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Your Pet's First Visit

A pet's first visit to the vet can seem a bit daunting, so we've put together a list of info and resources to help you prepare. 

At your first appointment, we will gather information about your pet’s background, health, diet, and training. We can also address any questions or concerns you might have.

Your veterinarian will examine your pet from nose-to-tail, looking for things like heart murmurs, ear infections, and/or parasites. Your vet can also provide pet-proofing tips, training assistance, and parasite protection recommendations. 

Before Your First Appointment
  1. Complete the New Client Form prior to your first visit.
  2. Assemble and be sure to bring all the proper items with you:
    • Your pet's adoption or purchase records
    • Any existing medical history
    • A list of current medications and supplements
    • Current feeding schedule and the brand of food you use
    • A list of questions you have for your veterinarian
  3. Collect any necessary stool or urine samples, if requested.
  4. If you're bringing in your dog, be sure he or she is accustomed to being on a short leash. If you're bringing a cat, be sure to have an appropriate carrier.
  5. Feel free to bring your pet's favorite treats to keep them happy and distracted!

Appointment Policies

​Please arrive 5 minutes prior to your pet's appointment for check-in. If you have not filled out all relevant patient forms yet, plan to arrive 10 minutes ahead of your appointment.

While we do our best to make sure all of our patients are seen on time, there will be times of occasional unexpected delay due to an emergency or because we are providing care for a patient that needs a little more time. Please accept our apologies should this occur, and understand that the same dedication and courtesy will be provided to your pet should they ever need it.

"I can't say enough about the positive experience we had at Capitol Illini Veterinary in Chatham! In the past two weeks, our dog, Finn was very ill with a condition that is fairly rare and as we transported him back and forth from the emergency clinic (at night) to Chatham in the day, it was the doctors at the Chatham Clinic that figured out what as going on and what kind of treatment Finn needed. They took it on themselves to contact colleagues at the U of I to be sure that he was getting the best treatment possible!During the whole ordeal the staff at the Capitol Illini Veterinary Clinic, were encouraging and professional with my husband and I, making many phone calls to us and answering our questions as honestly as they could.Even though Finn was sick and dealing with treatments, IVs and sitting in a cage for ten days, he was always happy to go there to see the staff, his"new buddies"! The staff took such great care of him!Finn will be in treatment probably for the rest of his life and we are happy that the professionals at Capitol Illini Veterinary Clinic in Chatham we be there with him, and us.Libby Tennikait"

Elizabeth T.