How to Collect a Urine Sample From Your Dog or Cat
Verified by: Luisa Kumeta
Published on: 25 September 2026
Your vet has asked for a urine sample and you're wondering how on earth you're going to get one. Don't worry, it's easier than it sounds. This guide covers why urine samples are useful, how to collect one from your dog or cat at home, how to store it properly and what your vet might do with it.
Why has my vet asked for a urine sample?
Testing urine gives your vet a lot of useful information about your pet's health. It's often recommended when a pet is showing signs such as:
- Drinking or urinating more than usual
- Straining to urinate
- Blood in their urine
- Changes in their usual toilet habits
Urine tests can also help detect longer term health conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease.
Bringing a sample with you to your appointment means tests can be done more quickly, sometimes while you're still there. It also saves you a second trip to drop one off later.
Quick guide: how much urine and how fast
| Dogs | Cats | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum amount | 0.5 to 1ml | 0.5 to 1ml |
| Ideal amount | 5 to 10ml | 3 to 5ml |
| Deliver within | 30 minutes ideally (or 2 to 4 hours if chilled) | 30 minutes ideally (or 2 to 4 hours if chilled) |
How to collect a urine sample from your dog
What you'll need
- A clean, dry container. A sterile sample pot from your vet is best, but a household container such as a Tupperware works too, as long as it has been thoroughly washed and sterilised with boiling water.
- A clean, shallow dish or soup ladle to catch the urine
- Gloves (optional but recommended)
Step by step
- Pick your moment. The first wee of the day is ideal. It's usually more concentrated and there tends to be more of it.
- Aim for a mid-stream sample. Once your dog has started urinating, slide your dish or ladle underneath to catch some of the flow.
- Transfer it to your container. Carefully pour the urine into your sample pot or sterilised container.
- Keep things clean. Wear gloves or wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the sample.
How to collect a urine sample from your cat
Cats are a little trickier, as most prefer the privacy of their litter tray. The trick is making the tray work for you.
What you'll need
- Non-absorbent cat litter or hydrophobic plastic beads, which you can pick up from your vet practice
- A clean pipette or sterile sample pot
- Gloves (optional but recommended)
Step by step
- Prepare the litter tray. Empty it, then thoroughly wash and disinfect it.
- Swap the litter. Fill the tray with non-absorbent litter or hydrophobic beads so the urine pools on the surface instead of soaking in. No special litter? Try leaving the tray empty, as some cats will still use it.
- Collect the urine. Once your cat has been, use a clean pipette to draw up the pooled urine, or pour it straight into a sterile sample pot.
- Keep things clean. Wear gloves or wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the sample.
How to store a urine sample
How you store the sample matters, as urine changes quickly once it's collected. To keep it in the best condition for testing:
- Seal it. Close the pot tightly with an airtight lid to prevent leaks.
- Label it. Write your pet's name, your surname, the date and the time of collection clearly on the container.
- Chill it if needed. If you can't take it in straight away, pop it in a sealed plastic bag and keep it in the fridge.
- Deliver it quickly. Get it to your vet practice as soon as possible. Ideally that's within 30 minutes of collection, or within 2 to 4 hours if it has been kept chilled.
What tests might my vet do?
Depending on your pet's symptoms, your vet may carry out one or more of these tests.
Dipstick test
A quick test strip that checks the urine's pH and protein levels, plus whether there's any glucose (sugar), ketones or blood present.
Specific gravity (urine concentration)
Measured with an instrument called a refractometer, this shows how well your pet's kidneys are concentrating urine.
Microscopic examination
Your vet looks at the urine under a microscope for crystals, red or white blood cells or bacteria, which could point to an infection or inflammation.
Bacterial culture and sensitivity
If an infection is suspected, the sample may be sent to an external lab. The lab identifies the specific bacteria involved and works out which antibiotic will treat it best.
What happens next?
Once the results are in, your vet will talk you through what they mean and recommend next steps. Depending on the findings, this could include:
- Further testing such as blood tests, imaging or a follow-up urine sample
- Medication, although this is only appropriate in some cases
- Supplements or diet changes, if needed
- Changes to your pet's environment, if needed
Not sure if it's serious?
That's exactly what we're here for. Send us a video of your pet, any time of day or night, and one of our vets will get back to you within minutes with clear next steps, whether that's home care or a same-day appointment with your practice.