Preventive care

Wellness exams that catch the small things early

A yearly check-up is the single best thing you can do for your dog or cat. It's how we spot trouble while it's still easy to treat - and how our team gets to know your pet long before anything's wrong.

Veterinarian gently examining a cat held by a technician at Chappelle Small Animal Hospital
What's included

A full picture of your pet's health

Every wellness visit covers the essentials - no rushing, no upselling, just a thorough look and a clear plan.

  • Nose-to-tail physical examWe check eyes, ears, mouth, skin, heart, lungs, joints and abdomen for anything out of the ordinary.
  • Weight & body-condition checkSmall changes in weight are often the first clue to a problem worth catching early.
  • Vaccine & parasite reviewA plan tailored to your pet's age, lifestyle and the realities of living in Northern Colorado.
  • Dental & nutrition guidanceHonest advice on teeth, diet and weight - the everyday things that add healthy years.
  • Behavior & lifestyle conversationTime to talk through anything you've noticed at home, from appetite to mobility to mood.
  • A clear, written planYou leave knowing exactly what your pet needs next - and what can wait.
Why it matters

Pets are experts at hiding when something's wrong

Dogs and cats instinctively mask pain and illness, so by the time you notice symptoms at home, a condition may be well underway. A regular exam lets our doctors catch the quiet, early signals - a heart murmur, a sore tooth, a slow weight change - when they're most treatable.

It also builds a baseline. Knowing what's normal for your pet means we can recognize the moment something shifts - and act sooner, with less worry and lower cost for you.

Chappelle veterinary staff treating a patient in the treatment area
Related care

Care that often goes hand in hand

Good to know

Wellness exam FAQ

The questions Fort Collins pet owners ask us most.

How often does my pet need a wellness exam?
Most healthy adult dogs and cats do best with a check-up once a year. Puppies, kittens and senior pets (roughly age seven and up) usually benefit from a visit every six months, so we can catch age-related changes before they become problems.
What happens during the exam?
A full nose-to-tail physical, a weight and body-condition check, and an unhurried conversation about diet, behavior and lifestyle - then a tailored plan for vaccines, parasite prevention and any screening your pet may need.
Do I have to be an existing client?
Not at all - new clients are always welcome. Call (970) 482-7595 or request a visit online and we'll get you scheduled, often within a few days.
Will my pet need bloodwork?
Not always. For young, healthy pets the exam may be enough. For seniors, or before any anesthetic procedure, we often recommend in-house blood and urine testing for a fuller picture - and we'll always explain why before anything is done.

Schedule your pet's wellness visit

New clients are always welcome - and we're open seven days a week, evenings and weekends included.