First vet visit: a checklist

The first appointment with a new practice is your best chance to build a picture of your pet's health, meet the team, and set expectations. It's worth a little preparation.

Before the appointment

• Ask the old practice to send clinical records to the new one — or bring a copy.
• Note the microchip number, vaccination dates, and any current medications and doses.
• Write down a short history: diet, exercise, any recent changes in behaviour, appetite or toileting.
• List questions you want to ask — it's easy to forget them once you're in the consulting room.
• For anxious animals, ask if there's a quieter time of day, or a separate cat waiting area.

What to bring on the day

• A secure carrier (cats, small dogs, rabbits) or a well-fitting lead and harness.
• A recent stool sample if the vet has asked for one — a teaspoon in a clean container is enough.
• Insurance details, if you have them.
• Treats your pet actually likes — useful for positive associations.

Questions worth asking

• Who is my named vet, if any?
• How do you handle out-of-hours emergencies, and where do we go?
• What's your preferred way to communicate — phone, email, portal?
• How are estimates and invoices provided — verbally, in writing, or both?
• Do you process direct insurance claims, and is there a fee?
• What preventive care plan do you recommend for a pet of this age and breed?

After the appointment

Give it a few days, then reflect: did the vet listen, explain clearly, and give you room to ask questions? Did reception handle the practical stuff well? If yes, you've probably found your practice. If not, it's fine to try another — you're choosing a long relationship, not signing a contract.

When you're ready, come back and leave a review on Compare-Vets — good or bad, honest reviews help other pet owners in your area.