1. Prepare a small visit bag?

A first veterinary visit teaches a puppy that new people gentle hands and unfamiliar smells can predict good things It also gives the family a chance to begin preventive care before small questions become larger problems Children can help by practicing quiet respectful behavior and by telling an adult what they have noticed about eating sleeping toileting and play The appointment is not a test that a puppy can pass or fail It is a conversation about the individual puppy its history its home and the next sensible steps Early social experiences should be gradual and positive not overwhelming AVMA 2024 Next make the choice safe for the

A first veterinary visit teaches a puppy that new people gentle hands and unfamiliar smells can predict good things It also gives the family a chance to begin preventive care before small questions become larger problems Children can help by practicing quiet respectful behavior and by telling an adult what they have noticed about eating sleeping toileting and play The appointment is not a test that a puppy can pass or fail It is a conversation about the individual puppy its history its home and the next sensible steps Early social experiences should be gradual and positive not overwhelming AVMA 2024 Finally decide what would make the next

2. Practice gentle handling at home?

A first veterinary visit teaches a puppy that new people gentle hands and unfamiliar smells can predict good things It also gives the family a chance to begin preventive care before small questions become larger problems Children can help by practicing quiet respectful behavior and by telling an adult what they have noticed about eating sleeping toileting and play The appointment is not a test that a puppy can pass or fail It is a conversation about the individual puppy its history its home and the next sensible steps Early social experiences should be gradual and positive not overwhelming AVMA 2024 Finally decide what would make the next

A first veterinary visit teaches a puppy that new people gentle hands and unfamiliar smells can predict good things It also gives the family a chance to begin preventive care before small questions become larger problems Children can help by practicing quiet respectful behavior and by telling an adult what they have noticed about eating sleeping toileting and play The appointment is not a test that a puppy can pass or fail It is a conversation about the individual puppy its history its home and the next sensible steps Early social experiences should be gradual and positive not overwhelming AVMA 2024 For this step choose one clear observation

3. Make the car ride feel ordinary?

A first veterinary visit teaches a puppy that new people gentle hands and unfamiliar smells can predict good things It also gives the family a chance to begin preventive care before small questions become larger problems Children can help by practicing quiet respectful behavior and by telling an adult what they have noticed about eating sleeping toileting and play The appointment is not a test that a puppy can pass or fail It is a conversation about the individual puppy its history its home and the next sensible steps Early social experiences should be gradual and positive not overwhelming AVMA 2024 For this step choose one clear observation

A first veterinary visit teaches a puppy that new people gentle hands and unfamiliar smells can predict good things It also gives the family a chance to begin preventive care before small questions become larger problems Children can help by practicing quiet respectful behavior and by telling an adult what they have noticed about eating sleeping toileting and play The appointment is not a test that a puppy can pass or fail It is a conversation about the individual puppy its history its home and the next sensible steps Early social experiences should be gradual and positive not overwhelming AVMA 2024 Next make the choice safe for the

4. Help the clinic learn about the puppy?

A first veterinary visit teaches a puppy that new people gentle hands and unfamiliar smells can predict good things It also gives the family a chance to begin preventive care before small questions become larger problems Children can help by practicing quiet respectful behavior and by telling an adult what they have noticed about eating sleeping toileting and play The appointment is not a test that a puppy can pass or fail It is a conversation about the individual puppy its history its home and the next sensible steps Early social experiences should be gradual and positive not overwhelming AVMA 2024 Next make the choice safe for the

A first veterinary visit teaches a puppy that new people gentle hands and unfamiliar smells can predict good things It also gives the family a chance to begin preventive care before small questions become larger problems Children can help by practicing quiet respectful behavior and by telling an adult what they have noticed about eating sleeping toileting and play The appointment is not a test that a puppy can pass or fail It is a conversation about the individual puppy its history its home and the next sensible steps Early social experiences should be gradual and positive not overwhelming AVMA 2024 Finally decide what would make the next

5. Understand the exam without guessing?

A first veterinary visit teaches a puppy that new people gentle hands and unfamiliar smells can predict good things It also gives the family a chance to begin preventive care before small questions become larger problems Children can help by practicing quiet respectful behavior and by telling an adult what they have noticed about eating sleeping toileting and play The appointment is not a test that a puppy can pass or fail It is a conversation about the individual puppy its history its home and the next sensible steps Early social experiences should be gradual and positive not overwhelming AVMA 2024 Finally decide what would make the next

A first veterinary visit teaches a puppy that new people gentle hands and unfamiliar smells can predict good things It also gives the family a chance to begin preventive care before small questions become larger problems Children can help by practicing quiet respectful behavior and by telling an adult what they have noticed about eating sleeping toileting and play The appointment is not a test that a puppy can pass or fail It is a conversation about the individual puppy its history its home and the next sensible steps Early social experiences should be gradual and positive not overwhelming AVMA 2024 For this step choose one clear observation

6. Use vaccines and prevention as a team plan?

A first veterinary visit teaches a puppy that new people gentle hands and unfamiliar smells can predict good things It also gives the family a chance to begin preventive care before small questions become larger problems Children can help by practicing quiet respectful behavior and by telling an adult what they have noticed about eating sleeping toileting and play The appointment is not a test that a puppy can pass or fail It is a conversation about the individual puppy its history its home and the next sensible steps Early social experiences should be gradual and positive not overwhelming AVMA 2024 For this step choose one clear observation

A first veterinary visit teaches a puppy that new people gentle hands and unfamiliar smells can predict good things It also gives the family a chance to begin preventive care before small questions become larger problems Children can help by practicing quiet respectful behavior and by telling an adult what they have noticed about eating sleeping toileting and play The appointment is not a test that a puppy can pass or fail It is a conversation about the individual puppy its history its home and the next sensible steps Early social experiences should be gradual and positive not overwhelming AVMA 2024 Next make the choice safe for the

7. Turn the trip into a positive memory?

A first veterinary visit teaches a puppy that new people gentle hands and unfamiliar smells can predict good things It also gives the family a chance to begin preventive care before small questions become larger problems Children can help by practicing quiet respectful behavior and by telling an adult what they have noticed about eating sleeping toileting and play The appointment is not a test that a puppy can pass or fail It is a conversation about the individual puppy its history its home and the next sensible steps Early social experiences should be gradual and positive not overwhelming AVMA 2024 Next make the choice safe for the

A first veterinary visit teaches a puppy that new people gentle hands and unfamiliar smells can predict good things It also gives the family a chance to begin preventive care before small questions become larger problems Children can help by practicing quiet respectful behavior and by telling an adult what they have noticed about eating sleeping toileting and play The appointment is not a test that a puppy can pass or fail It is a conversation about the individual puppy its history its home and the next sensible steps Early social experiences should be gradual and positive not overwhelming AVMA 2024 Finally decide what would make the next

References

American Veterinary Medical Association. (2024). Pet care resources.

. (2014). A Kid-Friendly Guide to Your Puppy’s First Vet Visit.