Getting a new puppy is one of life’s great joys — and one of its great responsibilities. Whether your new companion is a fluffy cockapoo from a local breeder or a rescue pup from a Yorkshire shelter, their first vet visit is an important milestone that sets the tone for a lifetime of good health.
Here at Paws & Co Veterinary Centre in Tingley, we love meeting new puppies and their families. Here’s everything you need to know to make the first visit as smooth and positive as possible.
When Should You Book?
Ideally, book your puppy’s first vet visit within a week of bringing them home — even if they’ve already had their first vaccination from the breeder. This allows us to carry out a full health check, review vaccination records, discuss parasite prevention, and answer the inevitable list of questions that comes with a new pup.
What Vaccinations Does a Puppy Need?
In the UK, the core puppy vaccination programme covers:
- Distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus (DHPi) — typically given in two doses, 2–4 weeks apart
- Leptospirosis — also a two-dose primary course
- Kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica) — an intranasal vaccine, recommended if your dog will mix with other dogs or visit boarding kennels
At Paws & Co, the puppy primary course is £70 for the first vaccination and £49 for the second. We’ll send reminders when annual boosters are due.
What Else Happens at the First Visit?
🔍 Full Health Check
Eyes, ears, heart, lungs, teeth, joints, and abdomen — we check everything and flag anything that needs monitoring from the start.
📍 Microchipping
Required by law for all dogs, and since 2024 for cats too. Quick, simple, and permanent — just £20 at Paws & Co.
🐛 Parasite Prevention
We’ll advise on a flea, tick, and worming programme appropriate for your puppy’s age, weight, and lifestyle from day one.
Making the First Visit a Positive Experience
A puppy’s early experiences at the vet shape their attitude to veterinary care for life. Here are a few tips:
- Bring your puppy hungry — treats make everything better
- Bring a familiar blanket or toy for comfort
- Stay calm yourself — puppies are expert readers of human anxiety
- Ask to sit in the waiting room for a few minutes before the appointment if your puppy is particularly nervous
Our team are experienced at making first visits fun, not frightening. We’ll take it at your puppy’s pace — there’s no rush. A positive first experience makes every future visit easier for your dog, and for you.
Book Your Puppy’s First Appointment
We recommend booking within the first week of bringing your puppy home. Our team will carry out a full health check, review vaccination records, and answer every question on your list — no matter how long it is.