An annual exam is one of the most important parts of keeping your pet healthy year after year. At Vets to Pets, we bring the full veterinary experience directly into your home so your pet can be evaluated in a familiar, low-stress environment.

While every visit is tailored to your pet’s individual needs, a typical annual exam includes a comprehensive head-to-tail assessment, preventive care discussion, and time to address any concerns you may have.

1. Full Physical Examination

We begin with a complete physical exam to assess your pet’s overall health. This includes:

  • Checking eyes, ears, and nose
  • Examining teeth and oral health
  • Listening to the heart and lungs
  • Palpating the abdomen (checking internal organs)
  • Evaluating skin, coat, and body condition
  • Assessing joints, muscles, and mobility

Because your pet is at home, we’re often able to see more natural behavior and movement than in a clinic setting.

2. Vital Health Measurements

We also record important health indicators such as:

  • Weight and body condition score
  • Temperature
  • Heart rate and respiratory rate

These measurements help us track subtle changes over time that may signal early disease.

3. Preventive Care Review

Preventive care is a key focus of the annual visit. We’ll review and update:

  • Vaccinations (based on lifestyle and risk)
  • Parasite prevention (fleas, ticks, heartworm, intestinal parasites)
  • Nutrition and diet recommendations
  • Dental care needs

Our goal is to ensure your pet is protected year-round based on their unique environment and lifestyle.

4. Age-Appropriate Screening

Depending on your pet’s age and health status, we may recommend additional screening such as:

  • Bloodwork to assess organ function
  • Urinalysis to evaluate kidney and bladder health
  • Blood pressure checks (especially for senior pets)
  • Early disease screening tests

These tools help detect hidden conditions before symptoms appear.

5. Discussion and Personalized Recommendations

One of the most important parts of the exam is the conversation with you. We take time to discuss:

  • Any changes you’ve noticed at home
  • Behavior, appetite, or energy level changes
  • Chronic conditions or ongoing concerns
  • Preventive care planning for the year ahead

We also provide clear, practical recommendations tailored to your pet, not a one-size-fits-all plan.

6. Comfort and Low-Stress Care at Home

Because the exam takes place in your home, pets are often calmer and more cooperative. This allows us to complete a more thorough and accurate assessment while minimizing fear and anxiety.

It also gives us a unique advantage: we can observe your pet in their real environment, which often reveals things that might not show up in a traditional clinic visit.

Why Annual Exams Matter

Even if your pet seems healthy, annual exams are essential for early detection, prevention, and long-term wellness. Many diseases develop slowly and without obvious signs; routine checkups are the best way to catch them early.

At Vets to Pets, our mission is to provide compassionate, gold-standard care that keeps pets healthy and families informed – all from the comfort of your own home!