Medical Care After Adoption

Congratulations on your new family member! Once adoption is complete, you become responsible for your dog's ongoing veterinary care.

Please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Your MLRR Adoption Agreement requires your new dog to be examined by a veterinarian within two weeks of adoption.

Your MLRR Medical Records

MLRR will email you the medical information we have for your dog.

Please save these records and provide them to your veterinarian.

Your Veterinarian Takes It From Here

Following adoption, routine and emergency veterinary care become the adopter's responsibility.

Your veterinarian can help you establish:

A vaccination schedule
Heartworm prevention
Flea and tick prevention
Routine wellness care
Dental care
Nutrition recommendations
Any follow-up needed for known medical concerns

Heartworm Prevention

Your Adoption Agreement requires year-round heartworm prevention.

Because heartworm infection may not immediately appear on testing, MLRR recommends discussing repeat heartworm testing with your veterinarian within six months of adoption.

Flea & Tick Prevention

Continue flea and tick prevention according to your veterinarian's recommendation.

If Your Dog Has Ongoing Medication

Bring all medications and instructions you received at adoption to your first veterinary appointment.

Your veterinarian should determine the plan for ongoing medication and monitoring.

Unaltered Dogs

Some dogs may be adopted before they can safely be spayed or neutered because of age or medical circumstances.

If this applies to your dog, follow the requirements and deadline in your MLRR Spay/Neuter Agreement.

Start the Relationship With Your Vet Now

Even if your dog appears completely healthy, establishing care early gives your veterinarian a baseline and ensures you have somewhere to call if your dog becomes ill.