New Pet Owner Checklist for Richmond Families

Quick Answer: Before your first vet appointment, make sure your new pet is registered with a local practice, bring any previous medical records, note their diet and routine, and check key preventative care such as vaccinations, microchipping, flea and worm protection. A first health check helps your pet get started safely and confidently.

Introduction

Bringing home a new pet is an exciting time, whether you have welcomed a puppy, kitten, rabbit or small pet into your family. Many local pet owners in Richmond, East Sheen, Twickenham and across South West London ask us what they should organise before their first veterinary visit.

At The Vet on Richmond Hill we regularly help new owners settle their pets into family life with practical advice, preventative care and reassuring first appointments. If you are preparing for your first visit, this checklist will help you feel organised and make sure your pet gets the right start.

If you are ready to get started, you can register your pet with us before your first appointment.

Main Content

1. Register with a vet before you need one

One of the most important first steps is registering your pet with a local veterinary practice before any problem arises. This makes it easier to arrange routine care, ask questions early, and access help quickly if your pet becomes unwell.

Our veterinary team often advises new owners in Richmond Hill and South West London not to wait until vaccinations are due or symptoms appear. Registering in advance gives you one less thing to worry about. You can register your pet online or book an appointment for a first health check.

2. Bring any history you have

If your pet came from a breeder, rescue centre, previous owner or another veterinary practice, bring along any information you have, including:

• Vaccination record
• Microchip documents
• Insurance details
• Previous treatment history
• Diet information
• Any notes about behaviour, toileting or routine

Even if the information feels incomplete, it can still be useful. At The Vet on Richmond Hill we commonly see new owners who are unsure what records matter most, and we are always happy to help sort through them.

3. Make a note of your pet’s normal routine

Before your first appointment, it helps to write down a few basics about daily life. This gives your local veterinary team a clearer picture of your pet’s health and behaviour.

• What food they are eating
• How much they eat and how often
• Drinking habits
• Toilet habits
• Sleep routine
• Exercise levels
• Any scratching, coughing, sneezing or digestive upsets

Many local pet owners worry that they need to know everything straight away. In reality, a simple overview is enough to start the conversation.

4. Check vaccinations are up to date

Vaccinations are an important part of protecting pets from preventable infectious diseases. The timing depends on your pet’s age, species and previous history.

For young pets, this often means arranging a primary vaccination course. If you have a new puppy or kitten, you may find our pages on puppy vaccinations and kitten vaccinations helpful.

In our experience supporting pets across Richmond and South West London, one of the most common misunderstandings is that a pet is fully covered simply because they had one injection before coming home. Your first appointment is the right time to confirm exactly what has been given and what is still needed.

5. Confirm your pet is microchipped and details are correct

Microchipping is a simple and important way to help pets be identified if they go missing. If your pet already has a microchip, make sure the contact details are registered correctly and updated in your name.

If not, we can advise you about arranging dog microchipping or cat microchipping as part of your preventative care plan.

6. Start flea, tick and worm prevention early

Preventative parasite care is another key part of early pet ownership. Dogs and cats may need protection against fleas, ticks and worms, while rabbits and small pets also benefit from species-appropriate health advice.

Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps owners choose sensible prevention based on their pet’s age, lifestyle and home environment. You can explore our preventative healthcare options and find information on flea, tick and worm treatment.

7. Plan your first health check

A first appointment is not just about injections. A proper vet check gives you a chance to discuss growth, behaviour, feeding, weight, teeth, skin, ears and anything else you have noticed at home.

At The Vet on Richmond Hill we regularly help new pet owners feel more confident by answering everyday questions early, before small concerns become bigger ones. Our team supports pets through every life stage, and for young pets we also offer free puppy and kitten health checks where applicable.

If you would like a structured approach to routine care, our VIP Pet Health Plan may also be worth considering.

8. Prepare safe transport for the journey

Before coming to the practice, make sure your pet can travel safely and calmly.

