The purpose of this document is to provide total allowable error (TEa) recommendations for commonly analyzed hematology measurands for veterinary personnel. These guidelines define relevant terminology and highlight considerations specific to hematology measurands. They also provide reasons and guidelines for using TEa in instrument performance evaluation, including recommendations for when the total observed error exceeds the recommended TEa. Biological variation‐based quality specifications are briefly discussed. The appendix describes the derivation of the hematology TEa recommendations and provides resources for external quality assurance/proficiency testing programs and a worksheet for implementation of the guidelines.