Your First Visit
Preparing for Your First Veterinary Visit

Your first visit will allow us to get to know each other, check your pet's health, and begin wellness care to help prevent against future illnesses.

Before Your First Visit

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Gather Medical Records

Bring any medical, vaccine or adoption records you may have for your pet.
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Complete Our New Client Form

Download and complete this form to bring with you to your visit.
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Get Tips for a Successful Trip

New environments can be stressful for any pet, we've got some tips for you.
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During Your First Visit

During your pet’s first visit, your veterinarian will do a head-to-tail exam and check overall health, including the skin and coat, eyes and ears, teeth and gums, heart, lungs and other vital organs.

The veterinarian will also check your pet for fleas, ticks and other external parasites.

Your veterinarian will also ask questions about your pet’s diet, habits and activities, and discuss overall health and wellness including:

  • Vaccine History
  • Parasite Prevention
  • Spaying/Neutering
  • Dental Care
  • Microchipping
Ask Questions
Your first visit is an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your pet's breed. Symptoms of many hereditary conditions are not always obvious, so awareness is important for early detection.

This is also a great time to ask for any recommendations or tips about care, training and feeding. Don't forget to schedule your pet's follow-up visit before you leave. After all, preventive care can help your pet live a longer and healthier life.

If you have any questions at all about your pet's upcoming visit, don't hesitate to contact us. We're looking forward to seeing you and your pet soon.
Helpful Links

Education New Client Form
Friends Tips for Visiting Your Veterinarian
VCA Mission Animal and Bird Hospital
Animals We See Avians, Cats, Dogs, Pocket Pets, Pot-Bellied Pigs, Rabbits, Reptiles, ZooMED
  • Contact
    Phone Icon 760-433-3763
    Fax Icon 760-433-3138
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  • Location
    655 Benet Road
    Oceanside, CA 92058
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  • Hours
    Mon - Sun: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm

    General Practice Hours: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Our hospital is closed on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

    When your pet is scheduled to board with us, you may drop-off or pick-up anytime during our office hours. We do ask that you try to drop-off at least a half hour prior to close. As a reminder, we do require vaccines to be up to date. Please bring these records with you if you vet elsewhere. Please call our office with any questions.

    When your pet is scheduled for grooming, please bring your pet in between 7:30 am - 9:00 am. Keep in mind that we do require all vaccines to be current, if you vet elsewhere please bring records with you. If you have any questions feel free to call our office prior to drop off.

    When your pet is scheduled for a surgery, please bring your pet in between 7:30 am - 8:00 am and remember no food after midnight the evening prior to the surgery. Please call our office prior to drop-off if you have questions.