's weight and body condition, dental health, vaccination schedule, parasite prevention, any age-appropriate screenings, diet recommendations, and behavioral concerns. If your pet is on medication, ask about bloodwork to monitor organ function.
Bring any paperwork from the breeder or shelter (vaccination records, deworming history). Write down questions about feeding, training, and spay/neuter timing. Get the puppy used to being handled, especially paws, ears, and mouth. Use a carrier or secure leash.
Five to seven days before. That gives you time to gather records, note symptoms, arrange transport, and do a practice car ride if your pet gets anxious. The morning of is too late to prepare anything properly.
A reminder 5 to 7 days before your pet's appointment gives you time to gather records, note symptoms, and actually make the visit count.
Set Vet Appointment ReminderLast modified: