No. Brucella canis testing is not compulsory to register with Ollie & Florrie Vets or to receive routineveterinary care.Our approach is based on current Royal Veterinary College (RVC) guidance, alongside an assessment of each individual dog's circumstances and potential exposure risk.

We may recommend testing as an additional precaution to help protect our staff, patients and thewider veterinary team, particularly where a dog has a history of travelling to, or being imported from,countries where Brucella canis is considered a concern.Each situation is assessed individually, taking the dog's history and potential exposure into account.

Not necessarily. A Brucella canis test is not routinely required for standard veterinary care at Ollie &Florrie Vets. However, requirements can differ if your dog needs certain procedures, surgery or referral to another veterinary provider.

Potentially, yes. Some referral hospitals, specialist surgeons or anaesthesia teams may have their own Brucella canis requirements. They may request a negative test before undertaking certain procedures.Requirements vary between referral providers. If your dog ever needs a referral or surgery, we woulddiscuss the requirements with you and the relevant referral service.

Our recommendation is to consider testing in advance, where appropriate, to help avoid potential delays in future treatment or in an emergency.Having a result available may be helpful if your dog unexpectedly needs surgery, specialist treatment or referral and the receiving provider requires Brucella canis testing.

As of October 2026, the cost at Ollie & Florrie Vets is:– Nurse consultation for blood sample and lab testing £144– Veterinary consultation and blood sample and lab testing £173– Brucella canis antibody testing by SAT– Brucella canis antibody testing by iELISA– Testing performed by UKHSA LaboratoriesThe current laboratory turnaround time is approximately 7–14 days.

If your dog's circumstances or potential exposure risk changes in the future, we can reassess the situation on an individual basis.For example, a change in travel history, importation status or other potential exposure may mean that testing becomes more relevant.

Possibly. Guidance and our understanding of Brucella canis risk continue to develop.Our practice policy may therefore be reviewed and could change in the future. If this happens, we will communicate any relevant changes to our clients.

No. Testing is not automatically required for every dog. Our approach is based on the individual dog's circumstances, potential exposure risk and the most up-to-date veterinary guidance. Where testing is recommended, we will explain why and discuss the options with you.

If you are unsure whether testing is appropriate for your dog, please speak to our veterinary team. We can review your dog's individual circumstances and advise you accordingly.Our aim is to balance appropriate precautions with practical, individualised veterinary care, while helping to avoid unnecessary delays should your dog require treatment in the future.