What is an Establishing Care Vet Appointment and Why is it Important?

An “establishing care” appointment is the initial visit with a new veterinarian or when an existing client brings in a new pet. This first appointment is much more than a simple check-up; it is a critical step in setting up a trusted, long-term partnership to keep your pet healthy. 

At the Bond Between Vet Center, we pride ourselves in giving the best experience for your first and all the visits that follow, by listening to you and giving your pet the best care. 

The core purpose of this initial establishing care exam is to create the required Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR).

By law, Minnesota requires a VCPR for a veterinarian to diagnose or treat an animal and to prescribe or dispense medications.

The VCPR is a legal and ethical requirement that allows the veterinarian to:

• Legally give medical advice over the phone or in follow-up communication.

• Diagnose conditions and provide treatment recommendations.

• Prescribe medications, including important pain relievers, antibiotics, and parasite preventives, which cannot be dispensed without a valid VCPR.

  
  

Without a VCPR, a veterinarian can only provide general, emergency, or over-the-counter care. Establishing care ensures they can act decisively when your pet truly needs them.

What Happens During an Establishing Care Appointment?

This visit is typically the most thorough and longest appointment a new patient will have. It usually includes three main components:

1. Comprehensive Physical Exam

The veterinarian performs a nose-to-tail examination to establish a baseline of your pet’s overall health. This includes:

• Weight and Body Condition Score (BCS): Assessing if your pet is underweight, overweight, or ideal.

• Ears and Eyes: Checking for infections, inflammation, or vision issues.

• Oral Health: The veterinarian does a comprehensive oral exam that includes assessing the teeth and gums for signs of periodontal disease - plaque and tartar build up, and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), or broken teeth and also evaluate for oral masses, dental malocclusions, or anything else abnormal in the oral cavity.

• Heart and Lungs: Listening with a stethoscope for murmurs, arrhythmias, or abnormal lung sounds (crackles or wheezing).

• Skin and Coat: Checking for parasites (fleas/ticks), lumps, or dermatological issues.

• Musculoskeletal: Gently palpating joints and muscles for pain or mobility issues.

2. Review of Medical History and Lifestyle

The veterinarian and veterinary technician will take a detailed history, covering:

• Vaccination Status: Ensuring your pet is protected against common viruses and diseases.

• Parasite Prevention: Confirming appropriate use of preventives for protection against heartworm disease, flea infestation, and ticks.

• Diet and Nutrition: Discussing the type and amount of food and treats your pet receives.

• Behavior and Environment: Understanding your pet’s daily routine, exposure to other animals, travel history, and any behavior concerns.

• Past Medical Issues: Reviewing previous surgeries, diagnoses, and medications.

It is important that you discuss past medical history and share the records during this visit. 

3. Proactive Planning

Based on the physical exam and history, the veterinarian will develop a personalized wellness plan, which may include:

• Recommendations for necessary blood work, fecal tests, or X-rays.

• Scheduling for any overdue vaccinations or a dental cleaning.

• Discussion of future procedures or surgeries recommended (dental cleaning, mass removal, etc).

How to Prepare for Your Visit

To ensure a smooth and productive first appointment, you should bring:

• Previous Medical Records: This is essential! Call your previous vet to have them emailed or bring printed copies.

• Medication and Food Labels: Bring the packaging or take a photo of all current foods, supplements, and medications (even over-the-counter ones).

• A Detailed List of Questions: Write down any questions or concerns you have about diet, behavior, or anything else you've noticed about your pet.

The Long-Term Importance

Starting with an establishing-care visit sets the foundation for a trusted, long-term partnership. It allows the veterinarian to:

• Catch Early Concerns: A baseline exam helps identify subtle problems—like a quiet heart murmur or early dental disease—that can be managed more effectively before they become severe.

• Personalize Care: A deep understanding of your pet's lifestyle (e.g., a dog that frequents dog parks versus an indoor-only cat) ensures that diagnostic tests, vaccinations, and preventives are tailored exactly to their risk profile.

• Ensure Timely Treatment: Once the VCPR is established, if your pet has an acute issue (e.g., a sudden ear infection or diarrhea), existing clients would likely be able to get an appointment sooner than an owner who isn't a current client of the practice.

  
  

In summary, the establishing care appointment is the single most important step in taking responsibility for your pet's ongoing health and well-being.

The Bond Between Vet Center is currently accepting new clients. Please Request An Appointment or call us: 952-855-8090 to set you your Establishing care appointment.