Testing calendar for dogs and cats
Puppy (0–12 months)
From arrival to six months – which test to run, and when?
When
Recommended test
Why?
On arrival (8–12 weeks of age)
CPV Ag test
Immediate screening – even if there are no symptoms.
1–2 weeks after arrival
Giardia test
It usually takes 3–10 days from infection until cysts are shed, so by then a recent infection can also be detected.
With any diarrhoea / vomiting
CPV/CCV/Giardia combo or CPV Ag
Screens for three pathogens with one test – the most comprehensive screening for puppies.
6 months of age
Faecal examination at the vet; Giardia test if there is diarrhoea
Start of annual screening.
After treatment
Follow-up check as recommended by your vet
With Giardia, the antigen can remain detectable even after successful treatment (CAPC), so your vet decides how to check.
Adult dog
Annual screening, tailored to high-risk situations.
When
Recommended test
Why?
Once a year (multi-dog household)
Faecal examination; Giardia test if there is diarrhoea
To detect hidden intestinal parasites.
Before / after boarding kennels
CPV Ag + Giardia
Kennels = higher risk of infection.
After contact with an unknown dog
CPV/CDV combo
If there was contact with an unvaccinated / unknown dog.
When signs of illness appear
Chosen by symptom
Diarrhoea → CPV/CCV/Giardia combo; runny nose → CPV/CDV combo.
New cat / kitten
Before and after adoption – to protect the cats you already have.
When
Recommended test
Why?
BEFORE adoption / purchase
FIV/FeLV combo; if negative, repeat after 60 days
Strongly recommended (AAFP) – also protects the cats at home.
6 months of age (if previously positive)
FIV/FeLV combo (repeat)
To rule out maternal antibodies.
With diarrhoea / vomiting
FPV Ag test
Screening for feline parvovirus (panleukopenia).
If FIP is suspected
Veterinary work-up
With persistent fever, weight loss or a swollen abdomen. The rapid test does not detect FIP.
Adult cat
Outdoor cats, multi-cat households, before breeding.
When
Recommended test
Why?
Once a year (outdoor cat)
FIV/FeLV combo
Outdoor cats are continuously at risk of exposure.
Before introducing a new cat
FIV/FeLV combo (on the NEW cat)
To protect your existing cats.
After a bite / fight
FIV/FeLV combo (immediately, then again after at least 60 days)
FIV is mainly spread through bites; antibodies usually appear within 60 days (AAFP).
With signs of FIP
Veterinary work-up; FIPV Ab as a supplement
The rapid test does not detect FIP, only exposure to feline coronavirus.
Before breeding
FIV/FeLV + FIPV Ab
Screening both parents is strongly recommended.
Breeders
Protecting your animals, litter-level screening, buyer confidence.
When
Recommended test
Why?
Before breeding
FIV/FeLV (cat) / CPV (dog)
Screening both parents is strongly recommended.
3–5 days before the litter goes to new homes
CPV/CCV/Giardia combo (dog) / FIV/FeLV (cat)
Screens for several pathogens with one test – a documented result for the buyer. May be falsely positive shortly after a modified-live vaccine.
Quarterly (cattery)
FIPV Ab
Monitoring FCoV status.
If the litter has diarrhoea
CPV + Giardia (dog) / FPV (cat)
Immediate screening to stop it spreading.
Shelters and animal welfare organisations
Intake protocol and minimum screening before rehoming.
When
Recommended test
Why?
Every incoming cat
FIV/FeLV combo
Intake protocol – to protect the other animals.
Every incoming dog
CPV Ag
Ruling out parvovirus during quarantine.
Before rehoming
FIV/FeLV (cat) / CPV (dog)
A documented result for the adopter.
If symptoms appear during quarantine
Test chosen by symptom
Quick decisions on treatment and isolation.