Request Appointment (949) 354-5201 Puppy and Kitten Vet Care in Lake Forest, CA Wellness exams, vaccines, and preventive care for your newest family member. A close-up of two grey tabby cats cuddling. One cat is lying with its eyes half-closed, while the other is gently licking its head. They appear comfortable and affectionate.

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Puppy & Kitten Vet Care in Lake Forest, CA

Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is one of life’s greatest joys. Along with the excitement, though, comes responsibility: young pets have unique health needs that require attentive veterinary care. At Bliss Animal Hospital in Lake Forest, CA, our veterinary team partners with new pet parents to create a strong foundation for lifelong health.

From the very first wellness exam to vaccination schedules, parasite prevention, nutrition guidance, and spay or neuter surgery, we provide
comprehensive puppy and kitten care in a supportive environment. Whether you are in Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Irvine, Rancho Santa Margarita,
Laguna Woods, or other nearby Orange County communities, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

A fluffy gray kitten with blue eyes sits on a soft, cream-colored blanket, looking up with a curious expression.

Request Appointment (949) 354-5201 The first year of life is the most critical time in your pet’s health journey. Puppies and kittens grow rapidly, their immune systems are still developing, and their behavior and training habits are being shaped. Without timely exams and vaccinations, young pets are vulnerable to contagious diseases such as parvovirus, distemper, panleukopenia, and upper respiratory infections. Preventive veterinary care ensures your pet:
  • Receives protection through a structured vaccination program.
  • Is monitored for congenital conditions or early signs of illness.
  • Gets started on parasite prevention before exposure to fleas, ticks, or worms.
  • Learns to be comfortable in a veterinary setting, reducing anxiety later in life.
  • Has the right nutrition plan for proper growth and development.
At Bliss Animal Hospital, our goal is to set puppies and kittens up for a long, healthy, and happy life.

Why Early Veterinary Care Matters for Puppies & Kittens

 Puppy's First Vet Visit puppy and Kitten Care

Puppy Wellness Exams in Lake Forest

Your puppy’s first veterinary visit is an opportunity to set the stage for lifelong health. During a puppy wellness exam, our veterinarians perform a thorough nose-to-tail physical exam and establish a care plan tailored to your pup’s age, breed, and lifestyle.
What’s included in a new puppy exam:

White outline icon of a smiling woman petting a small dog, both inside a blue circular background.

Physical examination

Checking heart, lungs, teeth, eyes, ears, joints, and overall body condition.

White syringe, document, and paw print icons on a blue circular background, symbolizing veterinary or pet vaccination records.

Vaccination review & scheduling

Beginning core puppy vaccines at 6–8 weeks.

A white line drawing on a blue circle shows a magnifying glass over a poop icon, with a nose and odor lines, representing smelling or analyzing feces.

Parasite testing & deworming

Detecting intestinal worms through a fecal test and providing deworming treatment if necessary.

A white outline of a sitting dog with a Wi-Fi signal and a smart collar symbol above its back, all on a blue circular background.

Microchipping

For permanent identification and peace of mind.

White icon of a dog sitting in front of a plate with a fork and knife on it, set against a blue circular background.

Nutrition counseling

Guidance on diet, feeding frequency, and supplements.

A simple white line drawing of a hand holding a treat above the nose of a dog, set against a blue circular background. The dog appears to be looking up at the treat.

Behavior & training advice

Support for housebreaking, socialization, and early training.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule & Preventive Program

Following a structured puppy vaccine schedule is essential to protect your new companion from life-threatening diseases. At Bliss Animal Hospital, we develop a customized puppy vaccination program that typically includes:

  • 6–8 weeks: First round of DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus).
  • 10–12 weeks: Second DHPP booster + bordetella vaccine for kennel cough.
  • 14–16 weeks: Final DHPP booster + rabies vaccine.
  • Optional vaccines: Depending on lifestyle, we may recommend leptospirosis, Lyme disease, or canine influenza vaccines.

This step-by-step approach ensures that your puppy is fully immunized by 16 weeks of age, with annual boosters to follow.

A black and white French Bulldog puppy lies on a gray couch, playfully biting a small red football-shaped toy.

Kitten Wellness Exams in Lake Forest

Just like puppies, kittens need early veterinary care to stay healthy. A kitten wellness exam includes a thorough physical evaluation and preventive recommendations to address the unique needs of growing felines.
What’s included in a new kitten exam:

White line drawing of a smiling woman, possibly a veterinarian, in a lab coat holding a card or treat, facing a sitting dog, on a blue circular background.

