🐾 Vetco’s First Free Visit for Puppies and Kittens: What’s Included and How to Make the Most of It

Bringing a new puppy or kitten into your home is exciting, but ensuring they get the best start in life with proper veterinary care is essential. Vetco offers a First Free Visit for puppies and kittens that provides a no-cost opportunity to have your pet’s health assessed by a professional. But what exactly does this offer include, and how can you maximize the benefits for your new furry friend?

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Key Takeaways: Quick Answers to Common Questions

• What does the first free visit cover? A basic physical exam to check your pet’s health.
• How do I schedule the free visit? You can book online or call your local Vetco clinic.
• Does it include vaccinations or treatments? No, only the exam is free; vaccinations and treatments are additional costs.
• Can I use the free visit at any location? Yes, Vetco’s First Free Visit is available at participating Petco locations nationwide.
• Should I bring anything to the first visit? Yes, bring any prior medical records or vaccination history if available.

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1. What Does Vetco’s First Free Visit for Puppies and Kittens Include? 🩺

Vetco’s First Free Visit focuses on providing a comprehensive physical exam to evaluate your puppy or kitten’s overall health. This exam helps establish a baseline for your pet’s health and identify any immediate concerns that may need addressing. Here’s what to expect during the visit:

What’s Included:

• Full Physical Examination: The veterinarian will examine your pet from head to tail, checking their ears, eyes, teeth, heart, lungs, and joints. They’ll assess your pet’s weight and body condition to ensure they’re growing appropriately. This exam is crucial for detecting any early signs of health issues, such as congenital defects or developmental concerns.

What’s Not Included:

• Vaccinations: While the exam is free, vaccinations are not included. Your puppy or kitten will need essential vaccines such as rabies, distemper, or feline leukemia, which you will have to pay for separately.
• Parasite Screening: Testing for internal parasites (via a fecal exam) and external parasites (like fleas or ticks) is not included but highly recommended.
• Deworming and Flea Treatments: If your vet identifies parasites, treatments such as deworming or flea/tick preventatives are not covered by the free exam and will be billed additionally.

Service	Included in Free Visit?	💡 Tip
Physical Exam	Yes	Make a list of questions about your pet’s behavior or diet to discuss.
Vaccinations	No	Plan for additional costs if your pet needs shots.
Parasite Screening	No	Bring a fresh stool sample to speed up parasite testing.
Deworming/Flea Treatment	No	Ask about preventative treatments during the visit.

💡 Pro Tip: While the physical exam is free, you should budget for vaccinations and treatments, which are essential for your puppy or kitten’s health and typically start at the first visit.

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2. How Do I Schedule My Pet’s Free Visit with Vetco? 📅

Scheduling your pet’s first free visit is simple and can be done in a few easy steps:

1. Online: Visit the Vetco Clinic section of the Petco website, select the “First Free Visit” option, and choose the location and time that work best for you. You can view all available appointment slots and secure your visit instantly.
2. By Phone: Call your nearest Petco Vetco Clinic directly and let them know you’re booking your pet’s First Free Visit. The staff can guide you through the process and confirm your appointment.
3. In Person: If you’re already visiting a Petco store, stop by the Vetco Clinic to schedule the appointment in person. This can be helpful if you need additional guidance or have specific questions about the visit.

Booking Method	How to Schedule	💡 Tip
Online	Visit Petco’s Vetco Clinic section to book instantly	Schedule early to secure convenient times.
By Phone	Call your local Vetco Clinic for assistance	Ask about vaccination packages during booking.
In-Person	Visit the clinic inside a Petco store to book	Inquire about upcoming wellness clinics or discounts.

💡 Pro Tip: If you have a busy schedule, book your pet’s appointment well in advance, as Vetco clinics can get busy, especially on weekends.

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3. Does Vetco’s Free First Visit Cover Vaccinations or Treatments? 💉

The free visit at Vetco covers only the physical exam, so any additional vaccinations or treatments come at an extra cost. Puppies and kittens typically need several vaccines during their first year, so it’s important to plan for these expenses. Here’s what you can expect:

• Core Vaccines: Essential vaccines like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus (for puppies) or feline leukemia (for kittens) will be recommended by the vet, but they are not included in the free exam. These vaccines are crucial to protecting your pet from dangerous diseases.
• Deworming: Puppies and kittens often have intestinal parasites like roundworms or hookworms, so your vet may suggest a deworming treatment if parasites are found. This is an additional cost, but deworming is vital to your pet’s early health.
• Flea and Tick Prevention: Your vet may recommend a flea and tick preventive if you live in an area where these pests are common. Flea infestations can be harmful to young pets, so it’s essential to start prevention early.

