Pet Blood Work & Lab Testing
Blood and urine tests show what an exam can't: how the kidneys and liver are working, whether there's infection or anemia, and whether a pet is ready for anesthesia. Our Midlothian clinic, on Steam Avenue off Midlothian Turnpike, runs most samples in our in-clinic lab.
Call (804) 603-9509 or book online.
When it's an emergency: Go to a 24-hour emergency hospital if your pet has pale or yellow gums, collapses, has trouble breathing, or is vomiting and can't keep water down. Our Midlothian clinic is open 8 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week, and we don't provide overnight care.
What Common Tests Check
Complete blood count (CBC): red cells, white cells, and platelets, for anemia, infection, and clotting.
Chemistry panel: kidney and liver values, blood sugar, proteins, and electrolytes.
Thyroid level: especially in older cats and some dogs.
Urinalysis: kidney function, infection, crystals, and diabetes.
Heartworm and tick-borne disease screening for dogs.
When Blood Work Is Recommended
Before anesthesia or surgery.
When your pet is sick and the cause isn't clear.
For seniors, as a yearly or twice-yearly baseline.
To monitor long-term medications that affect the liver or kidneys.
When your pet is drinking more, losing weight, or acting off.
"Brought her in and she had a great, thorough evaluation and given an effective treatment plan."
— Jeff L., Petfolk client.
When Routine Screening Can Wait
A young, healthy adult with a normal exam often doesn't need a full panel every year. The doctor will recommend testing based on age, health, and medications, and explain why.
The Visit and the Results
Your pet may need to fast for some tests; the team will tell you when you book. A small sample is drawn, usually from a leg vein, while you stay with your pet. Most tests run in our clinic, so many results are ready during the visit. Specialized tests go to an outside lab and take longer.
The doctor goes over the results with you, explains what's normal and what isn't, and decides on next steps. Results appear in the Petfolk app.
Lyme Disease Screening in Virginia
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in Virginia, with more than 1,400 human cases documented in 2024, according to VDH figures reported by WRIC. Ehrlichiosis, carried by the lone star tick, is second. The same ticks bite dogs.
Many dogs are screened for exposure to Lyme and other tick-borne infections with the same small blood sample as the annual heartworm test. PetMD explains what Lyme testing in dogs shows. A positive screen means exposure, not necessarily illness; the doctor decides whether more tests or treatment are needed.
What Drives the Cost
The cost depends on which tests are run, whether they're done in our clinic or sent out, and whether the visit is a wellness or sick exam. PetfolkCare members save 10% on lab work. You get an estimate before samples are taken.
Get the Numbers Behind the Exam
Book a visit at our clinic on Steam Avenue. Call (804) 603-9509 or book online.