puppy & kitten care 
healthy beginning for young dogs & cats
Welcoming a new puppy or kitten is the perfect time to build a strong foundation for lifelong health. At Mercer Street Veterinary Hospital in Seattle, WA, we provide comprehensive early-life veterinary care for puppies and kittens, guiding families through all their essential wellness care with clarity and compassion.
building a healthy start
The first year of life plays a critical role in shaping your pet’s long-term health. Early veterinary visits allow us to monitor growth, identify potential concerns, and protect against preventable diseases. Our approach focuses on education, proactive care, and practical guidance—helping you feel confident as you navigate the joys (and questions) of raising a young pet.
essential first-year care
Puppy and kitten visits include preventive services and guidance designed to support healthy development.
wellness exams
Comprehensive physical exams to detect early concerns and answer questions about behavior, nutrition, and development.
vaccinations
Core and lifestyle-based vaccines that help protect puppies and kittens from serious infectious diseases.
parasite prevention
Personalized prevention plans to guard against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites.
what to expect at early visits
Initial visits typically include a full physical exam, vaccine planning, parasite screening, and discussion of diet, behavior, and training. As your puppy or kitten grows, follow-up appointments ensure vaccines stay on schedule and developmental changes are carefully monitored. We also discuss microchipping, spay and neuter timing, and preventive care tailored to your pet’s lifestyle.
When should I schedule my puppy or kitten's first vet visit?
The appropriate timing for spay or neuter procedures depends on your pet’s breed, size, and overall health. During puppy or kitten visits, we’ll discuss recommended timing and the potential health and behavioral benefits.
How many vaccines does my puppy or kitten need?
Young pets require a series of booster vaccinations to build full immunity against diseases like parvovirus in dogs and panleukopenia in cats. Your veterinarian will outline a schedule based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and health history.
When should I spay or neuter my pet?
Young pets require a series of booster vaccinations to build full immunity against diseases like parvovirus in dogs and panleukopenia in cats. Your veterinarian will outline a schedule based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and health history.
Why is parasite prevention important for young pets?
Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable to intestinal parasites and external pests. Preventive medications help protect their developing immune systems and reduce the risk of disease transmission to other pets and family members.
Do I need to microchip my puppy or kitten?
Microchipping provides permanent identification that greatly increases the chance your pet can be reunited with you if lost. We often recommend microchipping during early visits or at the time of spay or neuter.
Why is parasite prevention important for young pets?
Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable to intestinal parasites and external pests. Preventive medications help protect their developing immune systems and reduce the risk of disease transmission to other pets and family members.
Do I need to microchip my puppy or kitten?
Microchipping provides permanent identification that greatly increases the chance your pet can be reunited with you if lost. We often recommend microchipping during early visits or at the time of spay or neuter.
give your new pet the best start
If you’ve recently welcomed a puppy or kitten into your home, we’re here to help guide you through every early milestone. Schedule a visit with our veterinary team to begin building a healthy foundation for years to come.
compassionate veterinary care in seattle & beyond
Mercer Street Veterinary Hospital provides full-service veterinary care for dogs and cats in Seattle, WA, serving nearby neighborhoods and communities including Queen Anne, South Lake Union, Belltown, Capitol Hill, and the greater Seattle area. From preventive wellness and dentistry to diagnostics and surgery, our veterinary team is here to support your pet’s health at every stage. Whether you’re a new or returning client, we welcome you to Mercer Street Veterinary Hospital — schedule your pet’s visit today!