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5 Tips to Bring Senior Pets Back for Yearly Check-Ups

Senior pets may move a little slower, but they deserve the same proactive care as their younger counterparts. The challenge? Many pet parents assume that “slowing down” is just a normal part of aging—when in reality, it can be an early sign of pain or illness. Studies show that nearly 40% of senior dogs and cats have undiagnosed health issues that could have been caught earlier with consistent wellness visits.

Here are five proven ways your clinic can encourage senior pet check-ups while making the process easier for your clients and your team.

1. Send Tailored Reminders, Not Generic Alerts

Personalized reminders drive action. In fact, customized communications are 80% more likely to be opened and acted on compared to generic messages. Use your digital tools to set up age-specific reminders (e.g., “It’s time for Bella’s senior wellness check!”) that highlight the importance of yearly visits for pets over 7 years old.

Download our Senior Feline Wellness Form to streamline your intake process.

2. Use Multi-Channel Client Communications

Not every pet parent checks email regularly, but most do scroll through texts or push notifications. Clinics that leverage multi-channel reminders (SMS, email, app notifications) see up to 30% higher appointment completion rates. By giving pet parents more than one nudge, you increase the chances they’ll schedule that much-needed visit.

3. Streamline Intake with Digital Forms

No one likes juggling clipboards. Offering digital intake forms makes it easier for pet parents to prepare before the appointment while giving your team cleaner, more complete data. Clinics using digital forms report saving 10–15 minutes per appointment, time you can reinvest in care.

Make check-ins stress-free with our Senior Canine Wellness Forms.

4. Highlight Preventive Value in Messaging

Pet parents are more likely to book when they understand the “why.” Clients who receive clear education are more compliant with recommended visits. Position senior check-ups not as optional, but as the key to pain management, early detection, and longer, healthier lives.

5. Make It Easy to Rebook Before They Leave

One of the simplest retention strategies? Get the next appointment on the calendar before the client walks out the door. Automated follow-up reminders after check-outs will increase your clinic’s rebooking rate, keeping your senior patients on track for their yearly care.

Keeping Seniors Comfortable, One Visit at a Time

Senior pets can’t always tell us when they’re hurting, but with the right systems in place, your clinic can catch issues early, keep patients comfortable, and keep clients coming back.

From check-in to check-up, Otto makes senior visits smoother. Book a demo to see how our digital intake forms save time and reduce stress.
FAQs

As pets age, they’re more likely to develop hidden health conditions like arthritis, dental disease, or kidney issues. Regular wellness exams allow your veterinary team to detect problems early—often before they become painful or costly.

Personalized communication is key. Custom reminders through email, text, and app notifications are proven to increase compliance. Pairing these reminders with age-specific education helps pet parents see the value in yearly visits.

Digital forms streamline intake, reduce errors, and give clients a chance to provide detailed updates on their pet’s health before they arrive. This saves your team time and ensures veterinarians walk into the exam room with complete information.

Otto makes the process seamless: customizable reminders to boost compliance, multi-channel communications to reach clients where they are, and digital intake forms that cut down paperwork. Together, these tools create a smoother workflow for your team and a better experience for pet parents.