Brucella canis Testing
To keep pets, owners and our team safe, we follow special rules for dogs that may be at risk of Brucella canis, a contagious infection.
New clients
When you register, we’ll ask if your dog has come from outside the UK. If your dog is from abroad:
- They must have an official APHA Brucella blood test before they can be fully registered.
- Registration will only be completed once the APHA test results are received.
- The first appointment must be booked within 14 days of registering.
Your dog can have the APHA test done with us at their first appointment — it does not need to be carried out elsewhere.
Testing rules
- In the UK less than 3 months → 2 blood tests, 3 months apart
- In the UK more than 3 months → 1 blood test
Emergency treatment
If your dog needs surgery or in-patient care before all required APHA tests are completed:
- We will carry out a SNAP test (a quick in-house screening test).
- Isolation procedures and PPE (protective equipment) charges will apply.
Existing clients
We strongly recommend APHA testing for all at-risk dogs, especially those from abroad.
- Routine surgeries will be required to have the APHA test. Surgery will be postponed until the results are back.
- Emergency surgeries will require a SNAP test, but the dog will be advised to have the APHA test.
- Additional PPE charges will apply.
Important:
- If a SNAP test is positive, surgery will be postponed until full APHA testing is completed.
- In emergencies, treatment will be at the discretion of the vet on duty.
Existing clients registering a new animal
- An imported dog must have an official APHA Brucella blood test before they can be fully registered.
- Dogs that frequently travel abroad will be advised that they need a SNAP test before undergoing any procedure.
- Your dog can have the APHA test done with us at their first appointment — it does not need to be carried out elsewhere.
The testing rules above (less or more than 3 months in the UK) apply equally to imported dogs registered by existing clients.
What tests are involved?
SNAP test — a rapid screening test performed in the clinic.
APHA blood test — processed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency. Includes:
- Blood sampling fee
- iELISA test
- SAT test
- Postage and packaging
Safety measures
- Any dog that tests positive or is suspected to be positive will be treated under strict isolation.
- Staff will wear full PPE.
- Confirmed cases will be reported to APHA as legally required.
If you have any questions, please contact us — we’re here to support you and your pet every step of the way.
