Wellness Exams

What is a Wellness Exam?

A wellness exam, also called a physical, checkup, or annual visit, is a comprehensive health assessment performed when your pet is feeling well, not just when something is wrong. Think of it as proactive care, designed to stay ahead of problems before they have a chance to develop.

These routine visits give our veterinarians the opportunity to evaluate your pet from nose to tail, update vaccinations, screen for early signs of disease, and talk through nutrition, behavior, and anything you've been wondering about at home.

What to Expect During Your Pet's Wellness Exam?

Every wellness visit at Petfolk starts with the basics: weight, temperature, and vitals. From there, one of our veterinarians will perform a thorough physical examination, assessing your pet's heart, lungs, eyes, ears, teeth, skin, coat, joints, and abdomen.

We'll review your pet's health history and make time for your questions, whether they're about a change in appetite, a new behavior, or just to make sure you're on the right track. You'll leave with a clear picture of where your pet stands and a practical plan for keeping them healthy year-round.

How often should my pet have a wellness exam?

Annual exams for healthy adult dogs and cats. Puppies and kittens need more frequent visits during their first year. Senior pets (dogs over 7, cats over 10) benefit from checkups every 6 months. Pets with chronic conditions may need even more frequent monitoring.

My pet seems perfectly healthy. Do they really need a checkup?

Yes! That's actually the ideal time to come in. Pets are masters at hiding discomfort, and many conditions develop without obvious symptoms until they're fairly advanced. Annual exams establish a baseline and help us catch problems early when they're easier and often less expensive to treat.

What will my pet's wellness exam cost?

The exam itself has a set fee, and any additional services, such as vaccines or bloodwork, are separate. We're always transparent about pricing. Check our Pricing page for estimates, and we'll discuss costs before recommending additional services.

Are vaccinations included in the wellness exam?

The exam fee covers the physical examination itself. Vaccinations are additional but typically given during wellness visits for convenience. We'll review your pet's vaccine history and discuss costs before proceeding.

Do you offer bloodwork as part of the wellness exam?

Yes. Bloodwork allows us to screen for common illnesses, monitor organ function, and establish baselines. Some tests run in-house with same-day results, while others go to reference labs.

What should I bring to my pet's wellness exam?

Any previous medical records or vaccination history, a list of medications or supplements your pet takes, and any questions or concerns you want to discuss. If you've noticed changes in behavior, appetite, or habits, jot those down too.

How long does a wellness exam take?

Plan for about 30 minutes. This gives us time for a thorough examination, to discuss your pet's health, and to answer questions. If additional services are needed, it may take a bit longer.

Can I stay with my pet during the exam?

Absolutely. We encourage pet parents to be present. You know your pet best, and your observations are valuable. Plus, many pets are more comfortable with their person nearby.

What if you find something wrong during the exam?

We'll explain what we found and discuss options. Sometimes it's something minor we can address right away. Other times, we may recommend additional testing or follow-up care. We'll always explain the situation clearly and let you make informed decisions.

How do I schedule a wellness exam?

Book online through our website, use the Petfolk app, or give us a call. We offer flexible hours and same-day appointments when available. We'll send reminders so you don't forget.