Dog and cat inspection
Are you selling, buying or insuring an animal? An inspection is a thorough examination that provides objective information on the animal's health status. We carry out the inspection safely at home, at our clinic or one of our veterinary clinics. We also have the opportunity to offer export certificates from official veterinarians in Uppsala County and Greater Stockholm.
Certificate directly on site
Home inspection
Dog and cat inspection
Related terms
Inspection of dog puppy, inspection certificate cat price, veterinary certificate upon sale, inspection of adult dog.
What is an animal inspection?
A check-up is a systematic veterinary examination where we carefully review the animal's general condition. The goal is to provide an objective and honest picture of the health status at that specific time. The examination is always documented in a written veterinary certificate, which is often a strict requirement when selling, buying, relocating or taking out new insurance.
Dog inspection
A dog inspection is often done before a sale (even of adult dogs) or relocation so that both the buyer and seller know exactly what state of health the dog is in.
Cat inspection
For cats, the inspection is a fantastic tool when transferring kittens or rehoming adult cats. Cats often hide faults and deficiencies, making the veterinarian's experienced eyes and hands extra important.
Care guide: How to choose the right form of care for an inspection
Since we offer our services through visits to the stable and home, at our veterinary clinics (Arken Zoo) and at our animal clinic in Östermalm, you can get a certificate where it suits you best. Here is a guide to make your choice easier
Home visit
For inspection of entire litters of puppies and kittens, or for cats and dogs that dislike car travel, a home visit is invaluable. The logistics of transporting an entire litter can be challenging and a perfect reason to choose a home visit.
Veterinary clinic
Our clinics connected to Arken Zoo (in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Uppsala) are very convenient options for those who can easily transport an individual animal from home. Here we perform safe, quick inspections in an easily accessible environment.
Animal clinic in Stockholm
Our clinic in Östermalm is the best choice if the seller, buyer or breed club requires the inspection to be supplemented with specific analyses. Here we have access to the X-ray equipment required for official HD/ED X-rays, HCM screening or eye examinations.
Why choose Vetathome for an animal inspection?
We have options to suit everyone. An animal in motion and change feels best when it is calm and quiet. Through our flexible options, we minimize stress regardless of whether we come to your home, or if you visit our clinic or one of our receptions.
Identify
We begin by reviewing the animal's medical history, passport, ID tag, and any previous certificates. We then methodically examine the animal from nose to tail, listening carefully to the heart and lungs.
Treat
An inspection is not intended for treatment but for documentation. Should we detect a deviation, we note this objectively. If the animal is sick and requires emergency care, the inspection is interrupted in favor of a regular medical consultation.
Prevent
We often take the opportunity to answer your questions about the future. If we find minor deviations (such as tartar), we provide solid advice to buyers and sellers on how to best care for the animal to preserve its health going forward.
This is how the inspection process goes step by step:
1. Booking
You choose whether we should come to your home or if you want to come to our clinic or a veterinary office.
2. History and ID
We begin calmly by reviewing the animal's medical history, passport, ID markings and any previous certificates.
3. Investigation
We methodically feel the animal from nose to tail and listen carefully to the heart and lungs where the animal feels safe.
4. Motion control
Ensures that the animal moves in a natural and unhindered manner.
5. Certificate
After the visit, a written inspection certificate is issued detailing our findings, ready to be given directly to the buyer or insurance company.
Do you have more questions?
Contact our customer service and we will help you further.
When is a home visit not enough?
A standard inspection of small animals can almost always be performed with the highest quality using our equipment in the field at your home. However, sometimes insurance companies, breed clubs or foreign buyers require advanced technology that is only available in a stationary environment.
When clinic or animal hospital is better
- The buyer or breed club requires specific x-ray examinations (e.g. official HD/ED x-ray for dog).
- You suspect hidden internal diseases in the animal that require a major ultrasound examination, after which it should not be inspected for sale.
- The animal shows acute signs of illness, pain or respiratory distress (in which case an emergency medical appointment should be booked at a clinic, not a health certificate).
What does a dog inspection certificate mean?
