Responsible Parasite Control
At North Park Veterinary Group, we are committed to protecting the long-term health of your pets while also caring for our local environment and helping ensure parasite treatments remain effective for the future.
Why are we changing our approach?
The British Veterinary Association has highlighted growing evidence that routine, year-round use of parasite treatments can contribute to environmental contamination and may encourage resistance in parasites over time. These medicines remain essential for protecting pets and people, but using them responsibly is vital.
Research now shows that testing first and treating only when needed is a more targeted and sustainable approach. This reduces unnecessary medication while keeping pets fully protected.
Worm Egg Testing – a targeted solution
To support this approach, we have invested in the OvaCyte Pet diagnostic system, allowing us to carry out fast, accurate worm egg testing in-house. This provides detailed results within a short timeframe, helping our vets decide whether worming treatment is necessary for your pet.
By testing regularly, we can:
- Reduce unnecessary wormer use
- Help slow the development of parasite resistance
- Play our part in protecting the environment
How the testing works
Testing location: Samples are analysed at our Hatherleigh branch
Sample drop-off: You may drop samples directly at Hatherleigh for the fastest turnaround. Samples can also be dropped off at your nearest branch for convenience
Turnaround time: Up to 2 days
Last drop-off times (to ensure results before the weekend): North Tawton or Okehampton: 5pm on Thursday
Hatherleigh: 12pm on Friday
Sample collection guidance
Please bring samples in an airtight, sealed bag, labelled if possible
Alternatively, you may collect and pay for a testing tube in advance, fill this at home, and return it to us (our preferred method, as it minimises smell and handling)
Payment is taken at drop-off (or when collecting the sample tube)
A full report will be emailed to you as soon as testing is complete
Cost
£15 per dog or cat sample (including VAT)
How often should testing be done?
Most active household pets: every 3 months
Lower-risk pets: every 6 months may be appropriate
Our team can advise on the most suitable testing and treatment schedule for your pet.
Health Plans
Our current Health Plans include routine internal and external parasite treatments. Worm egg testing is currently offered as an additional service, though we may look to include routine testing within Health Plans in the future.
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Further information
ESCCAP Worming Guidelines for Dogs and Cats
Access professional veterinary guidelines for responsible parasite testing and treatment based on your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors.
Worms Factsheet
Worms
There are a variety of worms that dogs can carry and they vary as to how they affect our dogs. Worming frequency will depend on your dogs lifestyle, dogs that live with young
How OvaCyte works
Here is a short video explaining the OvaCyte Pet testing process and results:
