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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.