Question 1

What is included in a wellness exam?

Accepted Answer

During the exam, we will perform a nose-to-tail examination, closely inspecting eyes, ears, nose, skin, cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, neurological evaluation and other sensitive areas. We’ll discuss your pet’s lifestyle, diet, and other key factors that drive healthy day-to-day life and recommend additional treatments such as vaccinations, heartworm, or tick and flea prevention. We recommend a wellness exam at least once yearly for all pets and twice yearly for pets with chronic health conditions.

Question 2

Does my pet need preventatives for fleas, ticks, and heartworm?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We recommend both dogs and cats remain on preventatives throughout the year.

Question 3

What is pet microchipping?

Accepted Answer

Microchipping your cat or dog is simple, relatively painless and very affordable. Once implanted, authorities only need to scan the chip to locate your information. But remember: a microchip is only useful if your contact information is updated. We encourage you to microchip your pet even if they live entirely indoors–because even indoor pets can escape and become lost. Unlike collars and tags, microchips can’t fall off and they serve as permanent identification for a pet’s entire life. Microchips are also rated for 25 years, meaning they never need to be removed or recharged during your pet’s lifetime.

Click here to register your pet with BuddyID after a microchip appointment. You will need the microchip number to proceed.

To report a lost pet in Washington, DC, immediately file a report with the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA), which serves as the city's animal control, by calling (202) 888-PETS (7387). Additional information can be found here.

Question 4

Do I need to register my dog or car with DC, MD, or VA?

Accepted Answer

For DC - Yes. According to DC Code 8-1804: An owner who has a dog over the age of four months shall before July 1st of each year, or within 10 days of acquiring the dog, or within 10 days after the dog becomes four months of age, obtain an annual license. An owner shall ensure that his dog wears a collar and a license. Additional DC requires that dogs have been vaccinated against distemper. More information can be found here. For MD - dog and cat licensing is handled locally by individual counties and municipal governments. However, state law mandates that all dogs, cats, and ferrets 4 months of age and older must have a current rabies vaccination. To register your pet, you must look to your specific local county animal control or department of finance. More information can be found here.For VA - Yes, you must register and obtain a license for dogs. According to VA code § 3.2-6524, all dogs 4 months and older must be licensed and wear a valid rabies vaccination tag.  Registration and licensing is handled by each city or county treasurer rather than through the state office. In VA, for cats, registration and licensing is not mandated by the state. However, local ordinances may require registration. Please check with your city or county animal services department to see if they require license and/or registration for cats.

Question 5

Do I need a pet health certificate to travel with my pet?

Accepted Answer

A USDA pet health certificate (often Form 7001) is required for international and some interstate travel, confirming your pet is healthy and vaccinated. These certificates, issued by a veterinarian, confirm the pet is healthy and free from infectious diseases, and they often need to be endorsed by the USDA for international travel. Airlines may also have specific requirements, often requiring certificates to be no older than 10 days, even if the destination country accepts older ones.

Please refer to the USDA APHIS website to determine if you need a health certificate to travel with your pet.

LuvYourPet has an USDA-Accredited veterinarian who can provide domestic and international health certificates.

Question 6

What should I do if my pet ingests a potential toxin, a plant that may be toxic, or a prescription or over-the-counter medication for humans?

Accepted Answer

Please call the ASPCA Pet Poison Control Hotline (888) 426-4435.

Additional resources for toxic and non-toxic plant questions can be found here.