The short answer
Intradermal skin testing runs $200 to $300. Serum (blood) allergy testing costs $200 to $400. The test itself is only part of the total cost. Sedation, consultation fees, and follow-up immunotherapy add to the bill if you go that route.
The two types of testing
Intradermal skin testing is considered the gold standard. A veterinary dermatologist shaves a small patch of your dog’s skin and injects tiny amounts of common allergens just below the surface. Reactions appear as small red welts within 15 to 20 minutes. It’s accurate, and the results directly guide immunotherapy formulations. The dog usually needs sedation, which adds to the cost.
Serum (blood) allergy testing measures IgE antibodies to various allergens from a blood sample. It’s less invasive, doesn’t require sedation, and can be done by your regular vet without a dermatology referral. The tradeoff is that it’s slightly less precise than intradermal testing. False positives are more common.
Both tests identify environmental allergens like grass pollen, tree pollen, ragweed, dust mites, and mould. Neither test reliably identifies food allergies. For food allergies, the only accurate method is an 8 to 12 week elimination diet.
The full cost picture
The test fee is just the starting point. Here’s what a typical allergy workup looks like in Ontario:
Initial dermatology consultation is usually $150 to $300, depending on the clinic. The allergy test itself runs $200 to $400. If your dog needs sedation for intradermal testing, add $50 to $150.
If testing identifies specific triggers and you opt for immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual drops), the custom serum costs $250 to $600 for the initial set. Maintenance runs $100 to $300 per refill, typically every few months. Immunotherapy is a long commitment, often 12 months or more before you can fully evaluate whether it’s working.
Is it worth it?
It depends on how severe your dog’s allergies are and how long-term you want to think.
If Apoquel or Cytopoint are controlling your dog’s symptoms well and you’re comfortable with ongoing medication, testing may not change your approach. Those treatments manage symptoms regardless of the specific allergen.
If you want to try immunotherapy (the only treatment that modifies the immune response rather than just suppressing symptoms), testing is required. You can’t build a desensitisation protocol without knowing what your dog reacts to.
If your dog has severe, year-round symptoms and you’re not sure whether it’s environmental, food, or both, testing helps clarify the picture and avoids years of guessing.
Talk to your vet about whether testing makes sense for your dog’s specific situation. Your vet can refer you to a board-certified veterinary dermatologist in the GTA for intradermal testing if needed.
Key takeaways
- Intradermal skin testing ($200 to $300) is the gold standard. Blood testing ($200 to $400) is less invasive but slightly less accurate.
- Neither test works for food allergies. An elimination diet is the only reliable method for those.
- The total cost including consultation, sedation, and immunotherapy can reach $1,000+ in the first year.
- Testing is most worthwhile if you’re considering immunotherapy or need to sort out complex allergy patterns.
- Your vet can help decide whether testing is the right step for your dog.
References
- Animal Dermatology Group. “Intradermal Allergy Testing.” animaldermatology.com
- Vety. “How Much Does Allergy Testing Cost for a Dog? (2026).” vety.com
- Pets Care. “Dog Allergy Test Cost Guide.” petscare.com
- Animal Dermatology Group. “Allergy Testing Services.” animaldermatology.com