Hot weather warning: With extreme temperatures and weather warnings forecast, we'd advise considering booking routine appointments for next week, once temperatures have lowered, to keep your pet cool and comfortable. Urgent and emergency care is unaffected — please call us as normal on 01525 237444.

01525 237444

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.