Choosing a vet lab in Perth? A good veterinary laboratory does three things well. It gets you accurate results fast. It puts a pathologist on the phone when a case gets tricky. And it tests the animals you actually see. For Perth clinics, there’s a fourth that matters more than people think: a lab that’s local, independent and run by vets. Here’s what to look for, and how NovaVet Diagnostics stacks up.
1. Turnaround that keeps up with your consults
A result that lands tomorrow is a phone call you make tomorrow. Simple as that.
Same-day reporting lets you act while the case is still fresh, and it counts double for sick animals and pre-anaesthetic bloods. At NovaVet, more than half of the veterinary test directory is reported the day the sample arrives. That includes the complete blood count, routine biochemistry, urinalysis and full health profiles.
It’s also what clinics mention most. One practice calls NovaVet a godsend for “both routine and emergency cases”.
2. A pathologist who’ll pick up the phone
Numbers only tell half the story.
The real test of any vet lab is the borderline result. The odd cell on a smear. The case that won’t fit the textbook. That’s when you want to ring someone who knows the case and has time to talk it through, not a call centre.
NovaVet is owned and run by veterinary pathologists who’ve worked in clinical practice themselves, so they know what you’re really asking. And if you read their reviews, “approachable” comes up again and again. That’s worth more than anything on a price list.
3. The tests you need, for the animals you see
Dogs and cats, sure. But what about the horse, the bearded dragon or the herd health check?
NovaVet’s directory lists more than 170 tests across companion, equine, exotic and production animals. Biochemistry, haematology, veterinary cytology, endocrinology, microbiology, serology, PCR and therapeutic drug monitoring are all covered. When a specialist referral test gives the better answer, like the canine Michigan thyroid panel, they arrange it for you.
Being independent helps here too. They can build panels around how your clinic works, instead of handing you a one-size-fits-all list.
4. Logistics that make life easier
The best veterinary laboratory in Perth is useless if getting the sample there is a headache.
NovaVet runs its own couriers across the Perth metro area. Book a pickup, track a sample through the lab, add a test as the case develops. Want a regular fixed pickup instead? Just ask and they’ll set one up.
Every test in the directory lists its sample type and turnaround, so the right tube goes in the first time.
5. Independent, local and vet-owned
Most of the veterinary diagnostics in Perth runs through big national or international groups. NovaVet doesn’t.
It’s independent, it’s based in Bayswater and it’s owned by vets. Decisions get made locally, by people who know the clinics they work with. When you call, you get someone who knows your name.
What Perth clinics say
NovaVet holds a 5.0 rating on Google, and every review comes from vets and clinics.
“We have been consistently impressed with the exceptional clinical pathology services provided by NovaVet Diagnostics. Their team is not only highly skilled and professional but also remarkably accessible and approachable.”
Animalius Vet
“Nothing but praise for Jenny, Jason and the whole NovaVet team. Large range of testing options, competitive pricing and significantly faster turn around time than any other lab in WA…”
Google review
“Novavet Diagnostics have been a godsend to both our small animal and equine practices in Perth since inception. All pathology is turned around in very quick timeframes, ensuring we meet the needs of both routine and emergency cases.”
Google review
“Samples are processed efficiently and results rapidly available. The team is a delight to work with, and always available for advice on the phone.”
Google review
“We use them as our primary diagnostic service provider as they are fast,reliable and approachable highly recommend their services”
Google review
Useful resources
- The NovaVet test directory: sample requirements and turnaround for every test
- Test information resources, written by NovaVet’s own veterinary pathologists
- Pet Health Answers: plain-English answers you can share with pet owners
Talk to NovaVet
Looking for a vet lab in Perth that actually answers the phone? Call NovaVet Diagnostics on (08) 6186 2200 to open an account or set up courier pickups.
Already a client? A Google review goes a long way for a small independent lab.