Pet Wellness Exams in San Francisco
Routine pet wellness exams are one of the most powerful tools we have for catching health issues early and supporting your pet’s long-term well-being. At SF Vet Hospital, our San Francisco veterinary team provides personalized checkups that cover everything from vaccinations to behavioral guidance — tailored to your dog or cat’s age, lifestyle, and breed.
What to Expect During a Pet Wellness Exam
A wellness exam is more than just a routine visit — it’s a full head-to-tail health screening. These comprehensive checkups help us identify subtle changes or early signs of illness that may not be obvious at home. We also take time to address your questions and ensure your pet’s care plan fits their individual needs.
Your pet’s exam may include:
- Weight check & body condition scoring
- Temperature check
- Oral exam (teeth, gums, tongue)
- Eye and ear evaluation
- Skin, coat & joint health screening
- Heart & lung auscultation
- Abdominal palpation
- Lymph node and bladder checks
- Bloodwork and diagnostic tests (as needed)
Wellness Exams for Dogs
From puppyhood to senior years, regular dog checkups help ensure your canine companion is thriving. Puppies will require more frequent visits for their vaccine series and growth monitoring, while adult dogs benefit from yearly wellness exams and heartworm prevention.
As your dog ages (typically 7+ years), semi-annual visits become more important to monitor for common conditions like arthritis, dental disease, kidney issues, and heart problems. Our wellness care for senior dogs includes additional diagnostics like bloodwork, urinalysis, blood pressure checks, and sometimes x-rays.
We may recommend:
- Core & lifestyle-based pet vaccinations
- Parasite prevention (fleas, ticks, heartworm)
- Dental health monitoring
- Nutritional counseling based on breed/age
- Geriatric wellness screens & arthritis care
Wellness Exams for Cats
Cats are experts at hiding discomfort, which makes routine wellness visits essential. Whether your cat is indoor-only or enjoys supervised outdoor time, we recommend annual checkups for healthy adults and bi-annual visits for senior cats (ages 9+).
Feline wellness exams are designed to catch issues early, including hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis, and more. We tailor every visit to your cat’s temperament and comfort level.
Common services during a cat exam:
- Fecal testing and bloodwork
- Dental screening & nutrition evaluation
- Parasite and flea/tick prevention
- Feline leukemia & FIV screening (for younger or outdoor cats)
- Joint mobility and behavioral assessments
Senior Pet Care: Helping Pets Age Gracefully
Senior pets need a little extra TLC to stay healthy and comfortable. As they age, they become more vulnerable to chronic conditions like arthritis, vision/hearing loss, and organ decline. That’s why we recommend wellness exams every six months for older pets, paired with early detection labwork and diagnostic screenings.
Our senior care includes:
- Joint evaluations and mobility support
- Age-specific dietary guidance
- Semi-annual bloodwork, urinalysis, and blood pressure checks
- Vision and dental checks
- Monitoring for behavior or energy level changes
Pet Health Certificates for Travel & Relocation
If you’re planning to travel or relocate with your pet, you may need a pet health certificate confirming their wellness, vaccination status, and general fitness for travel. We’re happy to provide USDA-compliant certificates and help you navigate any required documentation — just let our team know your destination and travel timeline.
Managing Common Skin, Eye & Ear Concerns
While your pet may not be facing an emergency, chronic conditions like itchy skin, watery eyes, or dirty ears can cause ongoing discomfort. During wellness visits, we check for signs of allergies, infections, and irritations, and offer treatment or referral when needed.
Proactive Care You Can Count On
At SF Vet Hospital, we believe in prevention-first veterinary care. From pet checkups to diagnostics and ongoing support, we’re here to keep your furry friend feeling their best — at every age and stage of life.
Preventative Pet Care
Veterinary Diagnostics
Nutritional Counseling
Spay and Neuter