Physical examination

Checking heart, lungs, eyes, ears, teeth, skin, and body condition.

White outline drawing of a cat sitting next to a test tube, all set against a solid blue circular background.

Feline testing

Screening for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

White syringe, document, and paw print icons on a blue circular background, symbolizing veterinary or pet vaccination records.

Vaccinations

Starting kitten vaccine schedule at 6–8 weeks.

White outline of a magnifying glass focusing on a bowling pin, with a small puddle or irregular shape nearby, all on a blue circular background.

Parasite prevention

Deworming and flea control guidance.

White outline of a cat sitting next to a bag of food with a fish symbol on it, shown on a blue circular background.

Nutrition advice

Feeding schedules, proper kitten diets, and transitioning from milk or formula.

White outline of a cat sitting next to a litter box with sparkles above it, indicating cleanliness, on a blue circular background.

Litter box & behavior guidance

Helping set up a stress-free environment.

A gray tabby kitten with big eyes lies on a knitted gray blanket, looking at the camera. Its front paws are stretched out and there is a shiny silver ball nearby.

Kitten Vaccination Schedule & Preventive Program

A consistent kitten vaccine schedule helps your cat avoid serious infectious diseases. At Bliss Animal Hospital, our recommended plan usually includes:

  • 6–8 weeks: First FVRCP vaccine (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia).
  • 10–12 weeks: FVRCP booster + FeLV vaccine for at-risk kittens.
  • 14–16 weeks: Final FVRCP booster + rabies vaccine.
  • Optional vaccines: Depending on environment, FeLV booster and other preventives may be added.

Physical Exams and Preventive Care Spay & Neuter for Puppies and Kittens Example-Title Spaying or neutering your pet is an important part of responsible ownership and plays a key role in supporting their long-term health and well-being. Beyond preventing unwanted litters, these procedures offer significant medical and behavioral benefits that help your puppy or kitten grow into a healthy, well-adjusted adult.

Puppies: Most dogs are ready to be spayed or neutered around 5–6 months of age, though exact timing may vary based on breed and size. Early consultation with our veterinarians helps determine the best time for your individual puppy.

Kittens: Most cats are typically spayed or neutered between 5–6 months of age, before they reach sexual maturity. Early sterilization helps reduce territorial marking, unwanted behaviors, and reproductive health risks. Vaccinations are vital in safeguarding your puppy or kitten against potentially life-threatening diseases. Our team will discuss a vaccination schedule tailored to your pet's specific needs. We'll explain the importance of each vaccine and answer any concerns you might have. Keeping your pet up-to-date with vaccinations is a key part of responsible pet ownership.
  • Lowers the risk of uterine infections, mammary tumors, and testicular cancer.
  • Reduces unwanted behaviors such as roaming, aggression, and marking.
  • Helps control pet overpopulation and contributes to a healthier community.
For more detailed information about these procedures, visit our comprehensive guides:
Benefits of Spaying and Neutering Physical-Exams-and-Preventive-Care-larg Puppy's First Vet Visit puppy and Kitten Care

Nutrition, Growth, and Socialization Tips

Proper nutrition and early socialization lay the foundation for your pet’s long-term health and happiness. During your puppy or kitten’s wellness
visits, our veterinarians will help you build a care plan tailored to their breed, size, and lifestyle needs.

Nutrition for Growing Pets
Each stage of puppyhood and kittenhood comes with specific nutritional requirements:

Puppies: Small breeds often need more frequent meals to maintain energy levels, while large breeds require a carefully balanced diet with the right ratio of calcium and phosphorus to support strong bones and joints.

Kittens: Kittens thrive on high-protein, high-fat diets that include taurine, an essential amino acid that supports eye and heart health. Gradually transition them from milk or formula to solid food as they grow, following your veterinarian’s guidance.

Growth and Development
Monitoring your pet’s weight and growth milestones helps ensure they’re developing properly. During each visit, we evaluate your puppy or kitten’s
muscle tone, bone health, and body condition to make timely adjustments to their feeding plan.

Socialization and Early Training
The first 16 weeks of life are a crucial learning window. Positive early experiences help prevent fear-based behaviors later in life. Our team
provides safe, practical guidance on how to introduce your pet to new people, sounds, and environments while minimizing disease exposure before vaccinations are complete.

