Backpacks are packed, schedules are getting reset, and everyone’s thinking about what’s due before the new season starts. It’s a good time to ask the same question about your dog: is their wellness care up to date? Between work, walks, and everything else on your plate, it’s easy to lose track of your dog’s last vet visit. If you’re a pet owner in Virginia Beach, here’s a quick checklist to see if your dog passes — and how VOTS makes it easy to get them caught up on dog vaccinations in Virginia Beach and a wellness check.
- It’sBeen a Year (Or You Can’t Remember)
Annual wellness visits aren’t just a formality. They’re your best chance to catch small issues — weight changes, dental problems, skin conditions — before they turn into bigger, more expensive ones. If you’re thinking, “Was it last spring or the spring before?” that’s your answer: it’s time. Not sure what a full year of care should even include? Our annual pet care checklist lays out everything your dog needs, month by month.
- Your Dog’s Vaccines Are Coming Due
Core vaccines like rabies and DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza) are typically boosted on a 1- to 3-year schedule depending on the vaccine and your dog’s history. Non-core vaccines — like Bordetella (kennel cough), leptospirosis, or canine influenza — may need more frequent boosters, especially if your dog goes to daycare, boarding, the dog park, or grooming appointments regularly. Not sure what’s due? Our vaccine clinic vs. veterinarian guide breaks down exactly which vaccines dogs need and why.
- You Have Boarding, Grooming, or Travel Coming Up
Most boarding facilities, groomers, and doggy daycares in Virginia Beach require proof of current vaccinations, and some ask for Bordetella specifically. If you’ve got a trip, a grooming appointment, or a boarding stay on the calendar, check your dog’s vaccine status now — not the day before you need the paperwork.
- You’ve Noticed a Change in Behavior or Energy
Increased thirst, less interest in walks, new stiffness getting up from a nap, or a sudden change in appetite are all worth a second look. Dogs are good at hiding discomfort, so subtle changes are often the first (and only) sign something’s off. A wellness exam gives a vet the chance to catch what you might be missing day to day.
- You Adopted or Rescued a Dog Recently
New to the family? Even if your new dog came with some vaccine records, it’s worth having a vet confirm what’s been done, what’s still needed, and get them started on a normal preventive care schedule — and consider microchipping if they aren’t already protected.
What to Expect at a VOTS Wellness & Vaccine Visit
At VOTS, dog vaccinations in Virginia Beach are built to be fast, straightforward, and affordable — no all-day vet visit required. A typical visit includes:
- A quick wellness check with one of our veterinary team members
- Core and non-core vaccines based on your dog’s lifestyle and vaccine history
- Clear, upfront pricing with no surprise fees — see our full services & pricing
- Friendly, low-stress handling for dogs who get nervous at the vet
Prefer not to think about it again for a while? Ask about our subscription service for recurring preventive care.
Convenient Locations Across the Area
VOTS has three clinics serving pet owners across the region: Great Neck and Greenbrier in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, and Oyster Point in Newport News. Whichever clinic is closest to you, you’ll get the same fast, affordable approach to preventive care.
Ready to Book?
If any of the five signs above sound familiar, consider that your dog’s report card — and it’s a good time to get them in for a wellness check and any due vaccines. Visit VOTS online to find your nearest location and reserve a spot — no long waits, no runaround, just straightforward care for your dog.