Adopting a puppy: first visit and preventive care

A puppy’s healthcare programme takes age and individual risk into account. The first veterinary assessment is the starting point.

First veterinary assessment

After adoption, the first veterinary assessment makes it possible to establish a healthcare programme suited to the individual puppy.

The veterinarian considers the animal’s age, condition and risk before planning vaccination and parasite control.

Vaccines and parasites

The vaccination schedule depends on age, maternal antibodies, environment and risk. Parasite control must also be tailored to the individual.

Medicines and vaccines should not be purchased or administered as a routine procedure without a veterinary assessment.

A responsible commitment

Adoption is an ongoing commitment. Responsible adults must assess their time, resources, daily care arrangements and ability to provide the necessary care.

Sources and document updates

This information is general and does not replace diagnosis, prescription or instructions from a veterinarian. For a medicine, the summary of product characteristics or package leaflet for the specific presentation is authoritative.

• WSAVA — Global vaccination guidelines (accessed 24/07/2026)
• ESCCAP — GL1 - Worm control in dogs and cats (accessed 24/07/2026)
• Italian Ministry of Health — Responsible pet ownership (accessed 24/07/2026)

Editorial transparency: sources are provided to allow the documents to be checked. Professional review is only declared after genuine approval by a qualified, identifiable person.