How Much Does Dog Blood Work Cost?

Updated 2026-08-15 · Typical US ranges · Prices vary by region and clinic

A routine annual blood panel (CBC plus chemistry) typically costs $100 to $200. Senior panels that add a thyroid test and other geriatric screens can push the total to $250 or more.

Typical low$100

Typical high$250

What’s included in the range?

Routine CBC + biochemistry panel is $100-$200 (PetMD, MetLife); CareCredit lists a dog chemistry panel at $164, CBC at $104, and geriatric screening at $181, so senior panels with extras run higher.

What affects the price

Panel size matters: a basic CBC runs ~$104, a chemistry panel ~$164, and a thyroid panel $50-$150 extra (CareCredit/PetMD).
Senior dogs often get geriatric screening (~$181) plus thyroid and urinalysis, driving totals toward $250+.
In-house labs cost more than send-out labs, and emergency clinics charge a premium.
Pre-anesthetic blood work before surgery is a separate, often bundled cost.
Fasting may be required for accurate results, and some clinics charge a separate blood-draw fee.

Questions to ask your vet

Does the quoted blood work price include the CBC, chemistry panel, and blood draw fee?
For my senior dog, is a thyroid panel or geriatric screening recommended in addition to the standard panel?
Do I need to fast my dog before the blood draw?
Are there any wellness-plan or bundled discounts for annual blood work?

Frequently asked questions

How often should a dog get blood work done?

Most vets recommend annual blood work with the yearly checkup, and more frequent testing for seniors (typically every 6-12 months) or dogs with chronic conditions.

Why is senior dog blood work more expensive?

Senior panels usually include extra tests like thyroid, urinalysis, and broader organ-function screens to catch age-related disease early, which adds $50-$150 to a basic panel.

Is a blood draw painful for dogs?

No — it's a quick needle stick into a leg or neck vein, similar to a human blood draw, and most dogs tolerate it well with mild restraint.

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Sources

PetMD
Special blood tests vary greatly in price, but routine blood work, including a CBC and biochemistry panel, typically costs $100 to $200 for dogs and cats.
MetLife Pet Insurance
For routine blood work, the average cost of a full blood panel for a dog can be around $100 to $200.
CareCredit Cost Tables
Blood test (CBC) | $104 — Blood test (chemistry panel) | $164 — Geriatric screening | $181