The goal of the certificate is to act as an independent snapshot. A certificate is a ”fresh product” that describes the dog’s exact health at the time of the examination. When inspecting a dog, there is a great deal of focus on general condition, coat, eyes, ears, teeth and, above all, heart sounds. An inspection of an adult dog follows largely the same template as for puppies, but we often pay extra attention to age-related wear and tear on joints and dental status. A remark on the protocol absolutely does not mean that the dog is ”failed”, but rather an objective note. It is then up to the seller and buyer to agree on how the finding affects the deal.
Cat inspection – important differences
Cats are experts at masking illness and pain, which makes a professional veterinary examination before a purchase extra important. Since cats often become extremely stressed in a transport cage, an examination in a noisy clinic can give misleading results; the heart often beats so fast from fear that it is difficult to listen for a heart murmur. At home, the cat is more relaxed, which gives a more honest picture of the health status. When examining both domestic and purebred cats, we pay particular attention to bite defects, umbilical hernias in kittens and early signs of heart murmurs.
When should I book an appointment for an inspection – and when is it urgent?
You should always book an inspection well in advance of the transfer (sale). An inspection certificate is usually only valid for 7 days to be considered current by insurance companies and buyers, so timing is important. If you have an animal at home that you are not going to sell, but that seems limp, is losing weight or shows signs of pain, you should book a dedicated veterinary consultation. A sick animal is never inspected, but is always investigated and treated based on quality of life and needs.
Diagnosis – how is the assessment carried out?
An inspection is about objectively identifying deviations from the normal state of health.
- Clinical examination of the whole animal: We check the body, fur, eyes, ears, heart and methodically lead from nose to tail.
- Medical history and previous certificates: We review the animal's medical history, ID markings and previous medical records in peace and quiet.
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Assessment of movement patterns and posture:
We look carefully at how the animal moves to rule out lameness or pain in the joints. - Imaging diagnostics and referral in case of findings: If we find abnormalities that require an X-ray, we will easily refer you to our clinic in Stockholm or another clinic in your city.
Advice and findings during dog inspection
The purpose of the inspection is documentation, not treatment. Should we discover minor findings during the examination, such as a mild ear infection or tartar in an adult dog, we will have an open and non-judgmental dialogue with you. We will immediately provide valuable, preventive advice on food or tooth brushing so that the dog has the best conditions going forward.
The time afterwards – handling the certificate
Once the inspection is complete, you (the seller) will receive the certificate digitally or in person. It is then your responsibility to transparently present this to the prospective buyer and insurance company, so that all parties can make a confident decision about the transaction.
Advice on cat inspection
Just like with dogs, we do not treat diseases during a simple inspection, but rather evaluate the cat's status there and then. Since cats are extremely sensitive to stress, the home visit is a great opportunity to see how the cat moves naturally. If we detect small abnormalities, such as a mild eye infection in a kitten, we will give you solid advice on gentle cleaning and tips on how the next owner can best follow up on this in the new home.
Forecast and expectations after an inspection
An inspection does not provide a lifetime guarantee, but it does give you the absolute best and most up-to-date snapshot of the animal's current conditions.
- Current health status – the certificate confirms the animal's physical condition and current conditions.
- Insurance options – a clean certificate gives the best chance of comprehensive protection without reservations.
- Future sustainability – good results from the inspection provide a strong foundation for a long and active life.
The prognosis for dogs and cats
Dogs that pass an inspection without serious complaints have statistically very good chances of remaining healthy and being able to be insured without annoying reservations in the insurance policy.
The prognosis for cat
Cats that pass an inspection without serious complaints have statistically very good chances of remaining healthy and being able to be insured without annoying reservations in the insurance policy.
Quality of life always comes first
Our primary goal is to ensure that no seriously ill animals are resold and suffer. Should we discover an incurable defect during the inspection, we will have a deeply empathetic dialogue with you about the animal's actual quality of life and how we can best act going forward for the animal's sake.
Self-inspection – so you can examine your animal yourself at home
Searching the internet for information to assess your pet's health often creates unnecessary anxiety. However, before the vet's visit, you can do a simple self-check to help your pet get used to being handled:
- Feel through the body: Gently stroke the skin and fur. Do you feel any unusual lumps, ticks or scabs?
