A pet health checkup, often called a wellness exam, is a routine visit when your pet seems healthy. It is the single most effective tool for catching disease early and keeping prevention on track. This hub explains what a checkup includes and links to our detailed guides on exams, tests, vaccines and travel certificates.
What happens at a pet health checkup
- History: the vet asks about appetite, thirst, energy, behaviour, diet, toilet habits and any changes.
- Weight and body condition: recorded every visit to spot trends.
- Nose-to-tail physical exam: eyes, ears, mouth and teeth, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes, skin, joints and rear end.
- Preventive care: vaccines due, parasite prevention, dental advice.
- Tests: fecal tests, blood work, urine tests or blood pressure depending on age and risk.
- Plan: next visit date, any follow-up tests, and diet or weight goals.
Recommended tests by life stage
| Life stage | Commonly recommended |
|---|---|
| Puppies and kittens | Fecal tests, FeLV/FIV test for kittens, deworming |
| Young adults | Annual fecal test; heartworm or tick-borne disease tests where relevant; baseline blood work |
| Mature adults | Blood and urine tests every 1 to 2 years or annually |
| Seniors | Blood, urine and thyroid tests and blood pressure, often every 6 to 12 months |
Detailed checkup guides
- Dog wellness exam: what the vet checks and tests
- Senior dog wellness exam: extra tests and age-related diseases
- Cat checkups by life stage
Vaccines
- Dog vaccination schedule: core vs non-core, puppy shots and boosters
- Cat vaccination schedule: FVRCP, FeLV and rabies
- Bordetella vaccine for dogs: kennel cough protection
Travel paperwork
- Pet health certificate for travel: timelines and international requirements
How to prepare for a checkup
- Bring a fresh stool sample.
- Write down diet, treats, supplements and medications.
- Note any changes with dates: drinking, urination, appetite, behaviour, lumps.
- Bring records if you are new to the clinic.
- Use a secure carrier or lead, and bring treats.
How often?
Most adult pets need a checkup at least once a year and seniors twice a year. See our complete vet visit schedule.
What does a checkup cost?
Cost depends on location, clinic and what is included. See how much a vet checkup costs.
Frequently asked questions
Are wellness exams worth it if my pet seems fine?
Yes. Many serious conditions, including dental disease, kidney disease, heart murmurs and early tumours, cause few obvious signs at first. Checkups are where they are found.
Can I combine vaccines and a checkup in one visit?
Yes. Most clinics give due vaccines during the wellness exam, which saves time and money.
This guide is general information for pet owners and is not a substitute for an examination by a licensed veterinarian. If your pet is unwell, contact your vet.
Run a veterinary clinic?
Chenil is a free vet CRM for single-doctor clinics. It sends vaccination and checkup reminders automatically, keeps patient records in one place and handles appointments. See the features or book a demo.