
Bringing Home a New Puppy or Kitten
Caring for Your New Pet
Just like human babies, puppies and kittens require special care and attention for their growth and development. In order to prepare for a long and healthy life, puppies and kittens will need to visit the veterinarian for check-ups more frequently than adult pets would. This is to ensure they are free from any developmental issues and also to provide them with the proper vaccinations they need.
If you just brought a new puppy or kitten home, the first thing you should do is schedule a first visit. During your pet’s first visit, we will discuss a list of recommended pet care and veterinary services, including spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, and vaccinations.
Spay/Neuter Procedure
Our team of veterinary surgeons at Rea Road Animal Hospital are highly skilled in performing effective and safe spay and neuter surgeries. We suggest spaying or neutering pets once they have had all of their vaccinations, are at least 6 months old, and are not intended for breeding.
Unwanted litters are costly and time-consuming, so if you do not intend to responsibly breed your pet, spay/neuter surgery is the best option for you. In addition, thousands of animals are euthanized because shelters have reached capacity each year. For this reason, spay/neuter surgery is the best option for the community too!
Pets who are spayed or neutered tend to have longer lifespans, be more even-tempered, and better family pets. The surgery offers several other health and behavioral benefits for your pet, including:
- Unwanted litters
- Heat periods
- Mammary and uterine issues, such as cancer and infections
- Undesirable behaviors, such as urine marking and howling
- Unwanted litters
- Prostate disease and testicular cancer
- Aggressive behaviors
- Undesirable behaviors, such as urine marking and the urge to roam
Pet Vaccinations in Charlotte

Core Vaccinations
for Dogs:
- Rabies
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvo)
- Bordetella (kennel cough)
- Leptospirosis

Core Vaccinations
for Cats:
- Rabies
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia)
Pet Wellness Exams in Charlotte
- Evaluation of weight and body condition
- Examination of the heart and lungs
- Checking the gums and mouth for any signs of disease or decay
- Inspection of the eyes, ears, skin and fur
- Palpation of the abdomen and lymph nodes
- Feeling joints and muscles
- Conducting blood tests and other diagnostics if deemed necessary



