How much does a dog or cat urinalysis cost?
How much does a dog or cat urinalysis cost?
$35 – $150 average urinalysis cost
Average cost of urinalysis for a cat or dog
The cost of a dog or cat urinalysis ranges from $35 to $150, depending on the urine collection method and the clinic type and location. A urinalysis can help detect and diagnose blockages, infections, and other issues in your pet's kidneys, liver, or urinary tract.
| Facility type | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian's office | $80 – $150 |
| Low-cost clinic | $35 – $85 |
What is urinalysis?
A urinalysis test is a fundamental diagnostic tool for dogs and cats, helping veterinarians detect urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes, and other health concerns early. Your vet may recommend a urinalysis if your pet is experiencing issues like frequent urination, incontinence, bloody urine, increased thirst, or straining when urinating.
There are three main components of a urinalysis, other than visually checking the urine's color and clarity:
Dipstick: Uses color-changing reagent pads or strips to detect substances such as protein, ketones, glucose, bilirubin, pH, and heme (blood or muscle) in the urine
Specific gravity: Assesses kidney function and hydration by measuring urine concentration; low results can signal kidney disease
Microscopic sediment evaluation: Examines a concentrated urine sample under a microscope to identify cells, crystals, bacteria, and other elements
What does a urinalysis test for?
Urinalysis provides critical information about kidney function, hydration status, and the presence of infection or crystals. Veterinarians use these results to guide treatment decisions and monitor ongoing conditions like diabetes, liver disorders, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Your vet may also recommend a urinalysis as part of a routine checkup for an older pet.
What affects the cost of cat urinalysis or dog urinalysis?
Several factors can influence the cost of a urinalysis for your pet:
Location and clinic type: Urban clinics and specialty hospitals often charge more than rural or low-cost clinics.
Sample collection method: Collecting a sample via cystocentesis (direct bladder puncture) or a urinary catheter costs more than a simple free-catch sample.
Interpretation and reporting: More detailed analysis or consultation with a veterinary specialist can raise costs.
Pet insurance coverage: Many pet insurance plans cover part or all of the urinalysis cost, depending on policy terms.
Additional services: The price may increase if your vet bundles the urinalysis with a physical exam, bloodwork, or imaging.
Payment options: Some clinics offer payment plans or accept CareCredit for clients needing financial flexibility.
Preparing for your visit
To prepare for a vet urinalysis, follow your veterinarian’s instructions on whether to collect a urine sample at home or let the clinic handle it. At the clinic, keep your pet calm and cooperative so the vet can safely collect the sample if needed. Always communicate with your vet about any special instructions or concerns before the appointment.
If collecting the urine sample at home, use a clean tray, catch mid-stream urine, and transfer it to a labeled container. Refrigerate it if you can’t bring it in right away. Prompt delivery and proper handling help ensure accurate test results.
Risks & benefits
While catheterization may cause mild discomfort or irritation, the benefits of urinalysis for cats and dogs far outweigh these risks. This cost-effective, convenient test quickly provides veterinarians with valuable medical information needed to diagnose and monitor a wide range of health conditions.
Urinalysis vs. other procedures
Your veterinarian may also perform an ultrasound or conduct blood work during the diagnostic process, especially if they suspect your furry friend has kidney or liver issues. The table below shows the prices of each test for cats and dogs:
| Diagnostic test type | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Cat blood test cost | $20 – $200 |
| Dog blood test cost | $100 – $200 |
| Cat ultrasound cost | $200 – $600 |
| Dog ultrasound cost | $300 – $600 |
*Per image or procedure
Other urine-related tests your vet may recommend include:
Urine culture: Identifies the presence of bacteria causing infection and determines the most effective antibiotic for treatment.
Urine protein-to-creatinine ratio: Measures protein loss in urine to help diagnose and manage kidney disease and protein-losing nephropathy.
Uric acid test: Assesses uric acid levels in urine, which may contribute to bladder and kidney stone formation.
Urine cortisol-to-creatinine ratio: Aids in diagnosing Cushing’s disease by evaluating excess cortisol in the urine.
FAQs about dog or cat urinalysis
Does pet insurance cover urinalysis?
Pet insurance often covers urinalysis when it is prescribed as a diagnostic test for an eligible accident or illness, under standard accident and illness plans. However, routine or wellness-related urinalysis (such as during an annual checkup) usually requires a separate wellness or preventive care add-on.
Pet insurance costs and coverage vary by plan and provider. Always review your specific policy to confirm coverage details, as some plans may require additional riders for routine tests.
How long does a pet urinalysis take?
A basic urinalysis for pets often takes 15 to 45 minutes when performed in-house at the veterinary clinic. Results are generally available within 36 hours for routine cases, but specialized tests or external lab analysis may require several days before you receive a full report.
What is specific gravity in urinalysis?
Urine specific gravity in pets measures how concentrated their urine is compared to water, reflecting kidney function and hydration. It helps veterinarians assess if the kidneys are properly managing fluids and waste. Normal ranges vary by species and hydration but fall between 1.001 to 1.060 for cats and dogs.
What are leukocytes in urinalysis?
Leukocytes, or white blood cells, found in a pet’s urine during urinalysis indicate inflammation or infection in the urinary tract, such as the bladder or kidneys. While small numbers might be normal, especially in free-catch samples, increased levels suggest the immune system is responding to bacteria, trauma, or other irritants.
Veterinarians use leukocyte detection to help diagnose urinary tract infections and other conditions. If leukocytes are present alongside symptoms like frequent urination or discomfort, your vet may recommend further testing such as a urine culture to confirm the cause and guide appropriate treatment.
Questions to ask your veterinarian
Ask your veterinarian the following questions to make informed decisions about your dog or cat's urinalysis test:
How do you collect the urine sample (cystocentesis, catheterization, or free catch)?
Do you want me to collect the sample at home, or will you collect it at the clinic?
How much urine do you need for the urinalysis?
Do I need to prepare my pet in any way before the appointment?
How should I store and transport the urine if I collect it at home?
How long will the procedure take from start to finish?
How quickly will you provide the results after you collect the sample?
What information will the urinalysis reveal about my pet’s health?
Does the sample collection procedure pose any risks or side effects?
Will you need to sedate or anesthetize my pet for the collection?
How will you communicate the results to me?
What follow-up steps might you recommend?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.