Exams &
Consultations

Your pet can't tell you something feels off. A routine exam is how we find out.

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Years Serving

> 13K

Patients Served with Care

4.9

Client Rating

What Are Pet Exams and Consultations?

A wellness exam is the foundation of your pet’s health care. At Lakeville Family Pet Clinic, a routine exam is more than a quick once-over — it’s a comprehensive nose-to-tail evaluation that gives our veterinarians a complete picture of how your pet is doing right now, and how they’ve been doing over time.

During a wellness exam, your veterinarian will check your pet’s weight, temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate, examine their eyes, ears, teeth, skin, and coat, assess their joints and musculoskeletal health, listen to their heart and lungs, and palpate the abdomen to check for any abnormalities. It’s also the appointment where you can ask anything — about your pet’s diet, behavior, energy levels, or anything you’ve noticed at home.

We also see pets for sick visits and consultations when something feels wrong. Whether your dog is limping, your cat has stopped eating, or you just have a concern you can’t quite put your finger on, our team takes the time to listen, evaluate, and give you honest answers.

As an AAHA-accredited clinic, every exam at Lakeville Family Pet Clinic is held to the highest standards in veterinary medicine — which means your pet gets the same quality of care you’d expect from a specialty practice, right here in Lakeville.

What to Expect at Your Visit

Check-In

Our front desk team will greet you and your pet, confirm your information, and get you settled. New clients are welcomed with a quick walkthrough so nothing feels unfamiliar.

Meet With a Veterinarian

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam from nose to tail — checking vitals, palpating the abdomen, assessing joint health, and reviewing dental condition. This is your time to ask questions, too.

Nose-to-Tail Physical Assessment

Eyes, ears, coat, lymph nodes, heart, lungs, abdomen, joints — everything gets checked. We're building a picture of what's normal for your pet so we can catch changes before they become problems.

Discussion and Recommendations

We'll walk you through what we found, what looks good, and what we want to keep an eye on. If follow-up testing, a diet change, or a referral makes sense, we'll explain the reasoning clearly.

Vaccinations or Preventive Care (if due)

If vaccines, parasite prevention, or other preventive treatments are due, we'll take care of them during the same visit — no extra trip needed.

Checkout

We'll schedule any follow-up appointments, send home any medications or preventives, and make sure you leave with a clear plan and no open questions.

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Why Regular Pet Exams Matter

Pets age faster than people do. A lot can change in a year — and even more can go unnoticed until a problem becomes serious. Regular exams are how we catch things early, when they’re most treatable.

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Benefits of Annual Exams

Early detection of disease before symptoms appear
Establishing a baseline so changes are easier to spot
Keeping vaccinations and preventive care on schedule
Catching dental disease, weight changes, and joint issues early
Peace of mind that your pet is genuinely healthy — not just “seems fine”

Risks of Skipping

Conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, and cancer often show no visible symptoms until advanced stages
Dental disease affects over 80% of pets by age 3 and causes chronic pain that's easy to miss
Skipped vaccines mean your pet loses protection against serious, preventable illness
Minor issues (a small lump, a slight limp) become bigger problems when left unchecked
Longer gaps between visits make it harder for your vet to spot what's changed

Signs Your Pet May Be Due for an Exam

You don't always need an obvious reason to bring your pet in — but here are some signs it's time to schedule a visit.

It’s been more than a year since their last wellness exam
You’ve noticed a change in their eating, drinking, or bathroom habits
They seem less energetic or interested in things they used to enjoy
They’re sleeping more than usual or seem restless
You’ve spotted a new lump, bump, or skin change
Their weight has changed noticeably in either direction
They’re limping, or you notice changes in how they move
Their coat has gotten worse or they’re pawing at their face or ears
They’ve just brought home a new puppy or kitten
You have questions and just want a professional opinion

Ready to Schedule Your Pet's Exam?

We serve Lakeville, Apple Valley, Rosemount, Farmington, Burnsville, Eagan, Prior Lake, and surrounding areas. Getting started is easy.

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(952) 595-6500

Frequently Asked Questions

F.A.Q

What happens during a routine wellness exam at Lakeville Family Pet Clinic?
Every exam starts with a nose-to-tail physical assessment — your vet will check your pet’s weight, teeth, ears, eyes, coat, and overall body condition. We also review your pet’s health history, discuss any concerns you’ve noticed at home, and make recommendations for vaccinations, preventive care, and diagnostics if needed. You’ll always leave with a clear picture of where your pet’s health stands.
How often should my dog or cat have a wellness exam?
Most healthy adult dogs and cats should come in once a year. Puppies, kittens, and senior pets typically need more frequent visits — every 3 to 6 months — because their health can change quickly. Your vet will recommend a schedule based on your pet’s age, breed, and health history.
Is a wellness exam the same thing as an annual checkup?
Yes — a wellness exam, annual checkup, and routine physical are all the same visit. It’s a scheduled appointment focused on your pet’s overall health, not a specific illness or injury. Think of it as a regular baseline check so your vet can catch anything unusual early.
What should I bring to my pet's first exam?
If you have any previous vet records, vaccination history, or a list of current medications, bring those along. It’s also helpful to jot down any behavioral or physical changes you’ve noticed — even small things. If your pet is on a prescription diet or supplements, bring those details too. A fresh stool sample is always appreciated if you can bring one. And please make sure dogs are on a leash and cats are in a secure carrier when you arrive.
Do you see both dogs and cats?
Yes. Lakeville Family Pet Clinic provides wellness exams and full veterinary care for dogs and cats. We serve pet families in Lakeville, Apple Valley, Farmington, Rosemount, Burnsville, Eagan, and the surrounding Dakota County communities.