Dog & Cat Blood Work near Laguna Hills, CA

Dedicated to pet health near Laguna Hills, CA—fast answers, compassionate care.

Why Blood Work Is Critical for Pet Health

Tucked between the foothills and the coast, Laguna Hills, CA offers a quiet, pet-friendly lifestyle with parks like Costeau and Clarington ideal for daily walks. At Bliss Animal Hospital, we support that lifestyle with blood work services designed to catch illness before it affects your pet’s quality of life. Whether you live near Moulton Ranch or Alicia Parkway, we help you stay ahead of health issues with fast, accurate diagnostics.

Our in-house blood testing evaluates liver and kidney function, electrolytes, glucose levels, and more—crucial information when planning surgery, starting new medications, or assessing vague symptoms. Pets in Laguna Hills, CA may not show signs of illness until diseases have progressed. That’s why proactive blood work is so important: it offers local pet owners early answers, targeted treatment options, and confidence in their veterinary decisions, especially as pets age or develop breed-specific health risks.

In-House Veterinary Lab With Same-Day Results

Bliss Animal Hospital is equipped with an advanced in-house diagnostic lab, allowing us to deliver same-day blood test results in urgent situations. When your pet is sick or in crisis, time matters—and our in-house capabilities mean faster answers and faster treatment.

For routine panels and more complex cases, we partner with trusted reference laboratories. These results are typically returned within 1–3 business days, ensuring your pet receives accurate, timely care without delay.

What this means for you:

Immediate turnaround for urgent diagnostics
No need to wait days for critical results
Experienced veterinary team reviews results in real time
Fast follow-up treatment when needed

A brown and tan dog lies on an orange mat, looking up with wide eyes as a person at an affordable vet clinic gently administers an IV injection into its front leg.

Common Blood Tests for Dogs and Cats

We offer a wide range of veterinary blood tests based on your pet’s age, symptoms, and medical history. Each test provides different insights into your pet’s health.

Examples of tests we may recommend:

CBC (Complete Blood Count)

Measures red and white blood cells, platelets, and more. Helps detect infections, inflammation, anemia, immune disorders, and clotting issues. Often used when pets are lethargic, pale, or have fever, and is part of both routine and emergency evaluations. +

Blood Chemistry Panel

Evaluates liver, kidney, and pancreas function, plus glucose and electrolyte levels. Useful for identifying dehydration, metabolic disease, toxin exposure, and organ stress. Commonly used for both healthy pets and those showing signs like vomiting, excessive thirst, or weight loss. +

Thyroid Panel (T4)

Assesses thyroid hormone levels, which control metabolism. Crucial for diagnosing hypothyroidism in dogs and hyperthyroidism in cats. Recommended for pets with unexplained weight changes, skin or coat issues, or behavioral shifts—especially in middle-aged and senior pets. +

Heartworm Test

Detects heartworm disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes and can be life- threatening. Essential for dogs, even those on prevention. Often paired with tests for tick-borne diseases. Recommended annually to confirm your dog is heartworm-free before reordering prevention. +

FeLV/FIV Testing

Screens for Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. Important for outdoor cats, new adoptions, or cats exposed to unknown animals. Positive results guide isolation, ongoing care, and long-term disease management for both single and multi-cat households. +

Pre-Anesthetic Panel

Confirms your pet’s body is ready for anesthesia by evaluating blood counts and organ function. Helps reduce surgical risks and tailor anesthesia safely. Required before most procedures like spay/neuter, dentals, or mass removals, especially in older or at-risk pets. +

Our team will walk you through the recommended tests based on your pet’s specific condition and needs.

Bar graph showing percentage of dogs with clinically significant blood or fecal test findings by age group. Adult dogs (ages 2–6) average around 25–29%, senior dogs (ages 7–10) range from 24–31%, and geriatric dogs (ages 11–15+) show increasing rates from 37% to 64%.

Age matters: This IDEXX study shows that over 25% of adult and senior dogs have blood or fecal abnormalities that require follow-up, with the rate rising sharply to over 50% in geriatric dogs.

Request Appointment

(949) 354-5201

When Should Your Pet Get Blood Work?

