Your Pet's First Visit at Clifton Ave Animal Hospital

What to bring

• Any previous medical records or vaccine history you already have.
• The names of any current medications, supplements, or preventives.
• A stool sample, if we asked for one when you booked.
• A carrier for cats and small pets, or a leash for dogs.

Do not have the records? That is normal. Give us the name of your previous veterinary practice when you book and we will request the file for you.

If your pet is reactive, tell us when you book

Reactive dogs of every size are welcome here, small, medium, and large, and so are reactive cats and small pets. The most useful thing you can do is warn us before you arrive rather than at the front desk.

• The specific triggers: other dogs, strangers, being lifted, having feet or ears touched.
• What the early warning signs look like on your pet, and how much space they usually need.
• Any bite history, snapping, or a bad previous visit. It is a safety detail, not a confession.
• Whether your pet is already muzzle-trained, and what handling has worked before.

With that on the file we can plan the appointment time, the room, and the pace before you walk in. Our article on reactive dogs of every size covers what can actually change about a visit, and behavior and wellness plans explains the longer-term support.

What the first visit looks like

1. Arrival and greeting We check you in, meet your pet at their comfort level, and get them settled in a quiet room.
2. Exam with your veterinarian A full nose-to-tail examination, plus time to talk through anything you have noticed at home.
3. A plan and a written estimate You get the findings in plain language and an estimate before any treatment goes ahead.
4. Follow-up and portal access Records, reminders, and vaccine history live in the patient portal so you can reach them any time.