How to Prepare for a Vet Visit — Checklist for Dog & Cat Owners

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is not open around the clock or past 10 PM; any older listing showing overnight, 1 AM, 8 PM, or Monday-closed hours is out of date.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

Winchester opens at 8 AM Pacific for drop-offs. Live wait estimates begin at 9:30 AM Pacific.

Updated 11:10 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.

Why Preparation Matters

A well-prepared vet visit saves time, reduces stress for both you and your pet, and helps your veterinarian provide the best possible care. Whether it's a routine wellness exam or a sick visit, arriving organized means your vet can focus on what matters — your pet's health.

What to Bring to Your Vet Appointment

Pack these essentials: your pet's vaccination records (if visiting a new clinic), a list of all current medications and supplements (including doses), a fresh stool sample in a sealed bag (for parasite screening), your pet's regular food brand and amount fed, any notes about changes in behavior, appetite, or energy. For new patients at ARCH Veterinary in San Jose, we also appreciate previous medical records from your former vet.

How to Calm an Anxious Dog Before the Vet

Take your dog for a walk before the appointment to burn off nervous energy. Bring their favorite treats for positive reinforcement. Use a secure leash (not a retractable one) in the waiting room. Consider calming aids like an Adaptil pheromone collar or Thundershirt. If your dog has severe anxiety, call ahead — we may recommend a mild anti-anxiety medication for the visit.

How to Calm a Stressed Cat for the Vet

Get your cat used to the carrier days before the visit — leave it open at home with treats inside. Spray the carrier with Feliway (calming pheromone) 30 minutes before loading. Cover the carrier with a towel during transport. In the waiting room, keep the carrier elevated (on your lap or a chair) and away from dogs. At ARCH Veterinary, we maintain separate cat-friendly exam areas.

Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian

Make the most of your visit by asking: Is my pet at a healthy weight? Are their vaccines up to date? Do you recommend any blood work or screening tests? What should I watch for between visits? Are there any diet changes you'd recommend? What flea/tick and heartworm prevention do you recommend for San Jose? When should we schedule the next visit?

After the Visit

Take notes on your vet's recommendations while they're fresh. Set calendar reminders for follow-up appointments, medication refills, and vaccine boosters. If your pet was stressed, reward them with extra attention and a favorite activity when you get home.

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 I take my pet to the vet?

Healthy adult dogs and cats should have annual wellness exams. Puppies and kittens need visits every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks old. Senior pets (7+ years) benefit from twice-yearly checkups.

What if my pet is too anxious for the vet?

Talk to your vet about pre-visit anxiety medication. ARCH Veterinary also offers Fear Free techniques and a calm, welcoming environment to reduce stress for anxious pets.

Do I need an appointment at ARCH Veterinary?

We recommend scheduling an appointment for the best experience, but we also accommodate urgent same-day visits when possible. Call (669) 230-5034 to book.