Last Updated: 09/02/2026
How Often Should You Take Your Pet to the Vet?
Proactive pet care starts with regular check-ups. Learn why annual visits are vital for adult pets and why seniors or youngsters need more frequent care. This guide covers vaccination schedules, health monitoring, and when to seek emergency help.
Author: Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 4 minutes - short read
While our pets are experts at hiding discomfort, being a proactive pet parent means staying one step ahead of their health needs. Regular veterinary visits are the cornerstone of a long, happy life, allowing for early detection of issues that might not be visible to the naked eye. From essential vaccinations to dental assessments and weight management, these consultations ensure every pet thrives at every life stage.
The importance of regular health checks
Regular check-ups with a veterinarian are recommended to ensure your pet is up to date with their vaccinations and to do a thorough health check. A physical examination or health check involves your veterinarian checking your pet's heart rate, respiration, eyes, ears, teeth and skin for any abnormalities. These health checks are a great way for a trained professional to assess your pet's general health and detect any subtle changes that may indicate an underlying health problem. In general, the earlier a health condition is detected the earlier treatment can begin, ensuring optimal health and well-being for your pet.
The frequency of these recommended health checks depend on your pets current age or life-stage. Below is a guide to how regularly your pet should see the vet.
Puppies and kittens (<1 year): building a healthy foundation
In the first year of life, puppies and kittens need to visit the vet regularly. When you first bring your new fur baby home it is recommended to take them to the vet for a first check-up. Your vet will carry out a thorough health check to ensure your new pet is fit and healthy and advise a vaccination and preventative program.
Typical vaccinations for puppies and kittens involve 3 injections spaced approximately 4 weeks apart. These usually occur at 6-8 weeks of age, 12 weeks of age, and 16 weeks of age but can vary depending on your location and the type of vaccine your vet uses.
Most vets recommend desexing your pet at around 6 months of age, but this can vary depending on your pet's breed or size.
For more information, read through:
Adult dogs and cats (1-7 years): maintaining peak condition
Adult dogs and cats should visit the vet annually for vaccination boosters and for a thorough health check. As well as carrying out a full physical examination, your veterinarian will also monitor your pet's weight and check their dental health, as obesity and dental disease can be common medical concerns for this age group.
For more information, read through:
Senior pets (>7 years): monitoring the golden years
As pets age, just like people, health issues can become more prevalent. For senior pets, a health check with your veterinarian every 6 months is recommended to identify any health concerns early as well as continue with annual vaccinations and regular preventatives. Some veterinarians may recommend an annual blood test to screen for common senior health concerns.
Some common health issues affecting senior pets include arthritis, dental disease, kidney issues and endocrine (hormonal) disorders, like Cushing's Disease in Dogs and Hyperthyroidism in Cats. If your pet is diagnosed with a chronic health condition, more regular appointments may be required to help manage this condition and any treatment or medication required.
For more information on how to look after your senior pet, read through:
When to seek emergency veterinary care
If your pet is unwell or has been involved in an accident, then it is important for them to be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. If this occurs on the weekend or during the night, then your regular veterinarian may not be open and a 24 hr emergency centre or after-hours veterinarian may be required. Check with your regular vet which after-hours service in your area they recommend.
Serious conditions that require immediate veterinary care:
- Open wound
- Trouble breathing
- Traumatic injury/ broken bones
- Vomiting or Diarrhoea for longer than 24hrs
- Snake bite or Tick Paralysis
- Ingestion of Toxic Substance
- Bleeding from eyes or mouth
- Unconsciousness
- Trouble giving birth
FAQs
Prioritising regular veterinary visits is one of the most impactful ways to support a pet's longevity. Whether it is a routine annual booster or a bi-annual senior screening, staying consistent with professional check-ups provides peace of mind and ensures that any health "speed bumps" are managed early.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Mon 9 Feb 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr Belinda graduated from The University of Queensland in 2009 and has worked as a Small Animal Veterinarian for over 10 years in South East Queensland. She also has experience as a telehealh consultant, providing veterinary advice for online customers.She has a special interest in animal behaviour, preventative health, the human-animal bond and internal medicine. Outside of work hours she is closely affiliated with a kitten rescue and is also a devoted carer of orphaned rescue kittens.
