First vet visit, rabies and your county license

Every new dog, whether adopted, rescued or found, should see a vet soon. Here's how to make that first visit count.

What to bring

• Any records you have: shelter or rescue paperwork, vaccine history, microchip number.
• A list of what you've noticed: eating, drinking, bathroom habits, energy, coughing or scratching.
• What food the dog is eating, and how much.
• Your questions, written down.

Questions worth asking

• Which vaccines does my dog need, and when?
• What parasite prevention do you recommend for South Florida?
• Is my dog at a healthy weight? How much should I feed?
• Should my dog be spayed or neutered, and when?
• Is there anything you'd like me to watch for?

Your vet is the right person for questions about food, medication and health. Please don't give a dog any human medication unless a vet tells you to.

Rabies and licensing in Miami-Dade

• Rabies: Florida law requires dogs four months and older to be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian.
• License: Miami-Dade requires a license tag for all dogs over four months, worn at all times. You'll need proof of rabies vaccination. Tags are sold at the shelter, many vets and 311 service centers (not online), and renew each year on the anniversary of the rabies shot.