• Use a secure carrier for cats, rabbits and small pets
• Use a properly fitted harness or crate for dogs
• Bring a familiar blanket if your pet is nervous
• Avoid feeding a large meal immediately before travel if your pet gets motion sickness

Our veterinary team often advises owners in Richmond and Twickenham that a calm journey can make the first visit much easier for both pet and family.

9. Think ahead about ongoing care costs and planning

Routine veterinary care is easier to manage when you plan for it early. It can help to look at expected costs for vaccinations, neutering, parasite prevention and health checks. You can view our prices and discuss the most suitable preventative options with us at your visit.

Some owners also choose to arrange insurance or ask about health plans soon after bringing a pet home.

What We Commonly See at The Vet on Richmond Hill

Many local pet owners ask us the same reassuringly practical questions during a first appointment.

• “My pet seems well, do they still need a check?” Yes, early health checks are useful even when everything appears normal.
• “I have not had all the paperwork from the breeder or rescue.” Bring whatever you have. We can help identify what is missing and what needs confirming.
• “I am not sure if the microchip details have been transferred.” This is very common and worth sorting as soon as possible.
• “My pet scratches sometimes, is that normal?” Occasional scratching may be harmless, but it can also be a sign that flea prevention needs reviewing.
• “I do not want to overreact.” A common misunderstanding is that you should wait until a problem becomes obvious. In reality, early advice is often the best approach.

At The Vet on Richmond Hill we commonly see families who simply want to make sure they are doing the right things in the right order. A first appointment is exactly the place to ask those questions.

Practical Advice

Common first-time owner mistakes to avoid

• Waiting too long to register with a veterinary practice
• Assuming vaccinations are complete without checking the record
• Forgetting to update microchip contact details
• Changing diet too quickly after bringing a pet home
• Missing early weight, dental or behavioural advice

A simple list of what to bring to your first appointment

• Your pet in safe transport
• Any previous records or paperwork
• A list of current food and treats
• Questions you want to ask
• Details of any insurance already arranged

If you are unsure what type of appointment to book, you can arrange a visit online or speak to our team through the contact details on our Find Us page.

When To Contact A Vet

Seek veterinary advice promptly if your new pet is off their food, vomiting repeatedly, has diarrhoea that is ongoing, seems unusually quiet, is scratching persistently, has discharge from the eyes or nose, is coughing, or you are worried about pain or injury.

If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure, has eaten something toxic, or is in severe pain, contact a vet immediately. If urgent help is needed, please use our 24-hour emergency vetcare service.

As a trusted local veterinary team in Richmond Hill, we aim to make it easier for pet owners across South West London to know when something can wait for a routine appointment and when it should be checked sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I take a new pet to the vet?

Ideally, within the first few days of bringing them home. This helps confirm vaccinations, microchipping, general health and any early care needs.

What happens at a first pet appointment?

We usually carry out a general health check, discuss vaccinations, parasite prevention, feeding, weight, behaviour and any questions you have about settling your pet in.

Should I register my pet before they are due vaccinations?

Yes. Registering early is the best approach and helps ensure support is already in place when you need it.

Do indoor cats still need preventative care?

Yes, indoor cats still benefit from routine health checks, vaccinations where appropriate, and advice on parasite prevention and general wellbeing.

Can rabbits and small pets have first health checks too?

Absolutely. Rabbits and small pets benefit from early advice on housing, diet, teeth, weight and handling, as well as routine health monitoring.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general guidance only. If your pet is unwell, showing concerning symptoms, or you are unsure what to do, please contact your vet for professional advice.

Ready To Get Started?

If you have welcomed a new pet to your home in Richmond, East Sheen, Twickenham or nearby, we would be pleased to help. You can register your pet, book an appointment, or contact The Vet on Richmond Hill to arrange a first health check and discuss the best preventative care for your pet.