Progesterone Testing

We offer accurate and reliable canine progesterone testing to help you pinpoint the perfect time to mate your bitch and maximise breeding success. Progesterone is a natural hormone that rises as your female dog approaches ovulation. By measuring its level through a small blood sample, we can identify exactly when she’s most fertile, helping to avoid unsuccessful matings.

Our testing provides clear, easy-to-understand results showing where your girl is in her cycle — whether she’s too early, ready to mate, or has already ovulated. This precise timing gives you the best chance of conception and supports smoother, more successful breedings.

Knowing the best time to mate can be difficult, even for experienced breeders. Some bitches ovulate as early as day 5, while others may not ovulate until day 25, so timing can vary considerably.

At Calavey Pet Services, we usually recommend starting progesterone testing between day 5 and day 7 from the start of the season, when vulval swelling and bleeding first begin. Tests are then normally repeated every 2 to 3 days, depending on the results, to help pinpoint ovulation as accurately as possible.

After ovulation, the eggs take around 48 hours to mature before they can be fertilised. Fresh sperm also require around 12 hours after mating to undergo the changes needed to fertilise the eggs and can survive for up to 5 days inside the bitch, which means mating just before ovulation can still be successful, although the best time is usually around 2 days after ovulation. If possible, two matings 24–48 hours apart are often advised.

Progesterone testing is especially useful for bitches that have previously missed, and it is particularly important when using chilled or frozen semen, where timing is critical. Chilled semen generally survives for around 24 hours after warming, and frozen semen for around 12 hours, so accurate testing can make a real difference to success rates.

Using the AIA360 Tosoh of high-quality, calibrated equipment, you can be confident in receiving results you can trust — every time.

A blood collection from your veterinarian or a vet nurse is required for this test. A minimum of 1ml whole blood or 0.5ml of separated serum is required to run this test. Samples should be provided in a plain sterile collection tube (Clear/White or some Red Top Vial with No Additive). Tubes can be provided if needed. The collection form can be downloaded here.

What is the cost?

Progesterone £35 per test

What is the location?

Here at Calavey Pet Services, 10 Hillside Crescent, Puriton, Bridgwater, Somerset TA7 8AP. Progesterone blood sample can be posted for results soon after delivery.

How do I book?

To book an in person appointment this can be done online using my booking link - Book Now



Cell Analysis

We offer Canine Cell Analysis to help monitor your bitch’s heat cycle and determine the most fertile stage for successful mating.

Cell Analysis is a simple, non-invasive procedure that examines the cells  under a microscope. These cells naturally change in appearance throughout your dog’s season, allowing us to identify exactly which stage of the cycle she’s in — from early proestrus right through to ovulation and beyond.

By understanding these cellular changes, it provides valuable insights into your bitch’s reproductive timing and overall reproductive health. It’s an excellent tool for:

• Tracking progress through her heat cycle
• Confirming when she’s approaching ovulation
• Supporting or complementing progesterone testing for more precise results

Whether used on its own or alongside progesterone testing, cell analysis gives breeders the confidence and information needed to plan matings with accuracy and peace of mind.

What is the cost?

Cell Analysis £20 per test