Pet Blood Work & Lab Testing
Lab work shows how organs are working and what's happening in the blood, often before a pet looks sick. Our Sugar Land clinic near Highway 6 and University Boulevard runs most samples in our in-clinic lab.
The doctor explains what each test is for and gives you an estimate before anything is drawn.
Call (346) 436-6295 or book online.
When it's an emergency: Go straight to a 24-hour emergency hospital for very pale gums, collapse, bleeding that won't stop, or a male cat straining with no urine. We're open 8 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week, and we don't provide overnight care.
When Lab Work Makes Sense
Before anesthesia, for surgery or a dental cleaning
Yearly for seniors, or pets on long-term medication
When a pet is drinking or urinating more, losing weight, or vomiting
To screen for tick-borne disease along with the heartworm test
To recheck a value that was off before
“They truly care for your pet and explain everything in great detail, so you know the level of care your pet is receiving.”
— Cortez S., Petfolk client.
Tick-Borne Disease in the Houston Area
Texas A&M AgriLife reports that ticks are active year-round in Texas. The brown dog tick, which can live and breed indoors, can spread ehrlichiosis to dogs. Lyme disease is less common here than in the Northeast, but it isn't the only concern.
Some heartworm tests also screen for exposure to tick-borne infections. PetMD's guide to Lyme disease in dogs explains how this kind of combined in-clinic test works. A positive screen means exposure, and the doctor may recommend further testing before treatment.
What Happens During a Blood Draw
A team member draws a small sample from a leg or neck vein, usually in under a minute. You stay with your pet. Some tests need fasting first; we'll tell you when you book.
In-Clinic and Outside Lab Tests
Many tests run in our in-clinic lab, and the doctor will go over results with you. Some specialized tests go to an outside lab, and the doctor will tell you what to expect for those.
When Lab Work Can Wait
A young, healthy pet with a normal exam and no planned anesthesia may not need blood work this year. The doctor will tell you if a test won't change the plan.
What Lab Testing Costs
You'll see the cost of each test before it's run. What changes the total:
Which panel or tests are needed
In-clinic tests versus outside lab tests
Follow-up tests to confirm or recheck a result
The visit itself; a wellness exam is $99, or included with PetfolkCare
PetfolkCare is $199 a year and takes 10% off labs.
Know What the Exam Can't Show
Ask about lab work at your pet's next visit, or call (346) 436-6295.