Pin down the animal trigger, near Cardiff

£154 all inclusive. That covers the blood draw, specific IgE testing for all 8 animals listed above, Total IgE, and a plain-English report emailed to you. A £50 deposit secures your appointment and comes off the total.

Eight in total, grouped into three areas: cats and dogs (cat epithelium and dander, dog dander, dog epithelium); small mammal pets (rabbit, guinea pig, hamster — all epithelium); and farm and equestrian animals (cow dander, horse dander). Total IgE is also measured. The full list is in the panel above.

These are different parts of what dogs shed. "Dander" is the flakes of dead skin the animal releases into the air, and "epithelium" refers to the broader lining proteins found in skin, saliva and secretions. Some people react to one and not the other, so testing both gives a fuller picture than a single "dog" result.

No — this panel is animals only. That matters because dust mite is often the real driver of what feels like "pet allergy": it thrives in bedding, carpets and pet baskets and produces very similar symptoms. If dust mite could be part of your picture, our First-Line panel (£154, includes European house dust mite), Enhanced panel (£193, both American and European mites) or Comprehensive panel (£499, all animals plus mites, pollens, moulds and foods) is a better starting point.

Honestly, no. All dogs produce the major dog allergen proteins (including Can f 1 and Can f 2), so no breed is guaranteed to be safe if you are allergic. That said, some breeds shed less dander into the environment, which can reduce day-to-day exposure. Testing before choosing a breed will tell you whether you react to dog protein at all, and how strongly — a useful baseline before committing.

Yes. It is one of the few panels that includes horse and cow dander alongside the common pets, which makes it particularly relevant for vets, veterinary nurses, farriers, stable workers, laboratory workers, farmers and groomers. Occupational health teams sometimes ask for this kind of profile before or during work involving animal contact.

This is a blood test that measures specific IgE antibodies, so it can be done without stopping antihistamines and without exposing your skin to allergens. It is useful when skin testing is not suitable, when you are on treatment that would interfere with a skin test, or when you want a broad animal picture in one appointment.

No. This is a self-refer test. Book online or call 029 2199 9300.

No fasting is needed for an allergy IgE test, and you do not need to stop antihistamines. We will confirm anything specific to your appointment when you book.

Usually within about six days. Your report lists every animal measured with its specific IgE result and reference range, and flags anything outside the normal range. We will confirm timing when you book.

At our Penarth clinic (13 Washington Buildings, CF64 2AD) or our Cowbridge clinic (10 High Street, CF71 7AG). Both are a short drive from Cardiff with easy parking.

Yes. Our consultant radiologists can take the sample under real-time ultrasound, the only such service in South Wales. Mention it when you book so we can allow time.

A negative animal result makes pet or animal allergy less likely and points to other triggers — most commonly dust mite, pollens, moulds or foods. In that case, our Enhanced or Comprehensive panels, or a review with a doctor, would be the sensible next step.

Yes. You can book a private GP appointment and one of our doctors will go through your results and next steps.