Caring for Your New Puppy or Kitten
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is exciting — and a big responsibility. These early months are a critical window for setting up your pet’s lifelong health, behavior, and comfort. At Parker Animal Care, we provide the foundational care young pets need: timely wellness visits, customized vaccination plans, parasite prevention, nutrition guidance, and more.
We also help you make sense of the behavioral changes, energy spikes, and growth milestones that come with puppy and kitten development — so you’re never left guessing. Whether it’s your first pet or your fifth, we’ll guide you with practical advice, proven care plans, and the local support you can count on.
We Got You, Austin — from day one.
Why Early Veterinary Visits Matter
Unlike adult dogs and cats, puppies and kittens need a series of veterinary visits during their first 8–16 weeks. Because their immune systems are still developing, they require multiple rounds of vaccinations spaced 3–4 weeks apart to build strong, lasting protection.
Most pets complete their core vaccine series around 4 months of age, though timing can vary depending on individual health, lifestyle, and risk factors. At each visit, we’ll track their growth, keep vaccinations on schedule, and start them on essential monthly parasite prevention — including protection against heartworms, fleas, and intestinal parasites.
Puppy Care
Start Strong with Trusted, Individualized CareCongratulations on your new puppy! Whether you're raising a tiny Chihuahua or a future Great Dane, we’re here to help your dog grow up healthy, happy, and well-protected.
To set your puppy up for a long, healthy life, we recommend a core care plan that includes vaccinations, microchipping, and a spay or neuter procedure. For large and giant breeds, early screening for hip dysplasia is also a smart step.
Before your puppy is fully vaccinated, it’s best to avoid high-risk areas like dog parks or daycare facilities. This helps protect your pup — and others — from contagious diseases during their most vulnerable stage.
Core vaccines we recommend for all dogs include:
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
- Rabies
Additional vaccines may be recommended based on your puppy’s lifestyle:
- Leptospirosis
- Canine Influenza
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
Our team will work with you to determine the right vaccine plan based on your dog’s breed, age, risk factors, and routine.
Kitten Care
Smart Starts for a Healthy, Happy CatThinking about adopting a kitten? We're just as excited to meet them as you are.
If you already have cats at home, we recommend testing your new kitten for Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) before introductions. Even if testing isn’t needed, it’s still a good idea to keep your new kitten separated at first. A spare room, like a laundry area, works well for a short adjustment period. Swap out bedding between your cats to help them get familiar with each other’s scent before supervised introductions — this helps reduce stress and improves long-term bonding.
For safety and longevity, we also recommend keeping your cat indoors. Outdoor risks — like traffic, disease, and predators — often outweigh the benefits of unsupervised roaming.
During your kitten’s early wellness visits, we recommend these core vaccines:
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
- Rabies
- FELV (Feline Leukemia)
We’ll also talk with you about microchipping and spaying/neutering, both important for long-term health and safety.
