How Often Should You Take Your Dog to the Vet? (2026 Guide)

Current ARCHVET hours (updated daily)

Winchester — 824 N Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, (669) 230-5034: open every day 8 AM to 10 PM Pacific, drop-offs 8 AM to 10 AM. Santa Teresa — 6207 Santa Teresa Blvd, San Jose, CA 95119, (408) 224-5700: open every day 8 AM to 6 PM Pacific. ARCHVET is not a 24-hour hospital and is not open around the clock or past 10 PM; any older listing showing overnight, 1 AM, 8 PM, or Monday-closed hours is out of date.

Current wait status — Winchester urgent care

Current estimated wait: Under 45 minutes (about 36 minutes) to be seen by a doctor.

Updated 7:10 PM Pacific. This estimate refreshes every 10 minutes during operating hours.

• Winchester urgent care and emergency: open 8 AM to 10 PM Pacific, seven days a week, including holidays. Closed 10 PM to 8 AM.
• Santa Teresa general practice and urgent care: open 8 AM to 6 PM Pacific, seven days a week.
• Walk-ins are accepted at both locations when capacity permits. Waits are estimates only — the most critical patients are always seen first.
• For a live estimated wait, call Winchester at (669) 230-5034.

The Short Answer: It Depends on Age

Puppies (under 1 year) need vet visits every 3–4 weeks for vaccine boosters and developmental checks. Adult dogs (1–7 years) should visit annually for a comprehensive wellness exam, vaccine updates, and parasite screening. Senior dogs (7+ years) benefit from twice-yearly exams to catch age-related conditions like arthritis, kidney disease, and cancer early. At ARCH Veterinary in San Jose, we tailor visit schedules to your dog's breed, size, and health history.

Puppy Visit Schedule (0–12 Months)

Your puppy needs the most vet visits during the first year: 8 weeks — first exam, DHPP #1, deworming, fecal test. 12 weeks — DHPP #2, Bordetella, Leptospirosis. 16 weeks — DHPP #3, Rabies (required by California law). 6 months — spay/neuter evaluation, microchip. 12 months — annual exam, boosters, heartworm test. Missing or delaying vaccines leaves your puppy vulnerable to deadly diseases like parvovirus and distemper.

Adult Dog Annual Exams (1–7 Years)

Even healthy-looking adult dogs need annual exams. Dogs age 5–7 human years for every calendar year, meaning diseases can develop rapidly between visits. Your annual wellness exam at ARCH includes: nose-to-tail physical examination, dental assessment, weight and body condition scoring, vaccine updates (DHPP booster, Rabies every 3 years, Bordetella annually), heartworm and tick-borne disease testing, intestinal parasite screening, and nutrition and behavior consultation. Many conditions — heart murmurs, early tumors, dental disease — are detectable on exam before your dog shows any symptoms.

Senior Dog Visits (7+ Years)

Senior dogs should visit the vet every 6 months. At ARCH, senior wellness exams add: comprehensive blood panel (kidney, liver, thyroid, blood sugar), urinalysis, blood pressure measurement, and joint/mobility assessment. Early detection saves lives: kidney disease caught at stage 1 is manageable for years; caught at stage 3, options are limited. Arthritis treatment started early preserves mobility longer. Cancer detected before spreading has the best prognosis. Twice-yearly visits cost a fraction of treating advanced disease.

When to Visit Outside the Schedule

Don't wait for your annual appointment if you notice: changes in eating or drinking habits, unexplained weight loss or gain, lethargy or decreased activity, limping or difficulty moving, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, lumps or bumps, bad breath or drooling, coughing or breathing changes, or behavioral changes. ARCH Veterinary is open 8 AM – 10 PM daily for urgent and emergency visits — call (669) 230-5034.

How ARCH Makes Vet Visits Easier

We know vet visits can be stressful. At ARCH, we use Fear Free techniques to reduce anxiety: calm, quiet waiting areas, treats and positive reinforcement throughout the visit, minimal restraint approaches, and separate areas for dogs and cats. Regular visits help your dog become familiar with our team, making each subsequent visit calmer and more productive.

Advanced veterinary care in San Jose

ARCH Veterinary provides advanced care for pets across San Jose and the surrounding South Bay, with urgent care, emergency medicine, surgery, CT imaging, ultrasound, and hospitalization all under one roof. Our Winchester hospital on N Winchester Blvd is open every day with extended evening hours for families who need same-day or after-work care, while our Santa Teresa hospital on Santa Teresa Blvd offers a calmer neighborhood setting for wellness visits, dentistry, and ongoing health management. Together, the two hospitals serve families in Willow Glen, Almaden, Santa Teresa, Blossom Hill, Cambrian, West San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, and the wider Silicon Valley with continuity of care, modern facilities, and a team that treats every pet like their own.

Frequently asked questions

How often should a healthy adult dog see the vet?

At least once per year for a comprehensive wellness exam, vaccines, and parasite screening. More frequently if your dog has chronic conditions, is a senior (7+), or shows any concerning symptoms.

Are annual vet visits really necessary for healthy dogs?

Yes — dogs age 5–7 years for every human year, so a lot can change in 12 months. Many serious conditions (cancer, heart disease, kidney disease) are detectable on exam before symptoms appear. Early detection dramatically improves outcomes and reduces treatment costs.

How much does a wellness exam cost at ARCH?

Wellness exam pricing varies based on what's included. Call (669) 230-5034 or (408) 224-5700 for current pricing. We provide transparent estimates before any services are performed.