Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- Routine screening lab work, including blood work and a urinalysis, helps catch health problems early before they become serious or hard to treat.
- Most routine panels cover four key areas: a complete blood count, a chemistry panel, a urinalysis, and a fecal test for parasites.
- Modern Animal members get lab results delivered directly in the app, with a notification once your doctor has personally reviewed them.
Most pet owners know their dog or cat should see the vet regularly. Fewer realize that a physical exam alone only tells part of the story. Routine screening lab work is how your vet sees what's happening on the inside, and it's one of the most valuable things you can do to stay ahead of your pet's health.
Here's what the process looks like, what each test is looking for, and why it matters.
Why Routine Lab Work Matters
A physical exam is essential, but many conditions don't show obvious symptoms until they've already progressed. Routine lab work gives your vet a window into organ function, blood cell health, kidney performance, and more, often catching issues at a stage when they're much easier to manage.
Our vets recommend running screening lab work at least once a year for most pets. For older animals, every six months is a better cadence. The earlier a problem is identified, the more options you typically have for treatment.
What Samples Will Be Collected for Routine Lab Work?
For a standard screening panel, your vet will collect blood and urine. In most cases, a fecal sample will also be needed. Depending on the clinic's workflow, you may be asked to bring a stool sample from home ahead of your appointment, collect one during the visit, or drop it off afterward. Your care team will let you know what to expect in advance.
What Does Each Test Look For?
Complete Blood Count
The complete blood count, or CBC, is run on blood and looks at the numbers and appearance of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It can flag things like anemia, infection, inflammation, or clotting concerns, and it gives your vet a useful baseline to track over time.
Chemistry Panel
Also run on blood, the chemistry panel zeroes in on organ function. It's particularly useful for identifying early signs of liver or kidney disease, two of the more common issues that develop quietly in aging pets.
Urinalysis
The urinalysis focuses on kidney function but covers more ground than the chemistry panel alone. It can also help identify conditions like diabetes at an early stage, before symptoms become obvious.
Fecal Test
The fecal test checks for intestinal parasites. Even pets that seem healthy and stay mostly indoors can be exposed, and some parasites carry risks for the humans in your household as well.
How Will I Get the Results of My Pet's Lab Work?
This is one of the places where being a Modern Animal member makes a real difference. Once your pet's samples are processed, results are delivered directly into the Modern Animal app. You'll get a notification as soon as your doctor has personally reviewed them and posted the findings for you. No waiting on hold or wondering whether your vet has had a chance to look things over.
If you have questions about your pet's results after reviewing them, Modern Animal All Access and Essential members can reach our team anytime through 24/7 Virtual Care.
What Does Routine Lab Work Cost?
The cost of a routine screening panel can vary depending on which tests are recommended for your pet's age and health history. Older pets or those with known health concerns may need a more comprehensive panel than a younger, healthy animal.
For a full breakdown of lab work pricing, visit modernanimal.com/pricing. Everything is listed transparently so you know what to expect before your appointment.
Staying Ahead of Your Pet's Health
Routine lab work is one of the simplest, highest-value investments you can make in your pet's long-term health. It's not about finding something wrong. It's about making sure you and your vet have the full picture, every year.
If your pet is due for a screening or you want to talk through what's recommended for their age and lifestyle, book an appointment through the Modern Animal app and we'll take it from there.