A tabby kitten with closed eyes is peacefully sleeping on a soft, fluffy white blanket.
Close-up of a cute kitten with blue eyes, brown and white fur, and a pink nose, holding its paw near its mouth while looking toward the camera.

Parasite Prevention & Early Wellness Testing

Puppies and kittens are naturally curious, which makes them more likely to encounter parasites such as fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms. At Bliss Animal Hospital in Lake Forest, our goal is to protect your new companion through prevention and early detection.

Year-Round Parasite Protection
Preventing parasites is far safer and easier than treating infestations. Our team recommends consistent, year-round protection:

Monthly flea and tick prevention: Fleas and ticks can cause itching, allergies, anemia, and transmit diseases. Even indoor pets need protection, as parasites can enter the home on clothing or other animals.

Heartworm prevention: Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworm disease can be life-threatening for dogs and sometimes affects cats. Starting prevention early ensures protection before exposure.

Routine fecal testing: Regular fecal exams help identify intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and coccidia, which can also affect humans.

Early Wellness Testing
Since many conditions develop without obvious symptoms, we may recommend baseline bloodwork, especially for kittens. Early testing helps detect congenital issues or subtle organ changes and gives us a valuable reference for future visits.

FAQs About Puppy & Kitten Care

Puppies usually begin their vaccination series at 6–8 weeks of age, then return every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks. This schedule protects them against distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and other contagious diseases. Early vaccines are critical because maternal antibodies fade quickly, leaving young puppies vulnerable. By following the full series, your puppy builds long-lasting immunity and can safely enjoy socialization and outdoor activities.

Most puppies require the DHPP combination vaccine (distemper, hepatitis/adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus), along with rabies.
Depending on lifestyle, additional vaccines may be recommended such as bordetella (kennel cough), leptospirosis, or canine influenza. At Bliss Animal Hospital, we customize each puppy’s vaccination plan based on their environment and risks to avoid both over- and under-vaccination.

Puppies are generally considered fully protected around 16 weeks, after they have completed their final booster. Until then, avoid high-risk environments like dog parks, pet stores, or boarding facilities. Once the series is complete, annual boosters or three-year boosters (depending on the vaccine) help maintain immunity.

The cost depends on how many vaccines are needed at each visit and whether additional services like microchipping or parasite prevention are included. At Bliss Animal Hospital, our pricing is transparent and competitive for Orange County, and we explain all options upfront. While we don’t promote “cheap” or “free” vaccines, our emphasis is on value: high-quality care that prevents costly illness down the road.

Kittens typically start their vaccines at 6–8 weeks of age. They then need booster shots every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks old. This staged approach ensures protection during the vulnerable first months of life. Early vaccines cover panleukopenia (feline distemper), calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis, with leukemia and rabies added as appropriate.

Yes, especially if they go outdoors or live with other cats. The feline leukemia vaccine (FeLV) helps prevent a viral infection that can suppress the immune system and lead to serious health issues. Even indoor kittens may benefit if there’s a possibility of exposure. During your kitten’s first exam, we’ll discuss their lifestyle and risk to determine if FeLV should be part of their core vaccine plan.

The cost of kitten vaccines varies depending on whether FeLV testing and vaccination are included, as well as other services like parasite prevention. Our team reviews costs with you before treatment, so you always know what to expect. We focus on providing value-driven preventive care that protects your kitten for years to come.

Most pets are ready at around 5–6 months of age, though the timing may vary for large-breed dogs or pets with special health considerations. Spaying or neutering not only prevents accidental litters but also lowers the risk of uterine infections, mammary tumors, and testicular cancer. It can also help curb unwanted behaviors like marking or roaming.

Yes, but with caution. Controlled environments like your backyard or playdates with fully vaccinated dogs are safe, but avoid places with
unknown dogs until your puppy has completed the vaccine series. Early socialization is important, so our veterinarians help you find the right balance between protection from disease and positive exposure to the world.
A brown tabby cat with green eyes looks upward with one paw raised against a light blue background.

FAQs About Puppy & Kitten Care

Puppies usually begin their vaccination series at 6–8 weeks of age, then return every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks. This schedule protects them against distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and other contagious diseases. Early vaccines are critical because maternal antibodies fade quickly, leaving young puppies vulnerable. By following the full series, your puppy builds long-lasting immunity and can safely enjoy socialization and outdoor activities.

Most puppies require the DHPP combination vaccine (distemper, hepatitis/adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus), along with rabies.
Depending on lifestyle, additional vaccines may be recommended such as bordetella (kennel cough), leptospirosis, or canine influenza. At Bliss Animal Hospital, we customize each puppy’s vaccination plan based on their environment and risks to avoid both over- and under-vaccination.

