Every pet should go to the vet at least once a year. Why? Mainly because preventive care can help your pet live longer and lead a happier life. So no matter when you got your pet, how old they are, or how much veterinary care they’ve had in the past, you should book at least one appointment for 2026.
How Often Do You Need to Bring Your Pet in for a Checkup?
Puppies and Kittens (less than 1 year old)
Puppies and kittens need to visit the veterinarian several times in their first year. They’ll need to come in every 3 or 4 weeks until their core vaccinations are complete. They should also get spayed or neutered when they are about six months old, to prevent pet overpopulation as well as reproductive cancers.
Adult Pets (up to 7 years old)
After your pet’s first birthday they should see the veterinarian about once a year. At these appointments, your veterinarian will do a physical exam and give vaccination boosters. They might also request stool samples to test for parasites. These exams will help your vet spot small problems before they can become large ones, and they give you a chance to ask any questions you have about caring for your pet.
Senior Pets (7 and up for dogs, 10 and up for cats)
As pets age, they will need more frequent checkups. Senior pets with existing health conditions will need to visit the vet about every six months. Along with an examination, most veterinarians will also do some blood work to check on your pet’s health status.
Other Considerations:
- Pets who have chronic conditions, like heart or kidney disease, also need more frequent visits to monitor their progress or adjust their treatment plans.
- If your pet ever gets sick, or you have any concerns about their health, don’t wait until their next checkup. It’s always better safe to be safe than sorry!
Don’t Have a Veterinarian? Here’s How to Find a Good One
- Make a list of vets nearby. It’s always good to have a veterinarian close by, especially if you need to rely on local transportation or your own feet to get there. Some pets get heavy in that carrier, and some car services only allow pets at the driver’s discretion.
- Check which services they offer. Some veterinary clinics might only offer preventive care, while others provide surgeries, dental care, and even physical therapy. Look for a veterinarian that offers the services you will most likely need.
- Read the clinic’s Google reviews. Reviews often include specific details that can help you decide if that veterinarian is right for you. Look for a veterinarian who has a good rating and who responds to their clients’ reviews.
- Go with your gut. If you make an appointment with a provider and do not feel comfortable or heard, you might want to try a new one. You can ask for a different veterinarian in the same clinic, or go to a different establishment.
Having a vet you can trust really matters.
If you are uncomfortable with your veterinary care provider, you might be too hesitant to ask the important questions that are crucial for your pet’s health. That’s why at East Valley Animal Hospital, we always take the time to get to know our clients and our patients so we can offer personalized care. We want all pets to feel comfortable in our clinic, and their owners, too!
If your pet is due for a checkup or you are looking for a vet in the Gilbert area, contact us to make an appointment today.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (1/27/2026). Photo by Grant Durr on Unsplash.