Moving to a new community 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 Grantham, Lebanon, Enfield, New London, Springfield, Plainfield, Sunapee, Newport, Claremont, or another nearby Upper Valley community, 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 Sugar River 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. We're also an AAHA-accredited and Cat Friendly practice, with dedicated spaces and handling techniques designed to help make veterinary visits less stressful for cats.
Our goal is to give you the information you need to make confident decisions about your pet's health throughout every stage of life.
New to the Upper Valley? We're happy to help you get started.
Moving With a Pet? Start Here.
When you're settling into a new community, 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. Your new veterinary team can help you determine what information is 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
Sugar River Animal Hospital provides wellness and preventive care for dogs and cats, along with diagnostic and medical services to help identify and address health concerns.
Why is this especially important after moving?
Your pet's healthcare needs don't necessarily change because you've moved to a new community — but your new veterinarian needs to understand your pet's history and current preventive care plan.
That's why establishing care before there's a problem can be so helpful.
New Hampshire Has Its Own Pet-Care Considerations
Moving to New Hampshire can mean a change in climate, surroundings, routines, and the outdoor activities your pet enjoys.
Depending on where you live and how your pet spends time outdoors, your veterinarian may recommend preventive care and parasite screening based on your pet's individual risk factors and lifestyle.
Fleas, ticks, and other parasites can be a concern for pets who spend time outdoors, and preventive care can help reduce those risks.
Your first visit is a good opportunity to talk with your veterinarian about the prevention plan that's appropriate for your pet.
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 Sugar River Animal Hospital, the team uses diagnostic testing and other tools to help identify health concerns and develop individualized care plans. Their diagnostic capabilities include an in-house laboratory, digital full-body X-rays, dental X-rays, and in-house ultrasound.
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
Sugar River Animal Hospital offers comprehensive care for dogs and cats, including wellness care, diagnostics, dental care, surgery, acupuncture, laser therapy, microchipping, and emergency care for established patients during regular business hours.
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 Cat?
A new veterinary hospital can be stressful for some pets — especially cats.
Sugar River Animal Hospital is a Cat Friendly practice and has taken specific steps to make feline visits more comfortable, including a cat-only examination room, cat-only waiting area, cat-only hospital ward, feline pheromones, soft surfaces, and specialized handling techniques.
If your cat is nervous about veterinary visits, let the team know when you schedule.
That gives the team an opportunity to talk with you about ways to make the experience more comfortable for your cat.
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 Grantham? 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.
Sugar River Animal Hospital is located at 15 Yankee Barn Road, Grantham, NH 03753 and is currently accepting new patients.
Ready to get your pet established?
Request an Appointment
Call (603) 287-1181
Download the New to Grantham Pet Guide
Just moved to the Grantham or Upper Valley area? We've created a quick guide to help you get your pet's veterinary care organized.
Download: New to Grantham? Your Pet Needs a Veterinarian, Too.
The guide can cover:
- 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
[Download the Free Guide]
Get in Touch
Sugar River Animal Hospital
15 Yankee Barn Road
Grantham, NH 03753
(603) 287-1181
Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 8:00am–5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am–6:30pm
Request an Appointment