Preventative & Wellness Care

At Armistead Avenue Veterinary Hospital, we know your pet is more than just a companion; they’re part of your family. That’s why our wellness exams are designed to keep your dog or cat feeling their best through every stage of life. Whether you’re bringing home a new puppy or kitten or caring for a senior pet, we’re here to support their health with proactive, personalized care rooted in decades of experience.
 
Our goal is simple: catch problems early, tailor care to your pet’s needs, and build a long-term partnership that helps your four-legged family members thrive.

What to Expect

A wellness exam is about more than just checking a box. In reality, it’s our chance to get a full picture of your pet’s health and lifestyle. During the visit, we’ll gently examine your pet from nose to tail, checking their heart, lungs, teeth, skin, joints, weight, and more. We’ll also chat with you about their behavior, nutrition, and any recent changes you’ve noticed.
 
These visits help us build a baseline for your pet’s health, catch small issues before they become big problems, and give you the information and support you need to make confident choices for their care.
 
And if your pet is a little nervous at the vet? Don’t worry—we’re pros at creating a calm, low-stress experience, one belly rub or chin scratch at a time.

Wellness Services We Provide

Routine Exams 2

Annual Exams

Regular checkups, usually once a year, or twice a year for older pets, help us stay ahead of health issues and adapt care as your pet ages. These exams are the foundation of lifelong health.

Vaccinations & Vaccine Titers

We’ll work with you to build a vaccination plan based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors. By following AAHA guidelines, we’ll ensure your pet has everything they need, and nothing they don’t.

Parasite Prevention

Fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites are more than just a nuisance; they can seriously impact your pet’s health. We’ll help you choose safe, effective protection tailored to your pet’s lifestyle and environment.

Lifestyle1

Nutrition & Weight Management

Every pet’s body is different, and their diet should be too. We’re here to help you make confident choices about what goes in your pet’s bowl, so they stay energetic, fit, and feeling their best.

Senior Pet Care

As pets age, their needs change, and we’re here to help them age gracefully. We recommend semi-annual exams, routine bloodwork, and tailored wellness plans to catch age-related conditions early and keep your senior pet comfortable, active, and thriving.

Microchipping

One quick visit can provide your pet with permanent ID that helps bring them home if they ever get lost. Microchipping is highly recommended for every dog and cat, even indoor-only pets.

FAQs

Yes! Indoor pets are still at risk. Viruses can travel on shoes, clothing, or other animals, and pests like fleas and mosquitoes find their way inside. Plus, rabies vaccines are legally required in Virginia for both cats and dogs.

Young pets grow fast and need a series of vaccines to build strong immunity. These early visits also let us track development, answer your questions, and help get your pet started on the right paw.

Yes. Pets are experts at hiding discomfort, and wellness exams help us catch subtle changes before they turn into bigger problems. Regular visits also build a stronger health history for your pet.

Senior pets benefit from more frequent checkups and routine bloodwork to monitor for age-related conditions like arthritis, kidney disease, or dental issues. Our goal is to keep your older pet comfortable, active, and happy for as long as possible.

Kind Words from Clients