At Village Veterinary Clinic, we believe routine wellness exams are one of the most important ways to protect your pet’s long-term health. A nose-to-tail checkup gives our veterinarians the opportunity to evaluate your pet’s overall condition, establish a baseline for what’s normal, and spot potential concerns early—before they become more serious.
We’re proud to care for pets in Memorial, the Memorial Villages (Hedwig Village, Hunter’s Creek Village, Piney Point Village, and Bunker Hill Village), Spring Branch, and surrounding Houston communities.
Ready to schedule? Visit our Appointments page or contact us with questions.
Call: (713) 468-7955
New here? Start with our New Clients page, and save time by completing paperwork on our Forms page before your visit.
Why Regular Wellness Exams Matter
Pets are experts at hiding illness. Even when your dog or cat seems “fine,” subtle changes can be easy to miss at home. Routine wellness exams help us track trends over time—like gradual weight changes, dental disease, skin and ear issues, or early mobility discomfort.
Wellness visits also give you dedicated time to ask questions about behavior, diet, preventive care, or anything else you’ve noticed. If your pet needs additional services, we can discuss next steps and coordinate care through our full veterinary services.
- Early detection: Identify concerns sooner for better outcomes.
- Baseline health: Track what’s normal for your pet over time.
- Prevention planning: Build a realistic plan for vaccines, parasites, nutrition, and more.
What We Check During a Pet Wellness Exam
A wellness exam is a comprehensive physical assessment combined with a conversation about your pet’s lifestyle. While every patient is unique, your visit commonly includes:
- Full physical exam: Eyes, ears, nose, mouth/teeth, skin/coat, heart/lungs, abdomen, and lymph nodes
- Weight & body condition: Helpful for identifying gradual weight gain/loss
- Mobility check: Joints, gait, comfort, and activity level
- Nutrition discussion: Diet questions, treats, feeding amounts, and goals (see nutritional counseling)
- Dental screening: Gum health, tartar buildup, and next steps (learn about dental care)
- Prevention review: Lifestyle-based parasite and vaccine planning (see parasite prevention and vaccinations)
If you’re interested in permanent ID, ask us about microchipping during your wellness visit.
Preventive Care You Can Combine With a Wellness Visit
Many families prefer to handle preventive care in one visit. Depending on your pet’s needs and history, we may recommend discussing:
- Vaccinations based on your pet’s lifestyle and local risk factors
- Parasite prevention planning for fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites
- Nutrition support for healthy weight and life-stage needs
- Microchipping for added peace of mind
- Dental care recommendations if we see signs of dental disease
If your pet needs medications or preventives, you can often pick them up through our fully stocked pharmacy. We also offer an online pharmacy option for additional convenience.
Wellness Exams by Life Stage
Your pet’s needs change over time. We tailor wellness care recommendations based on age, lifestyle, and medical history:
- Puppies & kittens: New-pet exams, prevention planning, and guidance for a healthy start (see puppy & kitten care)
- Adult pets: Ongoing prevention, weight monitoring, and dental/skin/ear support
- Senior pets: Added focus on comfort, mobility, and quality of life (see senior pet care)
If your pet is aging or slowing down, we can discuss comfort-focused options like pain management and laser therapy.
Diagnostics & Next Steps (When Needed)
If we find something that needs a closer look, we may recommend diagnostic testing or imaging. This can help us move from “something feels off” to a clearer plan.
- Digital radiology (X-rays) to evaluate bones, joints, and internal concerns
- Ultrasound for a more detailed look at certain internal organs
- Electrocardiography (ECG/EKG) when heart rhythm information is needed
If your pet needs a procedure after an exam, we can also discuss our surgery options, including soft tissue and orthopedic surgery.
When It’s Not a Routine Visit
If your pet is sick or injured, a wellness exam may not be the right appointment type. We offer urgent care during business hours through work-in appointments—please call first so we can guide you.
For true emergencies (especially after hours), visit our Emergency page for guidance and local emergency hospital recommendations.
For end-of-life support, our team provides compassionate hospice and euthanasia services when needed.
Call: (713) 468-7955
Staying on Track Between Visits
Consistency is key for prevention. To make things easier, ask about:
- Text reminders for appointment times and important pet-owner info
- Medication and preventive refills through our fully stocked pharmacy
Want to learn more about our hospital and team? Visit About Us and Our Team.
FAQs About Pet Wellness Exams
How often should my pet have a wellness exam?
Many pets benefit from routine wellness exams at least once per year. Puppies, kittens, and senior pets may benefit from more frequent checkups depending on their needs. If you’re not sure what schedule is best, our veterinarians can recommend a plan during your visit.
What should I bring to my pet’s wellness appointment?
Bring any prior medical records you have (especially vaccine history), a list of current medications/supplements, and notes about changes you’ve noticed (appetite, thirst, energy, itching, coughing, bathroom habits, etc.). If you’re a new client, you can complete paperwork ahead of time on our Forms page.
Can my pet get vaccines during a wellness exam?
Often, yes. We commonly review prevention needs during wellness visits, including vaccinations and parasite prevention. Recommendations vary based on your pet’s lifestyle and health history.
Do you offer same-day appointments?
Same-day visits may be available. Please call (713) 468-7955 or check our Appointments page for the best next step.
What if my pet is sick—should I book a wellness exam?
If your pet is showing concerning symptoms, please call first. We may recommend urgent care during business hours. For after-hours emergencies, visit our Emergency page.
Do you have options to help me remember appointments?
Yes—ask about our text reminders to help you stay on schedule.
What are your business hours?
Mon – Fri: 7:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am – 12:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Where are you located?
We are located at 8785 Gaylord Dr, Houston, TX 77024.
Need accommodations when visiting? Please see our Accessibility page. For additional clinic information, you may also want to read our resource on how to protect yourself and your pets from COVID-19.
Schedule a Wellness Exam at Village Veterinary Clinic
To schedule your pet’s wellness exam, please contact us or visit our Appointments page. You can also explore our complete list of services, including boarding, dental care, and advanced diagnostics.
Call: (713) 468-7955
Village Veterinary Clinic
8785 Gaylord Dr
Houston, TX 77024