- Examine eyes and ears: Check that the eyes are clear, open and that the ears are clean of dark, foul-smelling discharge.
- Lift your lips: Look carefully at the teeth and gums to get the animal used to someone looking in its mouth.
Prevention – how do you best prepare the animal?
To make the inspection as fair and smooth as possible, there are some important things you as the owner can prepare:
- Paper ready: Have the animal's pedigree/registration certificate, any passport and previous vaccination certificates presented.
- Clean the animal: Make sure the animal is reasonably clean and dry, this makes the assessment of the skin and fur considerably easier.
- Rest before: Avoid strenuous exercise (such as running) just before we arrive, so that the animal's pulse is normal when we listen to the heart.
Cost, insurance and compensation
We always strive to have transparent and fixed prices. Since an inspection is considered a preventive health measure (to enable a deal or insurance), it is almost never covered by regular pet insurance. For home visits for preventive care, a fixed delivery fee is added.
Dog and cat inspection (Small animals)
A thorough health check from nose to tail that results in an official and written veterinary certificate.
Usually not covered by insurance
No, an inspection is considered wellness care/documentation and is never covered by standard veterinary care insurance.
To think about
An inspection certificate is a perishable item that is usually only valid for 7 days for insurance companies and buyers. Therefore, book the appointment as close to the transfer as possible.
Price from:
650/kr
Inspection incl. certificate < 6 months
650kr
Delivery fee (for prophylactic visits)
from 450kr
Inspection incl. certificate > 6 months
1095kr
Inspection incl. vaccination & chip marking
1200kr
30+ years
experience
200k+
Visit
Who actually pays for the inspection?
It is usually the seller who pays for the inspection in order to be able to present a valid and up-to-date certificate at the time of sale. Ultimately, however, it is entirely up to the buyer and seller to freely agree on who will cover the cost.
How much does a dog inspection cost?
A normal price for a dog inspection is 650 SEK for puppies (under 6 months), and 1095 SEK for adult dogs (over 6 months). For home visits, our fixed delivery fee of 450 SEK is also added.
How long is an inspection certificate valid?
An inspection certificate is generally considered valid for 7 days when selling or taking out new insurance. Since the certificate describes the animal's status accurately at the time of inspection, it becomes outdated very quickly.
Do you make home visits for dog inspections in Linköping and Motala?
We are currently located in Gothenburg, Uppsala, Stockholm and Skåne, but Östergötland is in the planning stages.
Can I book an inspection for an older, adult dog?
Absolutely, an inspection of an adult dog is very common and wise when relocating, before taking out new insurance, or just to get a general, thorough health check on an older companion.
Is it easy to do a cat inspection at home?
Yes, for almost all cats, home visits are by far the best option. They are often sensitive to transport cages and clinic smells, so in the home environment we can make a much calmer and more fair assessment.
Can we visit a clinic instead of you coming home?
Yes, we don't just offer home visits. You can of course also book an appointment for an inspection at our clinic in Östermalm, or at our veterinary clinics inside Arken Zoo (Kungens Kurva, Odenplan, Orminge, Askim, Boländerna).
Is an "inspection" the same thing as a health certificate?
Yes, in everyday language it usually means exactly the same thing. We issue a veterinary certificate that clearly and objectively documents the findings we make during our thorough examination of the entire animal.
What happens if the animal has remarks on the certificate?
There is no rule that the animal is ”passed” or ”failed”. The certificate only describes the status of the animal. It is then entirely up to you, the buyer and the insurance company to decide how you want to proceed with the transaction.
How should I prepare my animal for the inspection?
Make sure the animal is clean and dry, and please have the registration certificate/pedigree, passport and previous vaccination certificate ready. Avoid strenuous exercise just before we arrive, so that the animal's pulse is normal.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Here you can read some of the most common questions and answers that we often receive from our customers.
Personal animal care in safe environments – Home visits, clinic & reception
We cooperate with all insurance companies
VetAtHome offers both clinic visits, home visits and visits to our veterinary practices – what is best depends on your animal's needs and what feels most convenient for you. We work with all insurance companies, making it easy to get help regardless of your insurance coverage.
