How Much Does a Puppy Check Up Usually Cost at the Vet?

Bringing a new puppy into the household is exciting. After your puppy has been given a name and a new collar and has fallen into your lap, it is time to schedule its first checkup at the veterinarian's office. Talk to friends or pet store employees and browse the phone book for vet options. Since prices will vary, ask for a price quote when you schedule your appointment. Don't be surprised by an initial office visit fee of $20 to $40 on top of fees for vaccinations, city licenses and blood tests. Often, a first visit to the vet may cost $75 to $100 if the new pet parent opts for vaccinations and blood tests.

When scheduling your puppy's first vet appointment, ask the scheduler what is recommended for your age of puppy. Many breeders or shelters will administer initial vaccines, and your new pet may not require an entire series of shots. Don't be surprised if the vet wants to administer shots for distemper, corona, parvo, kennel cough and, when older, rabies. Blood tests to scan for heartworms and other illnesses may be suggested.

Your veterinarian may recommend a few maintenance drugs for your pet. Pills to prevent heartworm can be given to dogs once a month, under the direction of a veterinarian. This prescription-level medication is available only at vet offices and can cost up to $5 a pill. If your puppy is older than 12 weeks old, the vet may also recommend flea, tick and mosquito repellent. The monthly application can be done at home, but the product has to be purchased at a vet clinic or large pet retail store. These treatments cost from a few dollars to $20 a month, depending on the brand.

During your first trip to a vet's office with a new puppy, the vet will do a full exam. The vet should feel the puppy's entire body, checking for any abnormalities, swelling or growths. The vet will look inside of the dog's ears and at his teeth and will often take a fecal sample for testing. To prepare your pet for such a thorough exam, play with his ears and paws and rub his back. Get him used to touching on all areas of his body. This will make the exam go more smoothly.

A puppy's first visit to the vet should be soon after you bring him hope. If he has any illnesses or other issues, you'll want to take care of them immediately. You don't want to bring home a new puppy---and a batch of fleas for your other pets.

If the puppy came from another household, ask the previous owners what vet they were using. Try to get a complete printed record of the vaccinations and testing already performed. You want to avoid over-vaccinating the puppy.