A veterinarian and an assistant, both wearing blue gloves, are preparing to draw blood from a large long-haired cat on an exam table. Blood sample tubes are visible in the foreground.

Dog & Cat Blood Work near Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Trusted veterinary care near RSM —where precision diagnostics meet compassionate care.

Why Blood Work Is Critical for Pet Health

With scenic neighborhoods nestled around RSM Lake and foothill trails like Trabuco Mesa or O’Neill Regional Park, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA is a community where pets are truly part of the family. At Bliss Animal Hospital, we provide blood work services that help RSM pet owners detect hidden health conditions early—before signs of disease show up at home or on daily walks. Whether your pup plays at Estrella Vista Park or your cat lounges in a Dove Canyon window, early diagnostics provide peace of mind.

Our veterinary team uses blood tests to check vital organ function, screen for age-related conditions, and ensure your pet can safely undergo anesthesia when needed. From chronic kidney changes to infections and hormone imbalances, many common conditions in South Orange County pets go unnoticed without blood work. For Rancho Santa Margarita, CA pet owners who prioritize proactive care, routine lab testing is one of the most reliable ways to protect your dog or cat’s long-term wellbeing.

What blood work helps us detect:

Liver or kidney disease in early stages
Thyroid imbalances and hormonal disorders
Infections, inflammation, or anemia
Organ stress from medications or toxins
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
Cancer or immune system abnormalities

Blood tests are also essential before surgeries, dentals, or other procedures requiring anesthesia to ensure your pet’s body can metabolize medications safely and reduce risk.

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

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.

At an affordable vet clinic, a veterinarian wearing blue gloves draws blood from a dog's front leg, with several blood sample tubes on a table in the foreground.

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 tabby and white cat sits on green grass, looking directly at the camera, with a blurred outdoor background—perfectly healthy thanks to regular checkups at 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.

A veterinarian in blue scrubs at an affordable vet clinic holds a brown tabby cat with a bandaged front leg resting on their hand. The cat appears calm but alert in the caring clinic environment.

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
   176 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   rohit tr 
 
 
 
  Very patient, supportive and caring clinic. My senior pet was at ease here.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bruna Gravina 
 
 
 
  I always have such a wonderful experience at Bliss Animal Hospital! The entire team is incredibly kind, caring, and welcoming, and you can truly tell how much they care about the animals they treat. Dr. Nai is amazing! She is knowledgeable, compassionate, and takes the time to listen and explain everything clearly. I always feel confident knowing my dog is in such good hands. I highly recommend Bliss Animal Hospital to anyone looking for a team that genuinely cares about their pets!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   HTA 
 
 
 
  Such a wonderful animal hospital!! My Frenchie was shaking from nerves and they brought in the doctor’s sweet Cavalier King Charles puppy to calm him down. It worked like a charm! Also, the vet and tech never put my dog up on a table to examine him. They actually got down on the ground with him, which is something I’ve never experienced. In addition, every step of the way, they allowed me to decide next steps and never pressured me into more tests. Bliss is now my dog’s new vet!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Joyce Eyles 
 
 
 
  Excellent in every respect Competent, caring. efficient, thorough Definitely 5 star treatment in every way!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   laura klawitter 
 
 
 
  Great experience from start to finish. Three of our dogs got teeth cleanings this month. Bliss got us in fast, gave clear recommendations and very fair pricing. Every person we’ve encountered here has been so kind and helpful.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Zynab Hammoud 
 
 
 
  I finally found a great veterinary office! They take such good care of my dog and always follow up after taking her in. The entire staff is friendly, kind, and thorough. I truly appreciate their upfront pricing and knowledgeability when I ask questions. Dr. Nay has operated on my dog twice and she does amazing work! I highly recommend .
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Montessori atp 
 
 
 
  We had such a wonderful experience at Bliss Animal Hospital! From the moment we walked in, everyone was warm, caring, and incredibly welcoming. The staff was professional, attentive, and truly took the time to make us feel comfortable and cared for. You can tell that the team genuinely loves what they do and treats every pet with kindness and compassion. The communication was excellent, and we never felt rushed or like just another appointment. We are so grateful to have found Bliss Animal Hospital and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a veterinary team that truly cares about their patients and their families. Thank you, Bliss Animal Hospital and Dr. Nay, for such a great experience!
  
 
      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.

      
   ""
   87 Yelp reviews 
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       Posted on Yelp  
   
   Rosanna W. 
 
 
 
 Verified Always a great experience at this vet. They are really quick and friendly! I dislike long lines at the vet but every time I come here I feel like I'm in right away and taken care of right away. My dog KK had really itchy skin and the doctor recommended allergy shots, and it has drastically helped KK feel more relieved.
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Devi A. 
 
 
 
 Verified Came in for the first time today with my cat that's been dealing with over-grooming and skin issues. The office took their time to review my cat's records at his previous vet before today's visit. They took note that Miko hates going to the vet and was aggressive the last time I took him in. Knowing this, they really took the time to make sure he felt okay enough to be examined and get his blood drawn. They even let me stay in the room with him since they saw that he's calmer with me being there. I really appreciated this because I've never been allowed to stay with my cats during a blood drawing procedure or any procedure at that. My Miko is very strong and tried to fight the blood draw process but they were able to get it done successfully after multiple attempts. It was important to me to get his blood drawn because he's already 9 years old and I wanted to make sure everything was okay. The Dr was able to diagnose the skin issues as behavioral and will contact me soon with prescription/treatment recommendations as soon as the lab results come back! I really want to thank the Dr and staff for making us feel seen and heard. Empathy and compassion go a long way and we truly felt it today. Miko and I really appreciate the care you put into his visit. Looking forward to seeing his skin issues improve with your help and guidance.
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Erika P. 
 
 
 
 Verified Staff is wonderful! I especially enjoyed how they treated Reagan with care, compassion & empathy. Thank you so much! Erika
  
 
      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!!!

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 Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Bliss Animal Hospital