You just got a puppy. Congratulations. Now you are trying to figure out when to bring them in, what to bring, and how much this is going to cost. Here is what to expect at your puppy’s first vet visit in Los Angeles.
When to book
Within the first two weeks of bringing your puppy home, ideally the first week. Even if the breeder gave you records, we still need to establish your dog as a patient, examine them for anything the breeder might have missed, and start the vaccine series if it has not already begun.
What to bring
- Any records from the breeder or shelter (vaccines, deworming, fecal results)
- A stool sample if you can (fresh, less than 12 hours old, in a plastic bag)
- Your puppy hungry (we use treats to build a positive vet experience)
- A list of questions. Nothing is too basic.
What actually happens during the exam
Head to tail, we check:
- Weight (helps us plot growth curves)
- Eyes, ears, mouth (looking for signs of infection, missing teeth, cleft palate)
- Heart and lungs (listening for murmurs, especially in certain breeds)
- Abdomen (feeling for hernias)
- Skin and coat (fleas, dermatitis, mites)
- Joints (checking for congenital issues in large breeds)
- Genitalia (retained testicles in males, developmental issues)
We also review your feeding plan, house training progress, socialization schedule, and puppy class recommendations.
Vaccines and preventives
Most puppies come in for their 8-week or 12-week visit. A standard first visit includes:
- DHPP vaccine (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus)
- Deworming
- Fecal test
- Bordetella if going to daycare or classes
Rabies happens at 16 weeks by California law.
What it costs at Paw Priority
Puppy exam: $95
DHPP vaccine: $46
Fecal test: $48
Deworming: $30
Total for first visit: around $220 to $250 depending on what your puppy needs. Full pricing on our prices page.
For families wanting predictable costs, our VIPP membership covers puppy visits, vaccines, and unlimited urgent care for a flat monthly fee.
What to expect over the first year
Four to five puppy visits total, spaced three to four weeks apart, ending around 16 weeks with rabies. Then a spay or neuter conversation around 6 to 12 months depending on breed and size.
Book here, or come by. If you got the puppy in the last week, do not wait.
Puppy and kitten care
Book your puppy or kitten first visit
A calm, honest first visit that covers exam, vaccines, deworming, nutrition, training tips, and everything you should ask before you bring them home.