Urine test
Typical UK price: £25–£75
What is urine test?
A urine test (urinalysis) checks the physical and chemical properties of your pet's urine to detect problems such as urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes, bladder stones, and other conditions. A sample can be collected at home (free-catch) or by the vet using a needle to draw urine directly from the bladder (cystocentesis). Results may be available the same day.
Why do prices vary between vets?
- Collection method — cystocentesis (sterile sample collected by needle) costs more than a free-catch sample assessment
- Test depth — a basic dipstick test is cheaper than a full sediment examination and culture
- Laboratory involvement — whether the sample is analysed in-house or sent externally affects both cost and turnaround time
- Practice overheads — location-based cost differences apply as with other procedures
Frequently asked questions
How do I collect a urine sample at home?
Use a clean, dry container — your vet may provide a suitable pot. For cats, replace the litter with clean dried pasta or the non-absorbent granules your vet supplies. For dogs, use a flat container to catch the urine mid-stream during an outdoor walk. Refrigerate the sample and deliver it to the vet within 2 hours.
What can a urine test detect?
Urinalysis can identify urinary tract infections (bacteria, white blood cells), kidney disease (dilute urine, protein loss), diabetes (glucose in urine), bladder crystals and stones (abnormal sediment), and bleeding within the urinary tract. It is one of the most useful and affordable diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine.
How often should my senior pet have a urine test?
Annual urinalysis is recommended for senior dogs (7+) and cats (10+) as part of a wellness screen, since kidney disease and diabetes are common in older animals and often have no obvious early symptoms. More frequent testing may be needed if your pet has an existing condition.
CMA Veterinary Market Investigation Order
From September 2026, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) requires all UK vet practices to publish prices for this procedure on their website. VetPricelist aggregates these published prices so you can compare them in one place.