Blood work isn’t just for sick pets. Routine testing allows us to detect illness before symptoms show—and early detection gives us the best chance to treat or manage disease effectively.

We may recommend blood work in the following cases:

Before any surgical procedure requiring anesthesia
During your pet’s annual wellness exame
If your pet is lethargic, vomiting, drinking more water, or losing weight
For senior pets (age 7+) to catch age-related changes early
If your pet is on long-term medication requiring organ monitoring
Prior to starting dental cleanings or other intensive treatments

If you’re unsure whether your pet needs blood work, our veterinary team is happy to guide you based on symptoms, breed risks, and life stage.

A grey and white cat with a green bandage on its front leg lies on a table with papers, looking sleepy or displeased. The clinical, indoor setting suggests an affordable vet clinic focused on caring for pets.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Our goal is to make diagnostic testing smooth and stress-free—for both you and your pet.

Here’s what typically happens during a blood work appointment at Bliss Animal Hospital:

Initial consultation: Our veterinarian reviews your pet’s medical history and symptoms.
Sample collection: Blood is gently drawn, usually from the front leg or neck.
Testing: In-house tests are run immediately when needed, and reference lab samples are prepared for transport.
Results & discussion: We explain what the results mean and answer your questions.
Next steps: If treatment is needed, we review options and develop a care plan.

Your pet’s comfort and safety are always our top priorities.

A graphic titled "Diagnostic screening tests" features icons and brief descriptions for Blood cell health, Organ function, and Infectious disease screenings for pets, highlighting what they evaluate—ideal info from an affordable vet clinic.

Key diagnostic screening tests in pets include blood cell health, organ function, and infectious disease detection—critical tools for early diagnosis and preventive care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is blood work necessary if my pet seems healthy?

Yes, absolutely. Even if your dog or cat appears healthy during a physical exam, many underlying health conditions can go unnoticed until they’re more advanced—and harder or more expensive to treat. Routine blood work allows us to detect early signs of disease in vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and thyroid, often before any outward symptoms develop. In some cases, we’ve caught life-threatening conditions in the earliest stages, giving pet owners more treatment options and time. Preventive diagnostics like blood work are a cornerstone of long-term pet wellness.

Does my pet need to fast before blood work?

For the most accurate results, especially for blood chemistry panels that measure glucose, cholesterol, and certain electrolytes, we recommend that pets fast for 8 to 12 hours before the blood draw. This means no food during that window, but water is still allowed. Fasting helps ensure that the blood sample isn’t affected by recent meals, which can skew certain values and make it harder to interpret results. Our team will let you know in advance whether fasting is needed based on the type of test ordered and your pet’s medical history.

Do you offer same-day results?

Yes, we offer same-day blood test results for urgent cases thanks to our fully equipped in-house diagnostic lab. This is especially important for pets experiencing acute symptoms, those scheduled for emergency surgery, or pets requiring rapid treatment decisions. Our veterinary team can analyze results quickly and begin care right away if needed. For routine wellness panels, senior screenings, or more specialized diagnostic tests, we use trusted external reference labs. These typically return results within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the complexity of the test. In all cases, we keep you informed every step of the way.

How much does blood work cost?

The cost of blood work can vary depending on your pet’s age, health concerns, and the specific tests needed. At Bliss Animal Hospital, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality care at competitive prices for South Orange County families. We never take a one-size-fits-all approach—your pet’s doctor will tailor diagnostics to their needs and explain why each test is recommended. Once we’ve assessed your pet, our team will provide a personalized estimate before moving forward. No surprise bills, no pressure—just transparent, compassionate care focused on your pet’s wellbeing.

Is blood work stressful or painful for pets?

Most pets tolerate blood draws very well. The process is quick and minimally invasive, typically involving a small sample from the front leg or neck. Our team uses gentle, fear-free handling techniques to keep pets calm and comfortable throughout. Sedation is rarely needed.

How often should senior pets get blood work?

For senior dogs and cats (typically age 7 and older), we recommend blood work at least once a year—sometimes every 6 months for those with ongoing health concerns. Age-related diseases often progress silently, and regular screening allows us to catch issues early and manage them proactively.

A happy corgi with tan and white fur runs down a leafy path lined with purple flowers, looking directly at the camera with its tongue out—healthy and joyful thanks to its visits to an affordable vet clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is blood work necessary if my pet seems healthy?

