Preventative veterinary care is crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of your pet. Some veterinary clinics refer to this exam as an Annual Preventative, while others call it an Annual Wellness Exam, but both serve the same vital purpose—keeping your pet healthy year-round.

Annual Preventative Appointments are not just for when your pet seems unhealthy; they are essential for:

• Early Detection: Many diseases and health issues can be identified in their early stages during these appointments, allowing for timely intervention.
• Longevity: Regular preventative care can increase your pet’s life expectancy by monitoring their health consistently.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Preventative care can often mitigate the need for more costly treatments by catching issues early.
• Comprehensive Health Monitoring: These appointments offer a complete evaluation beyond typical immunizations.

We’re here to answer all your questions about your pet’s Annual Preventative Exams.

Your Questions Answered

• What Happens During the Appointment & Why Do Them?
• Why Should I Schedule A Visit If They Appear Healthy?
• Can I Skip These If My Pet Is Young & Healthy?
• What Should I Have Ready For The Appointment?
• How Long Does An Annual Preventative Appointment Typically Take?
• What Should I Expect After The Appointment?
• Will My Pet Need to Fast Before The Appointment?
• Can I Address Behavioral Issues During This Appointment?
• How Can I Prepare My Pet For The Appointment?
• What Happens If a Health Issue Is Discovered During The Appointment?
• Are These Appointments Covered By Pet Insurance?
• Why Choose Mobile Vet Care?
• Where Can I Learn More?

What Happens During the Appointment & Why Do Them?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full Physical Examination: A head-to-tail inspection to assess your pet’s overall health. The exam includes:

• Discussing your pets previous history, current concerns, diet, weight, questions you may have, previous medications or surgeries,
  • We are typically on the floor during this conversation so that your pet can get to know us in their own home before starting the exam or any diagnostic procedures, injections etc.
  • If your pet is more comfortable on our mobile unit, we’re glad to perform the examination there.

Weight and Temperature Check: To ensure your pet is maintaining a healthy weight and to detect any abnormal signs.

• We can discuss your pets current diet, and make recommendations for your pet including our custom Weight & Nutrition Management Program with our Technician Team.

Dental Check: Important for spotting signs of dental disease and preventing more severe related conditions.

• Following the visit, if a dental procedure is recommended, our team will contact you to provide an estimated cost and discuss available dates for scheduling the procedure.

Vaccinations: Administration of vaccines according to our recommended vaccination schedule. (*see vaccination schedule section)

Parasite Control: Recommendations and administration of preventatives against fleas, ticks, and worms.

• Typically, we will provide a free sample of prevention and then provide prescriptions with refills with one of our online pharmacy partners to be shipped to your home.

Blood Work and Diagnostics: When necessary, based on the physical examination, we can perform screenings to identify any underlying conditions. We have the capability to send lab work to our reference laboratory or conduct specific blood panels directly from the truck, depending on the requirements.

• A yearly heartworm test is performed on dogs regardless of whether your pet is on a preventive medication. This test is particularly beneficial for screening vector-borne illnesses, including heartworm, anaplasmosis, Lyme disease, and ehrlichiosis. It’s also crucial to highlight that while heartworm medication is highly effective—approximately 99%—it is not foolproof. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of annual testing, especially since it also includes evaluations for tick-borne diseases.
• Based on your cat’s age, medical history, and lifestyle, we may recommend screening for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). These two contagious diseases can significantly impact a cat’s health and quality of life. FeLV can weaken the immune system and lead to various health issues, while FIV increases susceptibility to infections and other illnesses. Early detection through screening is crucial, as it allows for timely management and helps prevent the spread of these viruses to other cats. By ensuring your cat is tested, we can take proactive steps to protect their health and well-being.
• We collaborate with Ellie Diagnostics to conduct laboratory tests for your pet. You will receive a comprehensive analysis of the results via email, accompanied by a PDF for your personal records and reference.

Customized Examinations: Tailored based on your pet’s breed, age, and health status.

