Pets DNA Test

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WHAT IS PET DNA TESTING?

Pet DNA testing is a process that analyzes an animal’s genetic material to determine its breed composition, ancestry, health risks, and other genetic traits. These tests are commonly used for dogs and cats, but they can also be available for other animals.

How Pet DNA Testing Works

  1. 1)Sample Collection – Typically, a pet owner collects a DNA sample using a cheek swab or a small blood sample, depending on the test provider.
  2. 2)Laboratory Analysis – The sample is sent to a lab where it is processed and compared to a database of genetic markers.
  3. 3)Results & Interpretation – The owner receives a report that may include:
    • Breed composition (for mixed-breed pets)
    • Health predispositions (genetic diseases and conditions)

HOW DOES PET DNA TESTING WORK?

WHAT TYPE OF PETS GET DNA TESTED?

DNA testing is commonly done for a variety of pets, but the most frequently tested animals include:

  1. 1)Dogs
  • ->Breed identification – Helps owners determine their dog’s breed mix.
  • ->Health screening – Identifies genetic predispositions to diseases.
  • Ancestry tracing – Tracks lineage and family history.
  1. 2)Cats
  • ->Breed and ancestry – Helps determine if a cat has specific purebred ancestry.
  • ->Genetic health risks – Identifies inherited diseases like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
  • ->Traits and coat color genetics – Explains patterns, colors, and physical traits.
  1. 3)Horses
  • ->Parentage verification – Confirms bloodline for pedigree registration.
  • ->Genetic diseases – Screens for inherited conditions like HYPP or PSSM.
  • ->Performance traits – Determines genetic factors that influence speed, endurance, or temperament.
  1. 4)Birds
  • ->Sex determination – DNA testing helps determine gender, especially in species that don’t have visible differences.
  • ->Species verification – Confirms the exact species or subspecies of a bird.
  1. 5)Reptiles & Amphibians
  • ->Species identification – Useful for exotic pets to confirm lineage.
  • ->Sex identification – Some reptiles, like bearded dragons and turtles, require DNA testing to determine gender.
  1. 6)Exotic Pets (Rabbits, Ferrets, Guinea Pigs, etc.)
  • ->Genetic health risks – Helps identify hereditary diseases.
  • ->Ancestry and traits – Used mainly by breeders or researchers.

 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET PET DNA RESULTS?

The time it takes to get pet DNA test results depends on the company and type of test you choose. On average:

  • Standard pet DNA tests (like breed identification): 2 to 4 weeks after the lab receives the sample.
  • Health and genetic screening tests3 to 6 weeks, as they often involve more complex analysis.
  • Express or premium options (offered by some companies): Can take a few days to a week, but may cost extra.

Our FASTDNATESTS Dog DNA Testing? (Canine) 

Are you a breeder who wants to ensure your animals are genetically healthy? Are you a pet owner who wants knowledge about whether or not they have genetic mutations?  You can collect your dog’s DNA right in the comfort of home to get all the answers you need. Contact our experts for a free consultation and we’ll be happy to help determine the best DNA testing for your pet.

We do the following unique dog tests:

FASTDNATESTS Offers Trusted Dog-Health DNA Testing with Accurate Results and 5-Star Customer Service.

Our caring and knowledgeable dog-health DNA testing experts are available and ready to help you choose the tests that are right for your breed, and we work hard every day to continue earning your trust. We’ve partnered with leading scientists in the field to develop, validate, and offer the high-quality genetic screens that are most important to breeders and pet owners.

Here are some unique tests:

Centronuclear Myopathy in Labrador Retrievers
CNM is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder and is characterized by weight loss, awkward gait and exercise intolerance.

Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), Chorodial Hypoplasia
In affected dogs, the choroid does not develop properly and is thinner than normal, which can result in vision loss and retinal detachment.

Copper Toxicosis (Copper Storage Hepatopathy)
Copper Toxicosis (CT) is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder in which a dog’s system accumulates excess copper instead of excreting it naturally, which can result in severe damage to the liver.

Cystinuria in Newfoundlands and Labradors
Cystinuria is a metabolic disorder that can cause stones in the urinary tract. This test is exclusively for Labrador Retrievers and Newfoundlands.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) in Canine Breeds
DM is a degenerative disease of the spinal cord characterized by muscle weakness in the hind limbs. This disease can eventually leading to paraplegia.

Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC)
Dogs clinically affected by Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC) often begin to exhibit leg weakness that is followed by a complete collapse after just 5 to 15 minutes of strenuous activity.

Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis (HNPK) in Labrador Retrievers
HNPK-affected dogs develop dry, rough crusts on the tip of the nose. In extreme cases, the dog’s nose cracks, causing severe discomfort. This test is exclusively for Labrador Retrievers.

