Pet Blood Work in Wake Forest, NC, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Wake Forest is a vet in Wake Forest, NC, with an in-house lab for blood, urine and stool tests. Many results are ready before you leave, so the vet can start treatment the same day instead of calling you later.

Call (919) 891-6444 or book online. Walk-ins are welcome for sick pets.

What does pet blood work show?

Blood work shows what an exam can't see from the outside. The two most common panels are:

• A complete blood count (CBC). It counts red cells, white cells and platelets. It can point to anemia, infection, inflammation or a clotting problem.

• A chemistry panel. It checks how the liver and kidneys are working, plus blood sugar, protein and salts like potassium.

Other tests can be added when the signs call for them, such as a thyroid level for an older cat that is losing weight, or a heartworm and tick disease test for a dog.

How fast do lab results come back?

Most blood, urine and stool tests run in the in-house lab come back during the visit. A few tests, like some hormone levels or a tissue sample, go to an outside lab and take a few days. The vet will tell you which kind your pet is getting and how you'll hear the results.

Quick checks can be quick visits, too. One pet parent stopped in for a weigh-in and asked about a blood test:

He got her blood taken right away and we were back on our walk in 10 minutes.

Michael M., Google review

When does my pet need blood work?

Pets often need lab work in these cases:

• When they are sick. Vomiting, weight loss, drinking a lot or low energy all have many causes, and blood work narrows them down.

• Before anesthesia. A panel before a spay, a dental cleaning or other surgery checks that the body can handle it.

• As they age. Senior pets can hide early kidney, liver or thyroid disease. Across Petfolk, senior cats were about twice as likely as younger adult cats to have blood work at a wellness visit (34% vs 18%), from October 2025 to September 2026.

• On long-term medicine. Some drugs for pain, seizures or thyroid disease need a blood check every few months.

What other lab tests are done here?

• Urinalysis looks for infection, crystals, sugar and how well the kidneys concentrate urine. Straining or peeing often is a common reason for one.

• Fecal tests look for worms and other parasites under the microscope.

• Skin and ear tests use tape or a swab to spot yeast, bacteria or mites.

Gentle sample collection

Fear Free handling keeps the blood draw calm. Most draws take a minute or two. The team uses treats, a gentle hold and short breaks, and small pets are often held in a towel. If your pet gets very anxious at the vet, ask about medicine to give at home before the visit.

For fasting tests, the team will tell you when to stop food. Water is fine unless they say otherwise.

Good hydration makes veins easier to find, so let your pet drink normally before the visit. If your pet takes medicine for thyroid disease or seizures, ask whether to give the morning dose before a blood level is checked, since timing can change the result.

Cost and estimates

Lab costs depend on which tests the vet suggests. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit. A wellness exam starts at $99, and a sick exam starts at $135. PetfolkCare members get exam savings that can lower the total for pets who need regular checks.

If your pet gets worse

Tests take time, and some problems can't wait. If your pet collapses, can't stand, has pale gums or is breathing hard, go to a 24-hour hospital such as the NC State Veterinary Hospital on William Moore Drive in Raleigh.

Come in for testing

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Wake Forest is at 3600 Rogers Branch Rd, Suite 103, Wake Forest, NC 27587, close to Rogers Road. For a sick pet, start with a sick pet visit. For an older pet, see senior pet care in Wake Forest.

Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Wake Forest, or see all veterinary services in Wake Forest.