Yes, absolutely. Even if your dog or cat appears healthy during a physical exam, many underlying health conditions can go unnoticed until they’re more advanced—and harder or more expensive to treat. Routine blood work allows us to detect early signs of disease in vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and thyroid, often before any outward symptoms develop. In some cases, we’ve caught life-threatening conditions in the earliest stages, giving pet owners more treatment options and time. Preventive diagnostics like blood work are a cornerstone of long-term pet wellness.

Does my pet need to fast before blood work?

For the most accurate results, especially for blood chemistry panels that measure glucose, cholesterol, and certain electrolytes, we recommend that pets fast for 8 to 12 hours before the blood draw. This means no food during that window, but water is still allowed. Fasting helps ensure that the blood sample isn’t affected by recent meals, which can skew certain values and make it harder to interpret results. Our team will let you know in advance whether fasting is needed based on the type of test ordered and your pet’s medical history.

Do you offer same-day results?

Yes, we offer same-day blood test results for urgent cases thanks to our fully equipped in-house diagnostic lab. This is especially important for pets experiencing acute symptoms, those scheduled for emergency surgery, or pets requiring rapid treatment decisions. Our veterinary team can analyze results quickly and begin care right away if needed. For routine wellness panels, senior screenings, or more specialized diagnostic tests, we use trusted external reference labs. These typically return results within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the complexity of the test. In all cases, we keep you informed every step of the way.

How much does blood work cost?

The cost of blood work can vary depending on your pet’s age, health concerns, and the specific tests needed. At Bliss Animal Hospital, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality care at competitive prices for South Orange County families. We never take a one-size-fits-all approach—your pet’s doctor will tailor diagnostics to their needs and explain why each test is recommended. Once we’ve assessed your pet, our team will provide a personalized estimate before moving forward. No surprise bills, no pressure—just transparent, compassionate care focused on your pet’s wellbeing.

Is blood work stressful or painful for pets?

Most pets tolerate blood draws very well. The process is quick and minimally invasive, typically involving a small sample from the front leg or neck. Our team uses gentle, fear-free handling techniques to keep pets calm and comfortable throughout. Sedation is rarely needed.

How often should senior pets get blood work?

For senior dogs and cats (typically age 7 and older), we recommend blood work at least once a year—sometimes every 6 months for those with ongoing health concerns. Age-related diseases often progress silently, and regular screening allows us to catch issues early and manage them proactively.

Book Your Pet’s Blood Work in Lake Forest Today

Whether your pet needs pre-surgical testing, has unexplained symptoms, or just needs routine wellness diagnostics, Bliss Animal Hospital is here to help. Our compassionate team combines advanced diagnostics with personalized care—so you get answers fast and your pet stays healthy.

Call us today at (949) 354-5201 or request an appointment online to schedule your pet’s blood work in Lake Forest.

Request Appointment

(949) 354-5201

A person in pink pajamas holding a credit card and using a laptop, searching for an affordable vet clinic, with a small brown and white dog sitting beside them on the couch.

Flexible Payment Options

We aim to make our Veterinary diagnostics services accessible and convenient for all pet owners. We accept a variety of payment methods to accommodate your needs:

Cash and Checks: We welcome payments made in cash or by check.
Debit and Credit Cards: We accept major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
Pet Insurance: We work with various pet insurance providers to help manage the cost of surgical procedures. Please consult with your insurance company to understand the coverage details.
Financing Options: We offer financing options through CareCredit. Our team can provide more information and assist you in finding a plan that suits your budget.

If you have any questions about our payment options, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.

Meet our Veterinarians

The blissful faces behind the care.

Driven by compassion and purpose, here is the team who will work to make a difference in your pet’s life. Every single visit.

Dr. Nayara Pataro

Veterinarian

What your neighbors are saying!

