Annual Wellness Exams in Douglas, AZ
We examine your dog or cat from nose to tail once a year so we can catch problems before they become serious. Call us today to book your pet's visit.
Annual Pet Wellness Exams Cover More Than You'd Expect
What a Routine Pet Exam Includes from Nose to Tail
A pet wellness exam covers a physical assessment of your dog or cat's eyes, ears, teeth, coat, weight, and organ function. Most healthy adult pets need one exam per year. Senior pets and those with ongoing health concerns may need more frequent visits. Vaccinations and parasite prevention are typically reviewed at the same appointment.
Most healthy adult dogs and cats need one exam per year, and we recommend making it a regular part of your routine. Puppies and kittens generally start their first wellness visit at 6 to 8 weeks old, then come back every few weeks through their first months for vaccines and early development checks. The annual exam is your first line of defense. We can often spot weight changes, early dental disease, or shifts in organ function before they show obvious symptoms. Catching those things early almost always means simpler treatment and better outcomes for your pet.
High Desert Veterinary Service Has Served Douglas Pets Since 1986
What Sets Our Wellness Care Apart in Douglas, AZ
High Desert Veterinary Service has been providing annual wellness exams in Douglas, AZ, for over 40 years. The practice was founded in 1986 by Dr. Michael John and remains family-owned today. That history matters. When you bring your dog or cat to us, you're working with a team that has built its reputation one appointment at a time in this community. Our USDA accreditation reflects the standard of care we hold ourselves to year after year.
We offer limited 24/7 emergency availability. After hours, calls may reach voicemail, and our team returns messages on the next business day. We accept CareCredit, personal checks, cash, and major cards, so you can focus on your pet's care rather than payment logistics. Our wellness exams are designed to fit your schedule and your pet's actual needs, not a one-size-fits-all checklist. We take the time to answer your questions before you leave.
What to Bring and How to Prepare for Your Pet's Wellness Exam
What Happens During and After the Appointment
Bring any prior vaccination records you have on hand, along with a written list of your pet's current medications or supplements. If we've requested parasite screening, bring a fresh stool sample collected that morning. Dogs should arrive on a leash, and cats do best in a secure carrier. Arriving a few minutes early gives your pet a chance to settle before we start.
We'll start by recording your pet's weight and temperature, then work through the physical exam from head to tail in a consistent sequence. We check the eyes, ears, mouth, coat, lymph nodes, abdomen, and limbs. Parasite prevention is reviewed and updated where needed, and any due vaccinations are administered at the same visit. You're encouraged to ask questions throughout, and we'll make sure you understand everything we find before we wrap up.
Before you leave, we'll walk you through our findings and let you know if any follow-up care or specialist referrals are recommended. If everything looks good, we'll note when your pet's next annual exam should fall. You'll typically receive a reminder when that date approaches, so it's easy to stay on schedule.
Your Questions
Answered
Four questions Douglas pet owners ask most about annual wellness exams.
How often does my dog or cat need a wellness exam?
Most healthy adult dogs and cats need a wellness exam once a year. Puppies and kittens typically need visits every 3 to 4 weeks during their first few months for vaccines and growth checks. Senior pets, generally those over seven years old, often benefit from twice-yearly exams to catch age-related changes early.
What age should a puppy or kitten have their first wellness exam?
Puppies and kittens should have their first wellness exam at around 6 to 8 weeks of age. This first visit sets the baseline for their health record, starts the vaccine series, and gives us a chance to check for any early developmental concerns before they become bigger problems.
How much does an annual wellness exam cost for a dog or cat?
We don't publish a fixed price because exam costs can vary based on your pet's age, health history, and any vaccines or parasite prevention needed during the visit. We accept CareCredit, checks, cash, and cards. Call us at (520) 364-3268 for current pricing and to book an appointment.
How often should senior dogs and cats see the vet?
Senior dogs and cats, typically those seven years and older, benefit from veterinary visits every six months rather than once a year. More frequent checkups let us monitor organ function, weight changes, and joint health closely, and address issues while they're still manageable rather than waiting for symptoms to progress.
Book Your Pet's Annual Wellness Exam Today
Our clinic at 2555 E 9th St, Douglas, AZ 85607 is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. New patients are always welcome. Call us to schedule your dog's or cat's next wellness visit.
