A wellness exam is the cornerstone of preventive care. Done annually, it gives us a complete picture of your pet's health, catches problems before they escalate, and keeps vaccinations and parasite prevention on schedule. South Pasadena Animal Hospital provides thorough wellness exams for dogs, cats, and exotic pets at our Alhambra clinic.
A wellness exam at SPAH is a complete nose-to-tail physical assessment. It typically takes 20 to 30 minutes and gives us a detailed snapshot of your pet's health. Here is what we evaluate:
Young pets need several visits in their first year to complete vaccine series, monitor growth, discuss spay/neuter timing, and establish a health baseline. We also answer the many questions new pet owners have during this stage.
Annual exams for healthy adult dogs and cats keep vaccines current, catch dental disease and weight changes, and screen for early signs of systemic illness that don't yet show symptoms. One visit a year is a small investment for years of healthy life.
Older pets benefit from semi-annual exams. We recommend blood panels and urinalysis at least once a year for seniors to monitor kidney function, thyroid levels, blood sugar, and liver health. Catching these conditions early makes a significant difference in management and quality of life.
Exotic pets have their own wellness schedules. Learn about exotic pet exams →
Adult dogs and cats once a year. Puppies and kittens several times in year one. Senior pets (7+ for dogs, 10+ for cats) twice a year. Exotic pets at least annually, with frequency depending on species and age.
A complete nose-to-tail physical covering eyes, ears, teeth, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, coat, and musculoskeletal system. We also review vaccination status, discuss diet, and recommend any age-appropriate diagnostics like bloodwork or fecal testing.
Bring prior vet records if you're a new client, a list of current medications, and a fresh fecal sample if parasite screening is due. For exotic pets, notes on diet and husbandry setup are very helpful.
Yes. Dental disease, early kidney disease, heart murmurs, and other conditions are often detectable on exam before symptoms appear. Yearly visits are how we find these things when they're easiest to manage.
We are not currently accepting new dog or cat clients, but established clients are welcome for wellness visits. New exotic patients are accepted. Call (626) 441-1314 or book online.
Core and lifestyle vaccines tailored to your pet's species, age, and risk factors.
Learn more →Permanent ID for your pet — a quick, painless procedure done at your wellness visit.
Learn more →Comprehensive exams for reptiles, birds, rabbits, and other non-traditional pets.
Learn more →We're at 3116 W Main St in Alhambra. Established clients can book online. Exotic patients are welcome. View our pricing before you arrive.