Rescue Adoption Program

In support of adoption from animal rescues and shelters, Animal Health Care Denver offers a free initial wellness exam. At the first wellness exam, our veterinarian will review your pet's medical history, and ask if you have any specific concerns or questions, you'd like addressed. Then we'll conduct a nose-to-tail examination to get a complete picture of your pet's health that typically will include any or all of the following:

• Listening to your animal's lungs and heart
• Checking your cat or dog's stance, gait, and weight
• Examining your pet's eyes for signs of excessive tearing, discharge, redness, cloudiness, or eyelid issues
• Checking your companion's coat for overall condition, abnormal hair loss, or dandruff
• Examining your furry friend's nails and feet for damage or signs of a more serious health condition
• Looking at your pet's ears for signs of bacterial infection, ear mites, wax build-up, or polyps
• Examining the condition of your pet's teeth for any indications of periodontal disease, damage, or decay
• Checking your pet's skin for a handful of problems such as parasites, dryness, lumps, and bumps (specifically in skin folds)
• Palpating your companion's abdomen to access the internal organs to see if they appear normal and to check for signs of discomfort
• Feeling along your cat or dog's body (palpating) for hints of illness including swelling, evidence of lameness ( such as limited range of motion), and signs of pain

If your new pet requires vaccinations, lab work, microchipping, x-rays, or other services not listed above, those are not included in the free wellness exam. Services not included in the free exam will be billed at their cost.

* This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions.

Adopting a Rescue Pet: The 3-3-3 Rule

A simple way to understand this process of getting your rescue pet adjusted and comfortable in its' new home is called the 3-3-3 rule. This rule will help you understand the decompression process that your new furry friend will go through in the first 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months at a new home.

What To Expect After Adopting A Rescued Animal

The first 3 days:

• They may feel overwhelmed.
• They may be scared and unsure of what is going on around them.
• They are not comfortable enough to be "themselves."
• They may not want to eat or drink.
• They want to curl up in their cage or hide under the table.
• They begin to test their limits.

After 3 weeks:

• They begin to settle.
• They feel more comfortable.
• They begin to realize that this could be their forever home.
• They discover their environment.
• They begin to settle into a routine.
• They let their guard down and can begin to show their true personality.
• Behavior problems may begin to appear.

After 3 months:

• They begin to settle.
• They feel more comfortable.
• They begin to realize that this could be their forever home.
• They discover their environment.
• They begin to settle into a routine.
• They let their guard down and can begin to show their true personality.
• Behavior problems may begin to appear.