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Rescue Puppy

Welcome to Puppy Parenthood!

Bringing a puppy into your home is an exciting and joyful time—but it also comes with a big responsibility. At our practice, we’re here to support you and your puppy every step of the way to ensure a healthy, confident, and happy adult dog.

Cute Puppy

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are vital for protecting your puppy from serious and potentially fatal diseases.

 
Our Core Puppy Vaccination Protocol:

We offer a two-dose course, typically:

  • 1st Vaccination (DHPPi and Lepto): 8–10 weeks of age

  • 2nd Vaccination (DHPPi and Lepto): 10–12 weeks of age

 

Your puppy is considered protected 1–2 weeks after the second vaccination.

Microchipping

It is a legal requirement in the UK for all puppies to be microchipped by 8 weeks of age.

If your puppy hasn’t been microchipped by the breeder, we can do this during your vaccination visit or a separate appointment. 

 

We’ll register your puppy’s microchip for you, and can advise how to keep your details updated if you move or change phone numbers.

Akita Puppy
Cute Puppy

Flea and Worming

Protecting your puppy from parasites is a key part of keeping them healthy:

  • Worming: We recommend monthly worming from 8 weeks of age to protect against roundworms, tapeworms, and lungworm.

    ​Flea & Tick Prevention: Monthly treatments starting from 8 weeks old. Options include spot-ons, tablets, or collars depending on your puppy’s age and lifestyle.

 

We’ll recommend the most effective and suitable product for your puppy’s age, breed, and weight—and help you stay on track with reminders if needed.

Socialization

The socialisation window is crucial—typically up to 16 weeks of age. During this time, your puppy should be exposed (safely) to:

  • People of different ages and appearances

  • Other vaccinated, friendly dogs

  • Noises, surfaces, environments (cars, parks, cafes)

  • Gentle handling, grooming, and vet visits

We encourage puppy classes once your puppy is vaccinated. Early training using positive reinforcement builds confidence and strengthens your bond.

Two puppies sleeping
Cute Kittens

Welcome to Kitten Parenthood!

Welcoming a kitten into your home is a fun and exciting time, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. We’re here to guide you through every step of your kitten’s first year—from vaccinations and parasite protection to neutering and socialisation.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations protect your kitten from several serious infectious diseases.

 

We follow a two-dose core schedule:

  • 1st Vaccination: 8–9 weeks old

  • 2nd Vaccination (3 weeks later): 11–12 weeks old

 

Protection develops 1–2 weeks after the second vaccination, after which your kitten can safely explore outdoors (if applicable).

Cat Being Cozy
Cat Lying

Microchipping

As of June 2024, it is a legal requirement in the UK for all owned cats to be microchipped by 20 weeks of age and for the owner's contact details to be kept up to date on a registered database.

 

Microchipping gives your kitten a permanent form of identification and significantly increases the chances of being reunited if lost or injured—especially if your cat will go outdoors.

 

We recommend microchipping your kitten:

  • During the vaccination course, or

  • At the time of neutering

 

We’ll register your kitten’s microchip for you, and can advise how to keep your details updated if you move or change phone numbers.

Flea and worming

Parasite protection is essential for growing kittens:

  • Worming: We recommend monthly worming from 8 weeks of age to protect against intestinal worms and lungworm. Lungworm, although more commonly associated with dogs, has been increasingly recognised in cats and can cause serious respiratory illness.

  • Flea Treatment: Begin monthly from 8 weeks of age. We’ll recommend a safe, effective product based on your kitten’s age and weight.

  • ​

Even indoor-only cats need parasite protection—fleas, worms, and other parasites can enter the home on shoes, clothing, or other pets.

Multi-Colored Cat
Kittens

Socialization

The socialisation window for kittens is around 2 to 9 weeks, but gentle, positive exposure should continue as they grow:

  • Get your kitten used to being handled (especially paws, ears, and mouth)

  • Introduce common household sounds (vacuum, music, doorbell)

  • Provide scratching posts, climbing areas, and interactive toys

  • Encourage calm introductions to other pets and visitors

  • ​

Handling and routine care early on helps make vet visits and grooming much easier in the future!

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