Living with a pet allergy—especially to common companions like cats and dogs—can be challenging both physically and emotionally. With nearly 30% of American households owning cats and over 40% owning dogs, these animals are not just pets—they’re family. At Test Smartly Labs, we offer accurate pet allergy testing so you can understand your body’s response and take informed, compassionate action.
Why Pet Allergy Testing Matters
Pet allergies can impact daily life, often triggering:
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Sneezing or nasal congestion
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Watery, itchy eyes
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Coughing or wheezing
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Skin rashes or irritation
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Asthma flare-ups in severe cases
Understanding the exact cause of your allergic reaction—whether it’s from cats, dogs, hamsters, ferrets, or other animals—is essential for finding effective ways to manage symptoms without necessarily giving up your pet.
What Causes Pet Allergies?
Most pet allergies are caused by pet dander, which consists of tiny, often microscopic, dead skin particles shed by animals. Dander floats through the air, clings to furniture, and is difficult to clean entirely, especially in homes with carpets or soft furnishings.
Other triggers may include saliva, urine, and fur, all of which can contain proteins that provoke an immune response.
How We Test for Pet Allergies
At Test Smartly Labs, we use blood-based allergy testing to detect IgE antibodies your body produces in response to specific allergens. With just a simple blood draw, we can pinpoint your exact sensitivities and identify the specific animal(s) you may be reacting to.
We test for allergens from a wide range of household pets, including:
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Dogs
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Cats
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Rabbits
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Ferrets
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Hamsters
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Guinea pigs
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Other common household animals
You’ll receive clear results within a few days, allowing you to make proactive changes to your environment and routine.
Living with Pet Allergies: Tips for Symptom Reduction
If testing reveals a pet allergy, there are still steps you can take to coexist safely and comfortably with your animal:
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Vacuum regularly, especially in carpeted areas
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Use HEPA air purifiers in high-traffic rooms
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Limit pet access to bedrooms and sleeping spaces
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Brush and bathe pets frequently to minimize dander
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Choose hypoallergenic breeds, which shed less dander
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Consider testing yourself before adopting to understand your limits
With the right precautions and awareness, many people are able to manage their allergy symptoms without giving up their pets.
What to Bring for Your Pet Allergy Test
To ensure an accurate and efficient testing process, please:
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Fast for 10–12 hours before your blood test (if required)
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Stay well-hydrated to help with the blood draw
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Bring a government-issued photo ID
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Complete the TSL Intake Form & HIPAA Disclosure
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Pay for your test at the time of service (We don’t bill insurance, but we provide a receipt for reimbursement)
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Call ahead if you’re requesting a specialized allergy panel
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Arrive at least 30 minutes before closing so your sample can be processed and shipped the same day
Testing Locations Across Kansas & Missouri
We proudly serve patients at our Test Smartly Labs locations across the Greater Kansas City area, including:
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Kansas City
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Overland Park
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Independence
No appointment is required—walk in anytime, or schedule your test online for added convenience.
Don’t Guess—Test Your Pet Allergies Today
You don’t have to choose between your health and your pets. At Test Smartly Labs, we help you identify exactly what’s triggering your symptoms and guide you toward smarter lifestyle choices that work for you and your furry family members.
Walk in today, or schedule your allergy test to find relief that fits your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Your Hours?
All Test Smartly Labs are open Monday through Friday, from 9am – 5pm
Do We Need To Have An Appointment?
No appointment is required to come into our labs, and all of our locations are on a walk-in basis. However, it is recommended you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to closing. If your situation requires special time considerations, please call us to determine if it would be better to arrange an appointment time.
Do I Need Doctors’ Orders For Testing?
No doctors’ orders needed, we are a Direct-Access Testing Center. You are encouraged to consult your medical professional with your lab test results.
What’s The Turnaround Time For Lab Work?
Average turnaround time is 2-5 business days depending on the complexity of the lab work. Most tests are available in 2-3 days.
Do You Need A List Of My Medications For A Drug Test?
Per protocol, the lab techs are not allowed to receive or ask for your medications. A medical review officer or MRO, a licensed physician who specializes in toxicology, will call you and ask for your medications and your physician’s phone number if it’s detected in your sample during testing. The MRO will then call your physician to verify your medications.
Related Information
Understanding the Differences between Food Allergies and Food Sensitivities & Intolerances
There are millions of people all over the world who have some kind of allergy, and they don’t even know it. Have you ever felt that as the season changes, your skin gets itchy, or you sneeze when you pet an animal, or you start wheezing or feeling bloated when you eat a specific food item?
The Importance of Allergy, Sensitivity & Intolerance Testing to Food, Pets, Molds, and Plants
Breaking down the common misconceptions surrounding various food intolerances.
Food allergies, food sensitivities, and food intolerances are serious business.
Zoomers Food Sensitivity Tests – Improve Result Accuracy
How Direct Access Testing (DAT) is improving fitness regimens, health outcomes, and preventative care at a fraction of the cost to consumers.
Whatever Lab Test, Drug Test Or DNA Test You Need, We’re Here To Help!
Test Smartly Labs is your one-source for a Direct-Access Lab Testing in Greater Kansas City. We partner with only the leading laboratories in the USA to provide accessible, affordable, and accurate lab tests, drug & alcohol tests, and advanced DNA testing. We specialize in local access for ALL TYPES of testing, and we make it super easy for you! Helping you take control of your health through lab testing is our only business!