Puppies are generally considered fully protected around 16 weeks, after they have completed their final booster. Until then, avoid high-risk environments like dog parks, pet stores, or boarding facilities. Once the series is complete, annual boosters or three-year boosters (depending on the vaccine) help maintain immunity.

The cost depends on how many vaccines are needed at each visit and whether additional services like microchipping or parasite prevention are included. At Bliss Animal Hospital, our pricing is transparent and competitive for Orange County, and we explain all options upfront. While we don’t promote “cheap” or “free” vaccines, our emphasis is on value: high-quality care that prevents costly illness down the road.

Kittens typically start their vaccines at 6–8 weeks of age. They then need booster shots every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks old. This staged approach ensures protection during the vulnerable first months of life. Early vaccines cover panleukopenia (feline distemper), calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis, with leukemia and rabies added as appropriate.

Yes, especially if they go outdoors or live with other cats. The feline leukemia vaccine (FeLV) helps prevent a viral infection that can suppress the immune system and lead to serious health issues. Even indoor kittens may benefit if there’s a possibility of exposure. During your kitten’s first exam, we’ll discuss their lifestyle and risk to determine if FeLV should be part of their core vaccine plan.

The cost of kitten vaccines varies depending on whether FeLV testing and vaccination are included, as well as other services like parasite prevention. Our team reviews costs with you before treatment, so you always know what to expect. We focus on providing value-driven preventive care that protects your kitten for years to come.

Most pets are ready at around 5–6 months of age, though the timing may vary for large-breed dogs or pets with special health considerations. Spaying or neutering not only prevents accidental litters but also lowers the risk of uterine infections, mammary tumors, and testicular cancer. It can also help curb unwanted behaviors like marking or roaming.

Yes, but with caution. Controlled environments like your backyard or playdates with fully vaccinated dogs are safe, but avoid places with
unknown dogs until your puppy has completed the vaccine series. Early socialization is important, so our veterinarians help you find the right balance between protection from disease and positive exposure to the world.

Schedule Your Puppy or Kitten Wellness Exam in Lake Forest, CA

Your new puppy or kitten deserves the best start in life. At Bliss Animal Hospital in Lake Forest, CA, we are committed to providing
compassionate, evidence-based veterinary care that supports your pet’s growth and keeps them healthy for years to come.

Schedule your puppy or kitten’s exam today by calling (949) 354-5201 or booking online.

A black and white puppy with fluffy fur sits on green grass, looking directly at the camera. The background is blurred, drawing focus to the playful puppy.
A person in pink pajamas holding a credit card and using a laptop, searching for an affordable vet clinic, with a small brown and white dog sitting beside them on the couch.

Flexible Payment Options

We aim to make our Veterinary diagnostics services accessible and convenient for all pet owners. We accept a variety of payment methods to accommodate your needs:

  • Cash and Checks: We welcome payments made in cash or by check.
  • Debit and Credit Cards: We accept major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
  • Pet Insurance: We work with various pet insurance providers to help manage the cost of surgical procedures. Please consult with your insurance company to understand the coverage details.
  • Financing Options: We offer financing options through CareCredit. Our team can provide more information and assist you in finding a plan that suits your budget.

If you have any questions about our payment options, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.

Meet Our Doctors

The blissful faces behind the care.

Driven by compassion and purpose, here is the team who will work to make a difference in your pet’s life. Every single visit.

dr Nayara pataro dr nai Veterinarian Bliss animal hospital vet near me

Dr. Nayara Pataro

Veterinarian

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dr sam amirshahi vet dr sam veterinarian bliss animal hospital vet near me

Dr. Sam Amirshahi

Veterinarian

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What your neighbors are saying!

Areas we Serve at Bliss Animal Hospital:

“Better Care. Better medicine.” This is our motto, and our veterinary staff stands behind it.

Bliss Animal Hospital is conveniently located at the Home Depot Plaza in Foothill Ranch, less than a 10-minute drive from the neighborhoods of Lake Forest, Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, and Irvine (Great Park and Portola Springs). We also serve more distant regions like Coto de Caza, Las Flores, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Tustin, Stonegate (Irvine), Woodbury (Irvine), and Cypress Village (Irvine).

Our vet hospital is ready to serve not only the communities of South Orange County but also anyone who truly believes that veterinary medicine starts with relationships.

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