Whether you are purchasing or adopting a new cat or dog, we are so excited for you! This is an amazing time when you are introducing a new family member, making new bonds, and forging new memories. We are here to help and want to make sure this transition goes as smoothly as possible. Below are some things we think you should know to make sure you are fully prepared before taking on a new fur-baby.

Pre-Purchase or Adoption Consultations

DID YOU KNOW? Having an in person consultation with a veterinarian before purchasing or adopting an animal is possible.

This is an opportunity for you to talk about what you’re looking for in a dog or cat, find out about genetic predispositions for the breed, pet health insurance, basic care of your animal, vaccination protocols, preventions, or basically anything else you feel like you might need to know before making the commitment.

Many new pet owners do not know the basics of pet care and will turn to online resources to educate themselves. We know it can be very difficult to filter through all of that information and try to decipher what is credible or not. Let us help you with our advanced medical training and research skills. We love preparation and prevention since it is the key to a happy, healthy, and long life.

You can either call the office or request an appointment here to set up a pre-purchase or pre-adoption consultation with one of our veterinarians!

I’ve adopted! Now what?

DID YOU KNOW? It is important to get your new family member established with a veterinarian as soon as possible. An establishment examination allows our trained veterinarians to ensure their health status, review vaccination records to ensure they are properly protected, advise on parasite preventative recommendations based on lifestyle, review nutrition needs, and go over any initial behavioral or training needs.

Our goal is illness prevention by partnering with our clients.

I’ve decided to purchase. Now what?

DID YOU KNOW? Cats and dogs that are transported or offered for sale in the state of Florida must follow stringent rules in their examination, vaccinations, tests, and treatments PRIOR to transport or sale.

The following is a summary of the requirements, but the full Florida state statutes governing this can be found at Chapter 828 Section 29 – 2022 Florida Statutes (flsenate.gov).

  • Must be 8 weeks of age for transport or sale.
  • Must be examined and have all tests, vaccines, and deworming administered by or under the direction of a veterinarian who is licensed by the state AND is accredited by the USDA to perform official certificates of veterinary inspection. 
  • Official certificates of veterinary inspection are only valid for 30 days.
  • All dogs and cats being sold in the state of Florida must be accompanied by an official certificate of veterinary inspection at all times. A copy of this certificate MUST be provided to the buyer at the time of purchase. 
  • The seller must also provide the buyer with the following written notice, also known as the Florida Lemon Law:

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    It is the consumer’s right, pursuant to section 828.29, Florida Statutes, to receive a certificate of veterinary inspection with each dog or cat purchased from a pet dealer. Such certificate shall list all vaccines and deworming medications administered to the animal and shall state that the animal has been examined by a Florida-licensed veterinarian who certifies that, to the best of the veterinarian’s knowledge, the animal was found to have been healthy at the time of the veterinary examination. In the event that the consumer purchases the animal and finds it to have been unfit for purchase as provided in section 828.29(5), Florida Statutes, the consumer must notify the pet dealer within 2 business days of the veterinarian’s determination that the animal was unfit. The consumer has the right to retain, return, or exchange the animal and receive reimbursement for certain related veterinary services rendered to the animal, subject to the right of the dealer to have the animal examined by another veterinarian.
Dog Requirements
  • Physical examination
  • Fecal testing
  • Heartworm testing (if over 6 months of age)
  • Distemper vaccination
  • Leptospirosis vaccination (unless determined to not be in best medical interest as determined by the veterinarian)
  • Bordetella vaccination
  • Parainfluenza vaccination
  • Hepatitis vaccination
  • Canine parvovirus vaccination
  • Rabies vaccination (if over 3 months of age)
  • Deworming against roundworms and hookworms. 
  • Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection
Cat Requirements
  • Physical examination
  • Fecal testing
  • Feline leukemia testing
  • Panleukopenia vaccination
  • Feline viral rhinotracheitis vaccination
  • Calci virus vaccination
  • Rabies vaccination (if over 3 months of age)
  • Deworming against roundworms and hookworms.
  • Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection