Pet Wellness Exams in Arlington, VA

At Cherrydale Veterinary Clinic, preventive care is the foundation of a long, healthy life for your pet. Our wellness exams for dogs and cats are tailored to each pet’s breed, age, and lifestyle, helping us prevent illness and catch concerns early. Serving Arlington and the surrounding DC metro area, seven days a week.

What’s Included in a Wellness Visit

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough, “nose-to-tail” exam, partnering with you to develop a preventive plan based on your pet’s individual needs — combining physical exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and screening to keep your dog or cat healthy at every stage.

Nose-to-Tail Exams

A complete physical check from head to tail, so we can spot concerns early, often before any symptoms appear.

Vaccines & Prevention

Core and lifestyle vaccinations, plus parasite and heartworm prevention, tailored to your pet’s age and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wondering what wellness care looks like for your pet? Here are answers to some of the questions Arlington pet owners ask us most about exams, vaccines, and preventive care.

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How often does my pet need a wellness exam?

We recommend a wellness exam for your dog or cat at least once a year, and every six months for many pets. Because pets age faster than we do, twice-yearly visits help our Arlington team catch subtle changes early, when they're often easier to treat or manage.
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What happens during a wellness exam at Cherrydale?

Our veterinarian performs a nose-to-tail physical exam, checks your pet's weight and teeth, and reviews diet, behavior, and parasite prevention. We'll update any vaccines that are due and may recommend diagnostic testing to get a fuller picture of your pet's health.
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When should I bring in a new puppy or kitten?

As early as six to eight weeks. Puppies and kittens need a series of visits through about 16 weeks for their vaccine series and parasite testing, followed by spay or neuter and microchipping around six months of age.
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Do I need an exam before my pet's vaccinations?

Yes. We require a wellness exam before administering any vaccine, to make sure your pet is healthy enough to receive it. It's a simple step that keeps every visit safe and lets us tailor care to your pet's needs.

Wellness Care for Every Life Stage

Pets require different levels of care and attention as they transition through life stages . For puppies and kittens, we focus on foundational vaccines, parasite prevention, and a healthy beginning. For adult dogs and cats, semi-annual exams, vaccines, and year-round parasite prevention keep them thriving. As pets grow older, our Pet Geriatric Care helps them stay comfortable and healthy in their senior years. Adding a new puppy or kitten? Download our recommended wellness schedules.

Why Preventive Care Matters

Catching problems early gives your pet the best chance at a long, healthy life

Preventive care is the most effective — and least expensive — way to protect your pet’s health. Routine exams let our team establish a baseline, monitor changes over time, and address small issues before they become serious. It’s care built around your individual pet, not a one-size-fits-all schedule.
A golden cocker spaniel sits on a wooden floor, wearing a black and white bandana, next to a fluffy dog bed.