Treatment/Vaccine	Included in Free Visit?	💡 Tip
Core Vaccines	No	Ask about bundle packages to save on vaccine costs.
Deworming	No	Bring a stool sample for a quicker diagnosis.
Flea/Tick Prevention	No	Discuss year-round prevention options.

💡 Pro Tip: Vetco offers vaccination packages that can help reduce costs, especially if your puppy or kitten needs multiple shots. Inquire about these options at the time of your visit.

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4. What Should I Bring to Vetco’s First Free Visit? 📝

To ensure your puppy or kitten’s first visit goes smoothly, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:

1. Medical Records: If you’ve adopted your pet from a shelter or breeder, bring any vaccination history or medical records you have. This helps the vet understand what vaccinations or treatments your pet has already received.
2. Stool Sample: Bring a fresh stool sample for parasite testing. While this service isn’t included in the free exam, it’s recommended for puppies and kittens as intestinal parasites are common in young pets.
3. Questions List: Make a list of any questions you have about your pet’s health, behavior, diet, or care. This is a great opportunity to ask the vet about feeding schedules, training tips, or when to schedule spaying or neutering.
4. Previous Vet Info: If your pet has seen another vet, it’s helpful to bring along the contact information of the previous clinic. This way, Vetco can transfer or verify any previous health records.

What to Bring	Why It’s Important	💡 Tip
Medical Records	Ensures vaccinations and treatments are up to date	Ask the breeder or shelter for any records they have.
Stool Sample	Essential for parasite screening	Collect the sample on the day of the visit for freshness.
List of Questions	Make the most of your time with the vet	Include concerns about diet, vaccinations, and care.

💡 Pro Tip: If you don’t have any prior records, don’t worry—the vet will create a plan from scratch. Just be ready to discuss your pet’s history and behavior.

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5. Can I Use Vetco’s Free First Visit at Any Location? 📍

Yes, Vetco’s First Free Visit is available at all participating Vetco clinics inside Petco locations across the country. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller town, you can take advantage of this offer as long as there’s a Vetco clinic near you.

To find a location:

1. Visit the Vetco Website: Use the Vetco Clinic Locator tool on the Petco website to find the closest clinic to your home.
2. Call Ahead: If you’re unsure whether the clinic participates in the First Free Visit program, call ahead to confirm and book your appointment.
3. Availability: While Vetco clinics are available nationwide, not all locations may offer the free visit every day. Be sure to confirm availability when scheduling your appointment.

Location Availability	How to Confirm	💡 Tip
Nationwide	Use the Vetco Clinic Locator on the Petco website	Book early if your location has limited hours or high demand.
Call to Confirm	Contact your local Vetco clinic directly	Verify the availability of the First Free Visit offer when you call to schedule.
Inquire in Person	Visit your nearest Petco store and ask about Vetco services	Check for any upcoming wellness clinics during your visit.

💡 Pro Tip: Vetco clinics are often held on specific days or times, so if your local clinic doesn’t offer the free visit on a particular day, ask about future availability and book your spot in advance.

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6. What Happens After the First Free Visit? 🐶🐱

After your puppy or kitten’s First Free Visit, it’s time to establish a plan for ongoing care to ensure they grow up healthy and strong. Vetco offers a variety of services to support your pet’s health as they grow, including vaccinations, flea/tick prevention, and more.

Key Next Steps:

1. Vaccination Schedule: Puppies and kittens need a series of booster vaccines to stay protected against common diseases. The vet will likely provide a vaccination schedule, which typically includes follow-up visits for core vaccines like distemper and rabies. Make sure to keep these appointments to ensure full immunity for your pet.
2. Parasite Prevention: Flea and tick prevention is crucial for young pets, especially if they spend time outdoors. Your vet will recommend an appropriate preventive medication to start your puppy or kitten on right away. Year-round prevention can help avoid the discomfort and health risks associated with flea and tick infestations.
3. Spaying/Neutering: If your pet hasn’t been spayed or neutered yet, the vet will discuss the best time to schedule this procedure. Typically, spaying or neutering is done between 6 and 9 months of age, but your vet will provide a personalized recommendation based on your pet’s breed and health.
4. Nutrition and Diet: The vet will also give you advice on the best diet for your growing puppy or kitten. Nutritional needs vary significantly between young pets, so be sure to follow the vet’s advice on food type, feeding schedule, and portion size.
5. Follow-Up Visits: After the free visit, it’s important to establish a routine for regular vet checkups. While the first visit is free, future exams and vaccinations will incur a cost, so you might want to explore Vetco’s wellness packages to save on these services.

