Moving to Cedar Falls or the surrounding Cedar Valley area is exciting, but there's a lot to figure out once you arrive, including finding a veterinary clinic you can trust.
Whether you've recently moved to Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Hudson, Waverly, or a nearby 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 Advanced Pet Care Clinic, we're proud to provide comprehensive veterinary care for dogs and cats. From wellness and preventive care to diagnostics, dentistry, surgery, rehabilitation, and grooming, our team is here to help you make confident decisions about your pet's health.
Our mission is simple: to treat your pets as if they were our own. We believe veterinary care should focus on keeping pets healthy while helping their families understand the best options for their individual needs.
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 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 Advanced Pet Care Clinic.
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, our team can review them as part of getting your pet established.
We also encourage new clients to review our online new client information and complete any necessary forms before their first appointment.
Visit our New Clients page to learn more about scheduling and preparing for your visit.
Tip: If you're not sure what records you have, don't let that stop you from scheduling. Our team 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
Advanced Pet Care Clinic offers comprehensive preventive and wellness care, along with in-house laboratory testing, digital X-rays, dental services, surgical procedures, and treatment for a variety of medical conditions.
We also offer wellness programs designed to help pet owners manage the costs of routine preventive care through monthly payments.
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.
Living in Cedar Falls Has Its Own Pet-Care Considerations
A new community can mean a new environment, new routines, and new things your pet encounters.
In Cedar Falls and the surrounding Cedar Valley, changing seasons can bring different considerations for your pet's health and comfort.
During warmer months, pets may spend more time exploring neighborhood parks, walking trails, and outdoor spaces. These activities can increase exposure to fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other parasites. Ticks in Iowa can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, while mosquitoes can transmit heartworm disease.
Even pets that spend most of their time indoors may benefit from preventive care based on their individual risk factors.
Iowa winters can also present challenges. Freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and sidewalk deicing products may affect your pet's paws and comfort. Senior pets and those with arthritis or mobility concerns may need additional support during colder weather.
Our veterinary team can help determine which preventive care is appropriate for your pet based on their age, lifestyle, medical history, and individual risk factors.
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 Advanced Pet Care Clinic, we believe quality veterinary care includes listening to your concerns, explaining treatment options, and helping you make informed decisions about your pet's health.
Our team focuses on providing personalized recommendations and educating pet owners about the steps they can take to help their companions live longer, healthier lives.
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
Advanced Pet Care Clinic provides a wide range of veterinary services, including wellness examinations, diagnostic testing, dentistry, surgery, rehabilitation, and other medical services.
Our facility includes an in-house laboratory, digital X-ray capabilities, a surgical suite, dental equipment, and a dedicated rehabilitation area.
For pets experiencing mobility concerns, recovering from injuries, or managing certain chronic conditions, our rehabilitation services may provide additional options to support comfort and quality of life.
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 clinic can be stressful for some pets, especially if they've had difficult experiences in the past.
At Advanced Pet Care Clinic, Dr. Stevenson and several team members are Fear Free Certified, with training focused on recognizing and reducing fear, anxiety, and stress during veterinary visits.
We understand that every pet has different comfort levels, and we want to help create a positive experience for both you and your companion.
If your pet becomes nervous during veterinary visits, let our team know when you schedule your appointment.
Sharing information about your pet's behavior, previous experiences, and any specific concerns can help our team discuss ways to make the visit more comfortable.
What If Your Pet Gets Sick or Injured?
When you're new to an area, knowing where to turn if your pet becomes sick or injured is especially important.
Advanced Pet Care Clinic provides medical and diagnostic services to evaluate and treat a variety of illnesses and injuries during regular hospital hours.
Our clinic operates primarily by appointment, but emergency cases are prioritized based on the needs of the patient.
If your pet needs prompt veterinary attention, call (319) 220-5926 to discuss their symptoms and determine the appropriate next steps.
For emergencies outside regular business hours or situations requiring specialized emergency care, please seek treatment from an available emergency veterinary hospital.
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 Cedar Falls? 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.
Advanced Pet Care Clinic has proudly served pets and families in Cedar Falls since opening in December 2009.
Our veterinary team is dedicated to providing comprehensive medical care, educating pet owners, and building lasting relationships with the families we serve.
We are also proud to support local animal rescue organizations and community efforts that help improve the lives of pets throughout the Cedar Valley.
Whether you're new to Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Hudson, Waverly, or a nearby community, our team looks forward to welcoming you and your pet.
Advanced Pet Care Clinic
4507 Algonquin Drive, Suite A
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
(319) 220-5926
Hospital Hours
- Monday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Tuesday: 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Friday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
- Sunday: Closed
Visit our Contact Us page for additional information or to get in touch with our team.