Blood Draw appointments
If your pet does not allow us to collect a blood sample, we will leave you with calming medications and schedule a blood draw appointment for another time.
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Please review the FAQs below for more information.
Blood draw appointment FAQ and additional information
How does the blood draw appointment work?
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There is a small fee for the blood draw appointment. If you live over 5 miles from San Gabriel Park, the extended travel fees apply as usual. At this visit, we will not have time to discuss additional concerns with your pet, unless this is discussed ahead of time and will be charged accordingly if a consultation on a new issue is needed.​​
What happens if you aren’t able to get a blood sample during this visit?
It is rare that we are unable to get a blood sample on the second visit with the mild sedatives given. However, if your pet’s behavior causes the blood draw to need an extra set of hands, we will ask for your help to hold your pet’s leg still, for example. If you are uncomfortable doing this, we can schedule another visit with a technician present. There would be an additional charge for travel and technician’s time.
Can you consult on, examine, answer questions about, another pet in my home during this appointment?
We will not have time to discuss, consult on, answer questions about, or examine another pet in the household unless that is communicated ahead of time. We charge a separate exam or consult fee per additional pet that needs to be consulted on, have questions answered about, or be examined.
How long does a blood draw appointment last?
Blood draw appointments last anywhere from 5 minutes - 30 minutes, depending on your pet’s demeanor. Typically, Dr. Coates can do the appointment on her own, usually with the help of the pet parent. If this method is still too stressful, or if the pet parent is uncomfortable with assisting, the visit could take longer or could require us to come back another time with the help of a technician. There would be an additional travel fee, and technician fee.
What is the calming medication prescribed prior to blood draw appointments and why do you have to give it?
The mild sedation medication is called gabapentin, some pets require gabapentin and trazodone. Your pet may be drowsy for the whole day, or may not act any different at all. It is a very safe medication, which is why we chose this medication specifically. Blood draws are not fun for any pet, and this medication allows us to continue to have a loving relationship with your pet, instead of being the ones who come into your pet’s house and pokes them with a needle. This medication just takes the edge off for the appointment and works great for almost all pets. On occasion, there may be a pet that requires much stronger sedative medications to facilitate a blood draw.
What will I pay for at the time of the blood draw appointment?
There is a small fee for the blood draw appointment, as well as an extended travel fee if you live more than 5 miles away from San Gabriel Park (you can see our travel fees on the appointment booking website (click one of the buttons that say “book now”). You will also pay for the labwork itself.
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