Post-Visit Care	Why It’s Important	💡 Tip
Vaccination Schedule	Ensures complete protection against diseases	Ask the vet for a printed or emailed schedule to keep track.
Parasite Prevention	Protects against fleas, ticks, and worms	Year-round prevention is the best defense against infestations.
Spaying/Neutering	Prevents unwanted pregnancies and offers health benefits	Book this procedure in advance, as many clinics have wait times.

💡 Pro Tip: Set reminders for follow-up vaccination and preventive care appointments. This will help ensure you don’t miss any crucial dates for your pet’s ongoing health.

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Final Thoughts: How to Maximize Vetco’s Free First Visit for Puppies and Kittens 🐾

Vetco’s First Free Visit offers a fantastic opportunity to ensure your puppy or kitten starts off on the right foot with a full health checkup. While the free visit covers the physical exam, it’s important to be prepared for additional costs like vaccinations, treatments, and parasite prevention to keep your pet healthy.

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Quick Recap: Vetco’s Free First Visit Essentials

• Included: Comprehensive physical exam for your puppy or kitten.
• Not Included: Vaccinations, deworming, and other treatments.
• Next Steps: Schedule follow-up vaccinations and treatments, explore parasite prevention, and book spaying/neutering.

By following these tips and being well-prepared for your visit, you’ll ensure your pet gets the best start in life and stays on track for a healthy future. 🐕🐈

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Comment 1: “I’ve just adopted a kitten. Does Vetco’s Free First Visit include any tests for common kitten issues like parasites or infections?”

Expert Answer: Vetco’s Free First Visit includes a thorough physical exam, but testing for common issues like parasites and infections is not included. However, these tests are highly recommended, especially for kittens, who are often prone to certain conditions such as intestinal parasites and upper respiratory infections (URIs). Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and why these additional tests are important:

1. Parasite Testing: Kittens are highly susceptible to roundworms, hookworms, and coccidia, all of which are common intestinal parasites that can be passed from the mother or picked up in the environment. Although the stool analysis is not part of the free visit, bringing a fresh stool sample allows the vet to perform a fecal exam, which is vital for detecting and treating these parasites early. Deworming treatments, if needed, would be a separate cost, but they are essential for your kitten’s health and growth.
2. Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and FIV Testing: Many shelters recommend testing for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) in young kittens. These viruses can weaken your kitten’s immune system and lead to long-term health issues. Although this specific test isn’t included in the free visit, it’s often suggested during the first or second appointment, especially if your kitten has been outdoors or came from a high-risk environment.
3. Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs): Kittens, particularly those from shelters, can develop upper respiratory infections, which are caused by viruses like feline herpesvirus or calicivirus. While the vet will check for symptoms such as sneezing, nasal discharge, and watery eyes during the free physical exam, further testing or treatment (like antibiotics or antiviral medications) would be an additional cost.

Issue	Is It Included in the Free Visit?	💡 Tip
Parasite Screening (fecal exam)	No	Bring a stool sample to test for intestinal parasites.
FeLV/FIV Testing	No	Ask the vet about testing if your kitten came from a shelter or outdoors.
URI Symptoms Check	Part of the exam	If your kitten shows signs of illness, inquire about medications.

💡 Pro Tip: It’s a good idea to budget for these additional tests, as early detection and treatment of these common kitten issues are crucial for their long-term health. If your kitten is showing any signs of illness, like coughing or diarrhea, make sure to bring it up during the visit.

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Comment 2: “Does Vetco’s First Free Visit include any guidance on kitten nutrition, or will I need to ask for that separately?”

Expert Answer: While Vetco’s First Free Visit primarily focuses on the physical health exam, the vet will certainly provide you with personalized guidance on kitten nutrition during the visit. Nutrition is a critical part of raising a healthy kitten, and the vet will tailor advice based on your kitten’s age, weight, and developmental needs. Here’s what you can expect from the discussion:

1. Kitten-Specific Diet: The vet will recommend a kitten-specific diet, as young cats have different nutritional requirements than adult cats. Kitten food contains higher levels of protein, calcium, and essential fatty acids to support rapid growth and brain development. The vet may suggest brands or specific formulas that meet these needs, especially if your kitten was recently weaned.
2. Feeding Schedule: New pet owners often have questions about how often to feed their kittens. During the free visit, the vet will explain the appropriate feeding frequency—typically, kittens under 6 months old should eat 3–4 small meals per day. You’ll also receive tips on gradually transitioning your kitten from wet food to dry food, if necessary.
3. Portion Control and Weight Monitoring: As part of the physical exam, the vet will weigh your kitten and ensure they’re growing at a healthy rate. They’ll provide recommendations for portion sizes and monitoring weight gain, especially since kittens grow quickly in the first few months. This is important to avoid both underfeeding and overfeeding.
4. Supplements: In some cases, the vet may recommend additional supplements, such as vitamins or omega-3 fatty acids, particularly if your kitten has a specific health condition or if they were malnourished before adoption.

