At Community Animal Care, we believe that great veterinary care begins with trust and builds over time. As a locally owned animal hospital serving the Poughkeepsie area since 1961, we’ve built long-standing relationships with generations of pet families. Our approach is rooted in warmth, personalized attention, and a commitment to helping your cat or dog live a healthy, happy life.
We proudly care for pets throughout Dutchess County and the surrounding Hudson Valley, including Pleasant Valley, Lagrange, Hyde Park, Highland, Wappingers Falls, and more. Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy or navigating your pet’s golden years, we’re here to support you with thoughtful, individualized care, every step of the way.
Is your pet due for a visit? Call us today at (845) 471-7459 or request an appointment online. We’re here to help you plan for many healthy tomorrows.
What’s Included in Your Pet’s Wellness Exam
Every wellness exam includes a full nose-to-tail physical assessment and a chance to connect with our team about your pet’s day-to-day health and habits. We’ll check:
Weight and body condition
Eyes, ears, and mouth
Skin and coat quality
Heart and lung function
Abdominal organs and musculoskeletal structure
Lymph nodes and neurological reflexes
We’ll also take the time to review your pet’s diet, behavior, lifestyle, and vaccine history. We may also recommend screening tests such as bloodwork, heartworm and tick-borne disease tests, a fecal test, or a urinalysis to get a clearer picture of your pet’s internal health.
How Often Should My Pet Have a Wellness Exam?
Routine visits build a health history that helps us spot subtle changes over time, which is especially important when pets can’t tell us how they’re feeling. Here’s what you can expect at each stage of your pet’s life:
Puppies and Kittens:
We recommend wellness visits every 3–4 weeks until they’re around 16 weeks old. These visits help us monitor growth, deliver vaccinations on schedule, and set your pet up for long-term health.
Adult Dogs and Cats (1–7 years):
Once a year is ideal to catch potential issues early and keep vaccinations, parasite prevention, and overall health on track.
Senior Pets (7+ years):
As pets age, their needs change, sometimes quickly. We recommend exams every 6 months to monitor for age-related conditions like arthritis, kidney disease, or heart changes that benefit from early intervention.
Set Your Pet Up for a Lifetime of Wellness
Wellness care isn’t just about preventing problems; it’s about supporting a lifetime of good days. When you bring your pet in for a checkup at our Poughkeepsie animal hospital, you’re doing more than staying on top of vaccines and vitals. You’re giving them the best shot at a happy, healthy life. And we’re honored to be part of that journey with you.
Ready to schedule your pet’s next wellness visit?
Give us a call at (845) 471-7459 or book online. We can’t wait to see you both.