Puppy & Kitten Care in Prior Lake, MN
For growing pets, 7 weeks to 1 year.
Building a Healthy Start for Life
Your puppy or kitten’s first year is full of growth and change. Regular wellness visits allow us to track development, provide essential vaccinations, and prevent common health issues early. We typically recommend visits at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age, where our veterinarians will perform thorough exams and help you understand how to care for your new pet at home.
Each visit is an opportunity for education we’ll discuss nutrition, parasite prevention, training, and behavior to help you feel confident and informed as your puppy or kitten grows.
What to Expect During Early Care Visits
Our puppy and kitten care program includes everything your young pet needs for a strong start:
- Comprehensive physical exams to monitor growth, weight, and development.
- Vaccination series customized to your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors.
- Nutritional assessments to ensure balanced diets that support healthy growth.
- Parasite prevention for protection against fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites.
- Behavior and socialization guidance to promote positive lifelong habits.
We’ll take the time to answer your questions and ensure you have all the information you need to care for your growing pet.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
- Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza (DHPP)
- Canine Influenza
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
- Rabies (administered by 16 weeks)
- Leptospirosis (based on exposure risk)
- Lyme Disease (for dogs exposed to ticks)
Kitten Vaccination Schedule
Kitten Wellness Care also includes age-appropriate vaccines to protect your feline from common and serious illnesses:
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Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP)
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Rabies (administered by 16 weeks)
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Feline Leukemia (FeLV) for kittens under one year or those with outdoor exposure
Why Early Veterinary Care Matters
Early veterinary care is about more than vaccines—it’s about building trust, preventing disease, and establishing good habits for life. Regular wellness visits during this first year help detect and treat potential problems before they become serious. They also allow our team to create a lasting partnership with you, ensuring consistent, compassionate care as your pet grows.
At River Valley Veterinary Service, we also encourage early socialization for puppies through safe, structured experiences such as our Pups ‘R Us training class designed to build confidence and support healthy development.
Helpful Resources for New Pet Owners
Caring for a new puppy or kitten comes with lots of questions—and we’re here to help every step of the way. Visit our Resource Library for helpful videos and articles on training, nutrition, behavior, and overall care for your growing pet. It’s a great way to continue learning between visits and give your new companion the best possible start in life.
Supporting Lifelong Health from the Very Start
Early veterinary care sets the foundation for a lifetime of wellness. At River Valley Veterinary Service, our experienced team provides comprehensive puppy and kitten care focused on prevention, education, and compassionate support. We combine advanced medical expertise with genuine partnership—helping new pet owners build healthy routines and confidence in caring for their young companions. Families throughout Prior Lake and the surrounding areas trust our team to guide their pets’ growth with professionalism, empathy, and individualized attention.
Comprehensive Services
Puppy & Kitten Care
Wellness Care
Senior Pet Care
Urgent Pet Care
Dentistry
Diagnostics
Regenerative Therapy
Surgery
Boarding
Grooming
Daycare
End-Of-Life Care