Moving to Savannah is exciting, but there's a lot to figure out once you arrive — including finding a veterinary hospital you can trust.
Whether you've moved to Savannah, Pooler, Port Wentworth, Bloomingdale, or the surrounding area, getting your pet established with a local veterinarian is one of those things that's easier to take care of before you actually need it.
At Port City Animal Hospital, we provide comprehensive veterinary care for dogs and cats, from wellness and preventive care to diagnostics, dentistry, surgery, and treatment for sick or injured pets. Our goal is to give you the information you need to make confident decisions about your pet's health.
New to the area? We're happy to help you get started.
Moving With a Pet? Start Here.
When you're settling into a new city, your pet's veterinary care may not be at the top of your moving checklist. But establishing care early can make things much easier if your pet gets sick, needs medication, or is due for preventive care.
Here are a few things to take care of after your move.
Transfer Your Pet's Veterinary Records
Ask your previous veterinary hospital to send your pet's medical records to your new veterinarian.
These records may include:
- Vaccine history
- Previous bloodwork and laboratory results
- Medical and surgical history
- Current and previous medications
- Allergy information
- Dental records
- Microchip information
- Previous diagnostic imaging
You don't necessarily need to have every record in hand before making an appointment. If your previous veterinarian can send the records directly, your new veterinary team can review them as part of getting your pet established.
Tip: If you're not sure what records you have, don't let that stop you from scheduling. We can help you figure out what's needed.
Know What Preventive Care Your Pet Needs
Moving is a good time to take a fresh look at your pet's preventive care.
Depending on your pet's age, lifestyle, medical history, and travel plans, this may include:
- Wellness examinations
- Vaccinations
- Heartworm prevention
- Flea and tick prevention
- Intestinal parasite screening
- Nutrition recommendations
- Dental care
- Microchipping
- Senior-pet monitoring
Port City Animal Hospital offers preventive and wellness care for both dogs and cats, along with a broad range of diagnostic and medical services.
Why is this especially important after moving?
Your pet's healthcare needs don't necessarily change because you moved across town or across the country — but your new veterinarian needs to know your pet's history and current preventive care plan.
That's why establishing care before there's a problem can be so helpful.
Savannah Has Its Own Pet-Care Considerations
A new city can mean a new environment, new routines, and new things your pet encounters.
Savannah's warm, humid climate and outdoor lifestyle can mean plenty of opportunities for pets to encounter fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other parasites.
Your veterinarian can help you determine which preventive care is appropriate for your pet based on their lifestyle and individual risk factors.
Port City provides parasite prevention and screening as part of its veterinary services.
Don't have a prevention plan yet? That's a conversation worth having at your first visit.
Bring Your Questions to the First Visit
Your first appointment isn't just about vaccinations or getting a physical exam.
It's an opportunity to tell your new veterinary team about your pet.
Consider making a quick list before you come in:
Has anything changed?
- Appetite
- Drinking
- Weight
- Energy level
- Behavior
- Bathroom habits
- Skin or coat
- Mobility
- Sleep
- Anxiety or fear
Also bring a list of any medications, supplements, preventives, or foods your pet currently receives.
At Port City Animal Hospital, client education is an important part of our approach to veterinary care. The team uses diagnostics and educational tools to help clients understand what's happening with their pets and discuss their options.
What Happens at Your First Visit?
Your first visit will depend on your pet's age, medical history, current needs, and reason for the appointment.
Your veterinarian may discuss:
- Your pet's medical history
- Current medications and preventives
- Nutrition and lifestyle
- Vaccination needs
- Parasite prevention
- Dental health
- Any concerns you've noticed
- Recommended diagnostics or follow-up care
Port City is a full-service small-animal hospital, with services that include wellness care, vaccinations, dentistry, diagnostic imaging, in-house diagnostics, surgery, pain management, and other medical services.
The goal isn't simply to get through an appointment.
It's to establish a relationship with a veterinary team who knows your pet and can help you make decisions about their care over time.
Have a Nervous Pet?
You're not alone.
A new veterinary hospital can be stressful for some pets — especially if they've had difficult experiences in the past.
Port City takes a low-stress approach to veterinary visits, including treats, positive reinforcement, and gentle handling. The hospital also offers scheduled Happy Visits to help pets have positive experiences at the hospital.
If your pet is nervous about veterinary visits, tell us when you schedule.
That gives the team an opportunity to talk with you about ways to make the experience more comfortable for your pet.
You Don't Have to Wait Until Your Pet Is Sick
One of the easiest mistakes to make after moving is putting off finding a veterinarian until something goes wrong.
Instead, consider establishing care while your pet is healthy.
That way, you'll already know:
- Where to go
- Who to call
- How to request an appointment
- Where your pet's records are
- What preventive care your pet needs
- What to do if you have a concern
And your veterinary team will already have some understanding of your pet's history.
New to Savannah? We're Here to Help.
Finding a new veterinarian is another box to check off your moving list — but it doesn't have to be complicated.
Port City Animal Hospital is located at 492 Jimmy Deloach Parkway, Suite 106, Savannah, GA 31407, and provides veterinary care Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Or Give us a call at (912) 525-0255
Ready to get your pet established?
Download the New to Savannah Pet Guide
Just moved to the Savannah area? We've created a quick guide to help you get your pet's veterinary care organized.
Download: New to Savannah? Your Pet Needs a Vet, Too.
The one-page guide covers:
- Transferring your pet's medical records
- What to bring to your first appointment
- Preventive care to think about
- Questions to ask your new veterinarian
- How to keep your pet's care on track