Puppy & Kitten Carein Miller Place, NY

Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is exciting — and getting their care right from day one sets them up for a long, healthy life. At Miller Place Animal Hospital, our AAHA-accredited team helps new pet families across Miller Place and Suffolk County start their puppy or kitten off strong.

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Why Early Care Matters

The first few months of your pet’s life are a critical window. Early veterinary care isn’t just about vaccines — it’s about starting with a clean slate, catching any issues before they take hold, and establishing the routines that shape your pet’s health for years to come. Puppies and kittens are curious, fast-growing, and vulnerable to preventable diseases, so starting care early gives them the strongest possible foundation.

Your Puppy or Kitten’s First Visit

We recommend bringing your new puppy or kitten in as soon as possible — ideally within a few days of bringing them home. If your pet came from a breeder or shelter, ask when they were last seen and which vaccines they’ve already received, since the schedule depends on their age. In general, first exams and the initial round of vaccines and dewormers begin around six to nine weeks of age.

During that first visit, we perform a thorough nose-to-tail exam — checking eyes, ears, and nose, listening for respiratory viruses, examining teeth and gums, checking the roof of the mouth, feeling for hernias, and palpating the abdomen. We’ll also check a stool sample for intestinal parasites and get your pet started on flea and tick prevention. For kittens, this first visit typically includes testing for feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

Building a Foundation of Health

A strong start covers several areas that work together.

Your pet’s vaccine series is the cornerstone. Puppies and kittens return every few weeks for boosters until around four months of age, building the immunity they need as protection from their mother’s milk fades. Core vaccines for kittens include FVRCP and rabies, while puppies follow their own core series. We also start young pets on parasite prevention early — protecting against fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites — and we’ll talk with you about nutrition suited to your pet’s rapid growth. Kittens are obligate carnivores with specific dietary needs, and we’ll help you choose the right food and make any transitions gradually. For both puppies and kittens, we’ll plan ahead for spaying or neutering, which generally happens around six months of age.

Just as important is everything that happens at home. Early training, socialization, and routine shape your pet’s behavior for life. Play biting and scratching are normal for kittens and puppies alike — we’re happy to share tips on gently redirecting that behavior so your new companion learns good habits from the start.

Trusted Care for Your New Companion

As an AAHA-accredited hospital serving Miller Place for over 50 years, we’ve welcomed countless puppies and kittens into healthy lives. We’ll partner with you every step of the way, answering your questions and making sure your new family member gets exactly the care they need. As your pet grows, our pet wellness and preventive care keeps them thriving at every stage.