How long does a senior pet check take?
Plan for about 45 minutes in the clinic. The consult itself is booked as a 30-minute slot, plus time for the blood draw, blood pressure reading and collecting a urine sample. We don't rush these — every senior pet check is designed to be calm and unhurried.
Does my pet need to fast beforehand?
No — there's no need to fast. Bloods can be done at any time of day, so we work around what suits you. We'll collect a urine sample during the visit too — no need to bring one from home.
Can my pet have their vaccinations at the same visit?
Yes — if the consult and bloodwork show your pet is clinically healthy on the day, we can do vaccinations at the same visit. And because the consult is already being done, it's just $38 extra for the vaccine itself — instead of $142–$215 if booked separately. One calm appointment, complete senior care, real savings.
What does it cost to add a vaccine?
Just $38 — and that applies whether it's a dog or cat, in clinic or at home. It's so much cheaper than a standalone vaccination ($142 cat / $154 dog in clinic, or $195 / $215 at home) because the consult and exam time are already part of the Golden Years Check. You're paying for the vaccine itself, not a separate visit.
When will I get the results?
Most blood and urine results are back from our pathology lab in about two days. Once they're in, our reception team will be in touch to find a time that suits you for Dr Anna, Dr Sonja or Dr Melody to call and walk through everything personally — no impersonal results-by-text.
What happens if something is found?
If anything needs follow-up — imaging, a dental quote, medication, a diet change — we'll talk you through it clearly and give you a quote upfront. Nothing extra happens without your go-ahead. Many "findings" are easily managed once identified — the goal is for the news to be early news.
Is the package price the final price?
The bundled price covers everything in the package — consult, full bloods, urine, blood pressure, body condition and oral check, and (for dogs) the lymphoma screen. If during the consult we find something that needs additional investigation, we'll quote that separately before going ahead.
What if my pet is very anxious at the vet?
Please tell us when you book. Bringing the whole workup into one calm, unhurried visit is part of the reason we built this package this way. We can also discuss gentle anti-anxiety medication beforehand if it would help — it's a kind option for older pets and often makes everything easier.