      
   Bliss Animal Hospital
   169 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Debra Stansfield 
 
 
 
  Dr. Sam is finally the first Doctor to begin getting to the root of the problem!!  Love this place.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sally Pfeifer 
 
 
 
  It's taken me a few months to put this all into words but Bliss Animal Hospital provided our family with unmatched compassion during the most difficult time with our senior dog. The entire staff was patient, transparent, and supportive throughout the whole process. Unfortunately, our Zoey left quicker than expected and we rushed into their offices, no shoes no nothing, just our pup in a blanket, knowing it was her time to go. They accommodated up immediately, took such great gentle care of her (and of us) and really held our hands through the whole unexpected process. Dr. Nay is amazing, such a kind soul and it's no wonder she works with animals, she just understands them and their owners so well. Dr. Sam even remembered us from a pet we brought in over 8 years ago. Kianna & Mandy are amazing, you can tell they really love what they do because they're so good at it. They don’t just practice medicine—they treat you like family. We cannot recommend the Bliss Animal Hospital team enough.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Brian Yamada 
 
 
 
  Compassionate, friendly, professional, and knowledgeable staff.  I hope we found our new vet for our fur babies!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Angela Thomas 
 
 
 
  My dog got great care and we didn’t feel oversold a bunch of tests and other problems that needed to be solved for.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dana Groff 
 
 
 
  Dr. Sam is so calming, gentle, loving, and professional to my sweet Maizie! I know he treats her like his own puppy and thinks about her future health!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Cynthia Der Matoian 
 
 
 
  Very knowledgeable & friendly staff across the board! We appreciate the next day follow-up phone call to check on how our pet was doing. Easy and fast scheduling and check -out.  Well ran veterinary hospital, we will return when needed.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Keith Pickard 
 
 
 
  You couldn't find any better care, highly recommend them.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Brian 
 
 
 
  Amazing Vet and staff.  Have been with Dr Sam since he first started and they have card for our dogs for over 15 years.  Their love and compassion for animals are by far the best.  The facilities are amazing and have almost everything on-site, including Xray and surgerical area.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Allyson Chance 
 
 
 
  I can’t say enough about the staff at Bliss Animal Hospital! They are all so kind and caring. They go the extra mile and never make me feel like I’m asking too many questions. I never feel like they are trying upsell me things/services I don’t need. I trust them with my babies (dogs).

      
   ""
   84 Yelp reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Yelp  
   
   E M. 
 
 
 
 Verified Outstanding first experience. Prompt, professional, personable and courteous. And reasonably priced. My little 8 yr old terrier mix who is NOT a fan of the doctor's office was the most "relaxed" he's ever been in the exam room. Bliss is now the animal hospital for this family!
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Jacques P. 
 
 
 
 Verified We went to Bliss for the first time a couple of days ago. It was for a check up for our yellow lab Gracie. We found the staff to be excellent in every way. They were attentive and very caring. Gracie gets nervous going to the vet but not so here. The vet and staff took the time to make her feel comfortable. By the end of the visit she was licking their faces. The vet answered all our questions and was very patient. After our visit she sent us a detailed email letting us know what was needed to improve her diet. This was exceptional care. We will be back for sure
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Simona V. 
 
 
 
 Verified I can't recommend Bliss Animal Hospital enough, especially Dr. Nayara and the incredible team. My sphynx cat, Dobby, developed an anal gland abscess, and before goiing to Bliss, I took him to two other veterinary hospitals. Both recommended surgery under anesthesia. The problem is that Dobby has a heart condition and von Willebrand disease, so his specialists do not recommend anesthesia unless it is absolutely necessary because of the risks involved. At the other hospitals, I felt completely hopeless. I was essentially being told that if he had surgery there were significant risks because of his medical conditions, but if he didn't have surgery there were also risks if the abscess worsened or ruptured. Basically they said that this will not resolve on its own without surgical intervention and being put under anesthesia. As his mom, I felt like there was no good option and I was terrified of making the wrong decision. When I brought Dobby to Bliss Animal Hospital, everything changed. Dr. Nay took the time to carefully evaluate him instead of immediately recommending surgery. She was able to express more of the abscess, gave him a long-acting antibiotic injection, and even contacted Dobby's cardiologist to make sure the pain medication she wanted to prescribe would be safe for his heart. That level of thoroughness and teamwork meant everything to me. Because Dobby was having leakage from the abscess, he developed a severe skin burn around his rear end that looked incredibly painful. Dr. Nay recommended medical-grade Manuka honey, and it honestly worked like magic. The area healed so quickly, and it brought him so much relief. The results were incredible. The swelling continued to go down, the abscess completely resolved, and Dobby healed without needing surgery. I am beyond grateful that Dr. Nay looked at Dobby as an individual instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach. I also want to give a special thank you to Wilma. She was so kind and compassionate with Dobby and treated him with so much love. When I needed medication for him right away, she went out of her way to help me get it as quickly as possible. That level of kindness is something I'll never forget. I'm a total mama bear when it comes to my boys, and I know I ask a million questions because I want the very best for them. Not once did anyone at Bliss Animal Hospital make me feel like I was being difficult. Every single person was patient, understanding, and genuinely cared about Dobby as if he were their own. Thank you, Dr. Nay, Wilma, and the entire team at Bliss Animal Hospital. You didn't just treat Dobby, you treated him with extraordinary compassion, respected his unique medical needs, and gave me hope when I truly felt like there wasn't any. I will always be grateful for the care you gave my sweet boy.
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Shelley H. 
 
