Price Comparison by Provider Type
Typical costs across different types of veterinary providers
| Provider Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Shelter Program Municipal shelters, humane societies | $25 - $80Lowest | Limited availability |
Nonprofit Clinic Emancipet, ASPCA, community clinics | $40 - $120 | If lab services available |
Retail Clinic Vetco, ShotVet, PetVet | $60 - $150 | Basic panels available |
Private Veterinarian Full-service veterinary hospitals | $80 - $250 | Varies by panel type |
Shelter Program
Municipal shelters, humane societies
Limited availability
Nonprofit Clinic
Emancipet, ASPCA, community clinics
If lab services available
Retail Clinic
Vetco, ShotVet, PetVet
Basic panels available
Private Veterinarian
Full-service veterinary hospitals
Varies by panel type
Prices are estimates based on publicly available information and may vary by location. Always verify current pricing directly with providers.
Factors That Affect Cost
Why prices vary between providers
- 1Type of panel (basic CBC vs comprehensive chemistry panel)
- 2Number of tests included in the panel
- 3Whether in-house or sent to outside reference lab
- 4Whether additional specialized tests are needed (thyroid, cortisol, etc.)
- 5Pre-surgical bloodwork vs diagnostic workup
What's Typically Included
Standard services for this procedure
- Blood draw and sample processing
- Lab analysis (CBC, chemistry panel, or both)
- Veterinarian review and interpretation of results
What's included can vary by provider. Always ask what's covered in the quoted price before scheduling.
Tips for Saving
Ways to reduce your costs
Pre-surgical bloodwork panels are often less expensive than full wellness panels
Ask what specific tests are included before agreeing to bloodwork
Annual wellness bloodwork can catch health issues early
Some clinics offer senior wellness packages that bundle bloodwork with exams
In-house results are faster but may cost more than reference lab testing
People Also Ask
Common questions about bloodwork (lab tests) costs
How much does bloodwork cost for dogs and cats?
Pet bloodwork typically costs $25 to $250 depending on the type of panel, the provider, and whether in-house or reference lab testing is used. Basic pre-surgical panels tend to cost less ($25 to $80), while comprehensive wellness panels may range from $80 to $250. Ask your provider what specific tests are included.
Does my pet need annual bloodwork?
Many veterinarians recommend annual wellness bloodwork, especially for senior pets (typically age 7 and older). Annual bloodwork can help detect health issues like kidney disease, liver problems, and thyroid disorders early, when they may be easier and less expensive to manage. Consult your veterinarian about what is appropriate for your pet.
What's the difference between in-house and reference lab bloodwork?
In-house bloodwork is processed at the veterinary clinic and provides faster results (often within minutes), while reference lab testing is sent to an outside laboratory and may take 1 to 3 days. In-house testing may cost more but is useful for urgent situations. Reference labs may offer more specialized tests.
Can I get pet bloodwork at a low-cost clinic?
Some nonprofit and low-cost veterinary clinics offer bloodwork services if they have laboratory equipment or partnerships with reference labs. Availability varies by location. Pre-surgical bloodwork at low-cost spay/neuter clinics may be among the most affordable options. Contact clinics in your area to ask about availability and pricing.
Find Affordable Bloodwork (Lab Tests) Near You
Browse our directory of low-cost clinics, shelters, and nonprofit providers in your area.
More Cost Guides
Compare prices for other services
Related Resources
Important Information
Estimates Only: Prices shown are estimates based on publicly available information and may vary significantly by location, provider, and individual circumstances. Always verify current pricing directly with providers before scheduling.
Not Medical Advice: This information is for general reference only. Consult a licensed veterinarian for your pet's specific healthcare needs and recommendations.
Independent Directory: PawCost is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with any listed providers or organizations.