Bring It To
The Vet
"Because your pet can't speak for themselves. You can."
How It Started
Dutchess has been by my side for over a decade — through homelessness, through recovery, through every chapter of my life in San Francisco. She's not just my dog. She's my anchor.
When Dutchess needed a vet visit and I couldn't be there, I sent my friend in my place with the most detailed list I could put together — every symptom, every question, every concern. The vet said I should make it public.
So I did. Because I know what it's like to feel unprepared, overwhelmed, and like you don't have the right words when someone is asking you about your pet's health. This checklist is for every pet parent who's ever felt that way.
I'm Amber — a writer, housing advocate, and proud pet mom to Dutchess and six cats. Yes, six. We've used this checklist for all of them — and it works for any pet. 🐾
The Checklist
Free for every pet parent. Use it before every vet visit.
Dog Checklist
Track symptoms, medications, behaviors, and questions for your dog's visit.
Cat Checklist
Everything your vet needs to know — even for your quietest, most mysterious cat.
Products I Actually Use
Tested by Amber, Dutchess, and six cats. Nothing here I don't personally stand behind.
Orijen Original Cat Food
"High quality, biologically appropriate — exactly what I want going into my cats."
Premium dry cat food made with 85% animal ingredients. Grain-free, protein-packed, and as close to a cat's natural diet as you can get.
View on Amazon →Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Cat Food
"A solid grain-free option my cats love and I feel good about."
High-protein, grain-free natural dry food for adult cats. Chicken recipe, 11-lb bag. A trusted staple.
View on Amazon →Potaroma Silvervine Sticks
"My cats literally lose their minds over these. Everyone goes into a trance. It's the most entertaining thing in my apartment."
Natural silvervine + catmint blend chew sticks. Great for teeth cleaning and enrichment. 6 pack — they will not last long.
View on Amazon →Inaba Churu Lickable Cat Treats
"I use these as my 'come out of hiding' trick — especially useful at vet time. Tuna flavor is the crowd favorite."
Squeezable creamy purée tubes with taurine and green tea extract. 40 tubes, tuna & seafood variety. Cats go absolutely feral for these.
View on Amazon →18-Piece Feather Wand Self-Play Toy
"Perfect for when I'm busy — they entertain themselves and I don't feel guilty."
Patented floor base with suction cup. Bird simulation wand that cats can play with solo. Durable and great for all ages.
View on Amazon →Jkanti Interactive Moving Cat Ball
"One of my cats is obsessed with this thing. She'll bat it around for an hour straight."
3rd generation agile moving ball with elastic mesh tail. Motion-activated so it moves on its own. Perfect for the toy-obsessed cat in your life.
View on Amazon →Cat Grass Seeds
"Indoor cats need enrichment. Cat grass is easy, cheap, and they love it."
Grow your own cat grass at home. Great for digestion, enrichment, and keeping indoor cats happy and stimulated.
View on Amazon →Comfort Zone Multi-Cat Calming Diffuser Refills
"Six cats. This is non-negotiable in my apartment. It keeps the peace."
Pheromone diffuser refills that reduce stress, scratching, and multi-cat tension. 6-pack = 180-day supply. Worth every penny in a multi-cat home.
View on Amazon →Feliway Classic Calming Spray
"I use this before vet visits and during any stressful situation. It genuinely helps take the edge off."
Vet-recommended pheromone spray for travel, vet visits, and stressful moments at home. 60ml bottle. A must-have before any appointment.
View on Amazon →TriOak Pheromone Calming Collars
"A more portable calming option — good for cats that are anxious day-to-day."
4-pack pheromone collars that promote relaxation and comfort. Great for anxious cats or multi-cat households where tension runs high.
View on Amazon →Fukumaru L-Shape Wall Mounted Cat Scratcher
"My cats love all the scratchers I've tried. This one saves my furniture and they actually use it."
26.8" L-shape cardboard scratcher with ball toy. Wall mounted to save floor space. Large size fits all cats comfortably.
View on Amazon →Nekosan Extra Large Cat Scratcher Lounge Bed
"My cats love this one — they use it to scratch AND sleep on it. Two in one."
27.5" extra large cardboard scratcher that doubles as a couch bed. Perfect for cats that like to lounge while they scratch.
View on Amazon →Ryercat Lavender Cat Toothbrush
"Dental health matters and vets will tell you that. This brush actually fits in a cat's mouth."
Only 8mm wide — designed to actually fit into a cat's mouth. Lavender-scented to make the experience less traumatic for everyone involved.
View on Amazon →Litter Box Liners for Neakasa & Pet Pivot
"I have two Neakasa automatic litter boxes and these liners are made specifically for them. They actually fit."
160-count liners compatible with Neakasa & Pet Pivot automatic litter boxes. Thick, heavy-duty with drawstrings. A must if you have these boxes.
View on Amazon →Wellness Protein Bowls Wet Dog Food
"Dutchess loves these. Wholesome ingredients, she eats every bite, and I feel good about what I'm giving her."
Variety pack with beef and lamb recipes. Wholesome grains, natural ingredients, 6.2oz pouches. A fresh alternative to dry food.
View on Amazon →Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Bully Sticks
"A high-quality treat I feel good handing Dutchess. Single ingredient, no junk."
Premium freeze-dried bully sticks. Grain-free, single ingredient, long-lasting. 3 count — great for training or just because she deserves it.
View on Amazon →Stewart 3-in-1 Freeze Dried Dog Treats
"Multi-flavor, resealable tub, freeze-dried raw — these are my go-to training treats."
High-protein, grain-free, gluten-free. Works as a treat, training reward, or meal topper. Resealable tub keeps them fresh.
View on Amazon →Zesty Paws Native Canine Probiotic
"Dutchess gets this regularly. It's made a real difference in her digestion and gut health."
Vet-formulated probiotic for digestive health, gut flora, and immune support. 30 individual packets — easy to add to any meal.
View on Amazon →Pecute Elevated Cooling Dog Bed
"Great for senior dogs with joint issues. Elevated, breathable, and Dutchess actually uses it."
Orthopedic joint support with 360° breathable mesh. Tool-free assembly, includes cooling blanket. Perfect for older dogs or warm climates.
View on Amazon →SAJJA Compostable Dog Poop Bags
"I care about the planet and I want to feel good about what I use every single day. These check that box."
100% certified home compostable, ASTM D6400 compliant. 150 plant-based bags. Part of every purchase goes to charity.
View on Amazon →Free SF Pet Resources
Because not everyone can afford a $500 vet bill. This is what I know about.
SF SPCA Veterinary Services
Sliding scale and low-cost services for SF residents. Your first stop if you're struggling with vet costs.
sfspca.org →RedRover Relief
Emergency financial assistance for pet owners facing a crisis vet bill. Apply online when you need help fast.
redrover.org →More Resources
Amber is actively building this section with vets, rescue groups, and free services she has personally used in SF.
Suggest a resource →Know a great free or low-cost pet resource in SF? Email us and we'll add it.