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CAREERS | Online Pharmacy
Hours 3709 US-82
Gainesville, TX 76240
(940) 668-8282

Puppy & Kitten Care 

Give your new pet the best start in life.

Puppies and kittens require special care for proper growth and healthy development. The veterinarians of Independence Small Animal Clinic offer years of experience in caring for your youngest pets. Our progressive approach is all-inclusive, addressing your pet care needs from disease prevention to proper pet behavior.

Basic Pet Care Needs

Equipment for basic care should be obtained prior to bringing your new pet home.

  • A sturdy pet carrier is essential to any new puppy or kitten. Transporting an unrestrained pet can be hazardous. Many puppies and kittens are frightened in a moving vehicle and either hide or become frantic. Climbing around the pedals or jumping up around your face is dangerous to all passengers, and pets may injure themselves in the process. A carrier is also helpful if your new pet vomits, urinates, or defecates during transport, a common experience for nervous youngsters. Finally, for safety in the veterinary waiting room, we ask that you to contain your pet.
  • Water and food dishes, bedding, and collars should fit your young pet’s needs.
  • Toys should be safe and appropriate for the current size and type of pet.

Health Care For Puppies & Kittens

Schedule an appointment for your puppy or kitten as soon as possible. A complete physical examination ensures your pet is in sound condition and excellent health.

During the first visit, we initiate disease and parasite prevention protocols that are tailored to your pet’s specific needs. We also provide recommendations for proper nutrition, socialization, house training, and behavioral issues.

Young pets require several visits during the first year of life, for monitoring and preventive care. A typical schedule for puppy or kitten visits is outlined here. Of course, your pet’s specifics may vary.

Microchipping

Every year, animals go missing and are never found again. Microchipping your puppy and kitten is a safe, simple way to avoid this tragedy.

Independence Equine and Small Animal Clinic uses the Home Again Microchipping system. Learn more about homeagain.com

Kitten Vaccination

8 Weeks – Complete Kitten Exam

  • FVRCP #1 (feline viral rhinotracheitis/calicivirus/panleukopenia)
  • Feline Snap Triple Leuk/FIV/HW
  • Stool exam and deworming
  • Begin parasite prevention protocol
  • Nutritional counseling

12 weeks – Brief Exam

  • FVRCP #2
  • Feline Snap Triple Leuk/FIV/HW (if not done at first exam)

16 weeks – Annual Exam

  • FVRCP #3
  • Rabies 1 year vaccine

4–6 months

  • Spay/Neuter
  • Microchip

FELINE YEARLY VACCINES

  • Annual Wellness Exam
  • Rabies 1 year or 3 year
  • FVRCP Yearly or 3 year
  • Feline Leukemia
  • Fecal

8 Weeks – Complete Puppy Exam

  • Nobivac #1 dappv 1st (with or without Lepto)
    (distemper/hepatitis/leptospirosis/parainfluenza/parvo virus)
  • Bordetella (kennel cough)
  • Stool exam and deworming
  • Begin heartworm prevention
  • Begin parasite prevention
  • Nutritional counseling

12 Weeks – Brief Exam

  • Nobivac 1 dappv 2nd (with or without Lepto)

16 Weeks – Annual Exam

  • Nobivac dappv 3rd (with or without Lepto)
  • Rabies vaccine 1 year

24 Weeks – No Exam-Technician Visit

  • Nobivac 1 dappv yearly with or without Lepto

4–6 Months

  • Spay/Neuter
  • Microchip

CANINE YEARLY VACCINES

  • Annual Wellness Exam
  • 1 or 3 year Rabies
  • Nobivac 1 dappv L4 yearly or 3 year
  • Bordetella (kennel cough)
  • Fecal
  • 4 DX Snap HW/Lyme/Anap/Ehrlichia

Call us at (940) 668-8282 to schedule your pet’s first physical exam. 

Puppy Care

Independence Equine and Small Animal Clinic