Search "veterinarian near me" and read reviews. Ask neighbors with pets.
Call and ask: "Are you taking new patients? How much is a first exam?"
Bring your pet's records from home, translated if possible: vaccines, microchip number, medicines.
Ask the vet to update vaccines to the US schedule.
Vet care in the US can be expensive. Low-cost vaccine clinics run by animal shelters and pet stores help. Many cities have nonprofit or low-cost clinics.
Rabies vaccine and licenses
Most states require dogs to have a rabies vaccine, and many also require it for cats (even indoor cats).
Many cities and counties require a dog license, sometimes for cats too. You buy it from the city, county or animal services, usually each year, and show the rabies certificate. The dog wears a small tag on its collar.
A license helps your pet get home if lost.
This differs by state and city; see In your state below.
A microchip only helps if the number is registered with your US phone and address. Call the chip company or register online. Update it when you move.
Most cities require dogs to be on a leash in public, often no longer than 6 feet. Dogs may run free only in off-leash dog parks or marked areas.
Pick up your dog's waste with a bag every time. Fines are common.
Many parks, beaches and stores do not allow dogs. Look for signs.
If your dog bites someone, owners are often responsible for the costs.
Pet insurance pays part of vet bills for accidents and illness. It usually does not cover conditions that existed before you bought it. Compare the deductible (what you pay first), the percent it pays, and the yearly limit.
Find the nearest 24-hour emergency animal hospital now and save the number.
If your pet eats something poisonous (chocolate, grapes, some plants, human medicine), call your vet or an animal poison hotline at once. These hotlines usually charge a fee.
Not registering the microchip in the US.
Letting a friendly dog off leash in a normal park.
Forgetting the yearly license renewal.