Topic	Will the Vet Discuss It?	💡 Tip
Kitten-Specific Diet	Yes	Ask for brand recommendations tailored to your kitten’s needs.
Feeding Schedule	Yes	Kittens need small, frequent meals—confirm the best schedule.
Weight Monitoring	Yes	Weigh your kitten at home regularly to track growth.

💡 Pro Tip: Bring any details about your kitten’s current diet (including the brand and type of food) to the appointment. This will help the vet make more informed suggestions and fine-tune your kitten’s nutrition plan.

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Comment 3: “I’ve heard that flea prevention is important for kittens, but is it really necessary if my kitten stays indoors?”

Expert Answer: Yes, flea prevention is still highly recommended for indoor kittens, even if they don’t go outside. Fleas can easily hitch a ride indoors through humans, other pets, or even open windows. Here’s why flea prevention is critical, even for indoor-only pets:

1. Fleas Can Enter Homes Easily: Fleas are notorious for their ability to find their way indoors, whether by attaching to your clothing or jumping onto your shoes after spending time outside. They can also be brought in by other pets or even rodents that might come near your home. Once inside, fleas can quickly multiply, and an infestation can be difficult to control.
2. Health Risks: Even one flea bite can cause significant discomfort for your kitten. Fleas can transmit diseases like feline tapeworms or cause conditions like flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), which leads to intense itching and skin irritation. Young kittens are particularly vulnerable to anemia caused by flea bites, as their small size means they can lose blood more quickly.
3. Preventive Medications: During the free first visit, your vet can recommend a flea preventive that’s safe for kittens. Some flea medications are topical treatments that you apply monthly, while others may come in pill form. The vet will ensure the preventive is appropriate for your kitten’s age and weight.

While it might seem unnecessary if your kitten doesn’t go outside, fleas can become a serious problem if left unchecked. Preventive care is always easier and less costly than treating an infestation.

Flea Prevention Factor	Why It’s Necessary	💡 Tip
Fleas Can Enter Homes	Fleas can come in on humans or other animals	Always check your shoes and clothes after being outdoors.
Health Risks to Kittens	Fleas can cause anemia, tapeworms, and allergies	Early prevention avoids costly treatments later.
Safe Preventives	Monthly treatments keep fleas at bay	Ask the vet for the most kitten-friendly option.

💡 Pro Tip: Ask your vet about starting your kitten on a year-round flea preventive to avoid any risk of infestation, even if they’re strictly indoors. It’s a simple step that can save you a lot of trouble later.

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Comment 4: “Can Vetco’s Free First Visit help me decide when to spay or neuter my kitten, and is the procedure done there?”

Expert Answer: Yes, during Vetco’s Free First Visit, the vet will provide personalized advice on the optimal timing for spaying or neutering your kitten, based on their age, breed, and health status. Here’s what to expect regarding this important decision:

1. Timing for Spaying/Neutering: Most kittens are spayed or neutered between 5 and 6 months of age, but this can vary depending on their development and health. During the first visit, the vet will assess your kitten’s growth and give you a recommended timeline for the procedure. Early spaying/neutering can prevent certain health issues and unwanted behaviors, such as marking or roaming.
2. Health Benefits: Spaying and neutering offer several long-term health benefits for your pet. Spaying female kittens can reduce the risk of mammary tumors and eliminate the chance of uterine infections. Neutering male kittens helps prevent testicular cancer and reduces aggressive behaviors or the desire to roam in search of a mate.
3. Where the Procedure Is Done: Vetco’s free first visit does not include the spaying or neutering procedure itself. However, you can schedule the surgery through Petco’s affiliated veterinary services, or the vet can refer you to a local clinic that specializes in spaying and neutering. It’s important to plan this procedure early, as many clinics book appointments months in advance, especially during kitten season.

Spaying/Neutering	What the Vet Will Discuss	💡 Tip
Timing of the Procedure	Typically recommended between 5-6 months	Ask for a referral if Vetco doesn’t perform the surgery.
Health Benefits	Prevents cancers and reproductive diseases	Early spaying/neutering helps avoid unwanted behaviors.
Scheduling the Surgery	Vetco does not perform surgeries but can refer you	Book the procedure early to avoid long wait times.

💡 Pro Tip: During your first visit, ask the vet for a referral to a low-cost spay/neuter clinic if cost is a concern. Many communities have affordable options to ensure this essential procedure is accessible to all pet owners.