 
 
 Verified Absolutely love Bliss! We continue to have the best care. The doctors are caring and the staff is top notch! I can call with questions.. and I do that a lot.. and they always answer my questions and get back to me in a timely manner. I also love the app and I can also message on that. We are so glad that we found Bliss!
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Stacy C. 
 
 
 
 Verified The staff and Dr. Sam were absolutely amazing.  I booked the wrong place for an appointment and showed up at their office an hour before they even open and Dr. Sam took Dozer and I in and helped us anyway.  The staff was incredibly helpful with getting Dozers prior vet information.   And helped us when Dozer wasn't feeling well they immediately had us come in and took a look at him and referred us to a great emergency vet.  Unfortunately Dozer didn't make it, his cancer and bleed was to much, and even with as sad and heartbreaking it all is and was, the staff at Bliss were so helpful and supportive.  I recommend anyone who has a dog or cat to take them to Bliss, you will feel very supported and well taken care of.
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Scott T. 
 
 
 
 Verified I love the honest, family feeling I received. Which is why you're Moe's new veterinarian!!!
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Bill M. 
 
 
 
 Verified If you are.looking for a vet this is the place for your  pet. Excellent knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommend them.
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Christopher S. 
 
 
 
 Verified Bliss, its doctors and staff are amazing! we had to get our little dog spayed and it went perfectly. she acted like she didn't even know she had a procedure. staff was so helpful and caring!  The doctor did an excellent proc where Zoe was back to her normal self within 1 day (With all the care and precautions the staff advised us to do!)! Always a pleasant experience there! We highly recommend this office!
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Melody G. 
 
 
 
 Verified Bliss Animal Hospital is the best! everyone who works there is kind and caring and we can feel the love they have for each pet.

Areas we Serve at Bliss Animal Hospital:

“Better Care. Better medicine.” This is our motto, and our veterinary staff stands behind it.

Bliss Animal Hospital is conveniently located at the Home Depot Plaza in Foothill Ranch, less than a 10-minute drive from the neighborhoods of Lake Forest, Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, and Irvine (Great Park and Portola Springs). We also serve more distant regions like Tustin, Coto de Caza, Las Flores, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Stonegate (Irvine), Woodbury (Irvine), and Cypress Village (Irvine).

Our vet hospital is ready to serve not only the communities of South Orange County but also anyone who truly believes that veterinary medicine starts with relationships.

Request Appointment

(949) 354-5201

Get Directions

Why Blood Work Is Critical for Pet Health

In-House Veterinary Lab With Same-Day Results

Common Blood Tests for Dogs and Cats

CBC (Complete Blood Count)

Blood Chemistry Panel

Thyroid Panel (T4)

Heartworm Test

FeLV/FIV Testing

Pre-Anesthetic Panel

When Should Your Pet Get Blood Work?

What to Expect During Your Visit

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Book Your Pet’s Blood Work in Lake Forest Today

Flexible Payment Options

Meet our Veterinarians

The blissful faces behind the care.

What your neighbors are saying!

Areas we Serve at Bliss Animal Hospital:

Explore Veterinary Services near Laguna Hills, CA

Bliss Animal Hospital