• Taking into account your pet’s age and lifestyle, we will suggest a tailored regimen that includes diet, weight management, supplements, and medical treatments for any conditions addressed during or following the visit. Additionally, we will develop personalized treatment and lifestyle management plans to suit your pet’s specific needs.

Behavioral and Dietary Consulting: Addressing lifestyle and diet to ensure balanced care.

• Based on your pet’s specific concerns, we can offer recommendations that may include enhanced enrichment activities, supplements, behavior modification medications, or referrals to a veterinary behaviorist for more complex cases. For diet and weight management, we provide a comprehensive Nutrition & Weight Management program. This includes a consultation with our veterinary technician to design a custom plan for your pet, regular home weigh-ins, and the capability to monitor and make adjustments throughout the program’s duration.

Want to see for yourself? Watch this video and follow us along to a few of our Annual Preventative Exams:

Can I Skip These If My Pet Is Young & Healthy?

Young pets are prone to developmental and congenital health issues that can be caught early. Preventative care is crucial at all life stages.

What Should I Have Ready For The Appointment?

It’s helpful to provide any past medical records prior to the appointment if we are seeing you for the first time. Additionally, a list of any medications or supplements your pet is currently taking is beneficial.

How Long Does An Annual Preventative Appointment Typically Take?

Appointments usually last about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your pet’s needs and any additional tests that may be required.

Our first appointment together is scheduled for 60 minutes so we can have extra time to learn about your pet and make sure they are comfortable!

What Should I Expect After The Appointment?

You will receive a summary of any recommendations, a vaccination certificate if applicable and pertinent information about follow-up care or scheduling the next appointment.

Will My Pet Need to Fast Before The Appointment?

Generally, fasting is not required for a basic preventative exam. However, if blood work is anticipated, fasting might be necessary. Our team will provide instructions ahead of time.

Can I Address Behavioral Issues During This Appointment?

Absolutely. Behavioral consultations can be part of the preventative care approach, and our team can offer guidance on any behavioral concerns you might have.

How Can I Prepare My Pet For The Appointment?

To help your pet adjust beforehand, practice gentle handling at home and ensure they are comfortable with being touched all over their body. Some key areas to focus on are:

• Teeth: Gradually introduce your hands to your dog’s mouth. Lift their lips and gently touch their teeth and gums. Use positive reinforcement like treats to create a positive association.
• Ears: Make a habit of gently touching their ears. Lift them and massage the base of the ear to help your pet become accustomed to having their ears examined.
• Paws: Gently hold and manipulate each paw. Touch between the toes and look at the nails to get your pet familiar with having their paws handled. This will also help during nail trimming sessions.
• Body Touching: Spend time brushing or petting all over their body (back, belly, legs). Check under their belly and tail, which will help in the future care.

We strive to ensure that every veterinary visit is a positive experience for your pet. To achieve this, we adapt our examination techniques to make your pet feel comfortable, even within their familiar surroundings.

What Happens If a Health Issue Is Discovered During The Appointment?

If a health concern is identified, we’ll discuss the next steps with you, which may include further diagnostic testing, treatment options, or specialist referrals.

Are These Appointments Covered By Pet Insurance?

Coverage varies by provider and plan, so it’s advisable to check with your insurance company regarding what preventative services are covered. We do accept Trupanion Pet Insurance as a payment once the treatment plan is approved.

Why Choose Mobile Vet Care?

We make vet care easy, stress-free, & personalized—because your pet deserves the best!

• 🐾 Perfect for senior pets, anxious pets, multi-pet households, & busy families!
• 🐾 Less stress, more comfort! No car rides, no waiting rooms—just familiar surroundings.
• 🐾 Stronger pet-doctor bonds! Being in your home allows us to connect with your pet on their terms.

Watch how easy it is for multi-pet households:

Have an anxious pet? Take a look at our client, Charlie. He was terrified to visit previous veterinarian. But, when we come to him, he stays relaxed and fear-free.

Where Can I Learn More?

If you’d like to schedule an appointment or vaccinations for your pet, please call or text us at (843) 966-3362. If you’re a current client, you can also schedule an appointment online.

• Read more about our Vaccine Schedule & Other Vaccine FAQ