Multidrug Resistance 1 (MDR1)
MDR1-affected dogs are at risk of developing neurologic symptoms from several common drugs. Find out if your dog is affected.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd)
PRA-prcd is inherited as an autosomal recessive disease. Degeneration of both rod and cone photoreceptor cells of the retina of PRA-prcd affected dogs usually occurs at 3 to 5 years of age or later.

Uric Acid DNA Test (Hyperuricosuria)
Hyperuricosuria, or elevated uric acid level in the urine, is inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder and is characterized by the formation of bladder stones and occasional kidney stones.

von Willebrand’s Disease Type 1
vWD is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in canines. Type I vWD is characterized by abnormally-low production of blood-clotting protein.

WE also perform the following dog tests:

FASTDNATESTS Offers Trusted Testing for Inherited Traits in Dogs, with Accurate Results and 5-Star Customer Service.

Our caring and knowledgeable customer-service specialists are experts with inherited traits in dogs. They’re ready to help you choose the tests that are right for your breed, and work hard every day to continue earning your trust. We’ve partnered with leading scientists in the field to develop, validate, and offer the high-quality genetic screens that are most important to breeders and pet owners.

Coat Color Testing
DNA testing for coat-color genotypes is available for several dogs breeds and helps our clients to more accurately predict the colors of future progeny.

Coat Length or “Fluffy” Test
DNA testing for varying coat-length genotypes is available for many breeds. Long-haired coat length is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. We test DNA marker– FGF5:c284G>T.

Coat Curl Test
This screen tests for the presence of 1 or 2 copies of “curl,” which is a dominant trait. DDC has validated this DNA test for 20 popular breeds.

Coat Furnishings (IC)
Furnishings is best characterized by a longer mustache and eyebrow facial-hair pattern. DDC performs this test for more than 15 breeds.

Myostatin or “Bully” Test for Whippets
This DNA test determines whether a dog has the gene mutation associated with myostatin deficiency. Affected dogs appear overly muscled. This screen is exclusively for Whippets.

Natural Bobtail Test
By identifying the genotypes of phenotypically short-tailed dogs, our clients can accurately determine whether the dog is a Natural Bobtail (genetically short-tailed) or has been artificially docked.

WE DO DOG PARENTAGE TESTS!!

Dog-parentage testing is fast, affordable, and accurate.

FASTDNATESTS  uses a 16-DNA marker panel for routine parentage testing and keeps an additional 12 markers in reserve for extended testing in cases involving closely-related dogs. Both sire and dam samples are required for testing.

You are emailed a detailed Parentage Report showing inclusion or exclusion of each sire tested along with a DNA Profile summary page. Results are reported as:

  • ->Parentage qualifies (inclusion of sire and dam): both the sire and dam matched the progeny (puppy) at all 16 DNA markers

or

  • ->Parentage does not qualify (exclusion of sire, dam is included) : the dam matched the progeny (puppy), but the possible sire did not match the progeny and is not the sire

DNA results are emailed within 10 business days, once all samples are received at the laboratory.

Your dog-parentage test kit includes:

  • ->Sterile DNA-collection swabs
  • ->Complete instructions

Postage-paid return envelope (if mailed in the Usa)

WE do DOG  PROFILE GENOTYPING

A pet DNA test profile provides peace of mind and security

Tags can be taken off and microchips aren’t always effective in long-term, but DNA never changes. DNA profiles also serve as a tool for breeders who need to keep DNA-profile records of their breeding group (dams and sires) in case a parentage verification of their offspring is ever needed in the future. Many registries keep records of DNA profiles to verify pedigrees.

The dog-profile report includes our panel of 16 DNA markers and the numeric allele sizes at each marker. Each DNA marker has 2 allele sizes: one is inherited from the dam and one from the sire. These DNA markers do not tell about inherited traits, diseases or breed make-up.

DNA results are emailed within 10 days, once all samples are received at the laboratory.

Your dog-DNA test kit for profiling includes:

  • =>Sterile DNA-collection swabs
  • =>Complete instructions

WE DO “What is my Dog’s Breed?”

Discover the breeds that make your dog unique with the Mixed-Breed Identification DNA Test & Life Plan by Orivet. Included with this test is an exclusive Life Plan with customized suggestions to your dog’s genetic make-up that can help you optimize his wellness through all the different stages of his life. 

Your test kit includes:

  • Sterile DNA-collection swabs
  • Complete instructions
  • Postage-paid return envelope (if mailed in the U.S.)

DNA Results are normally emailed within 3 weeks See Sample Certificate

Breeds Detected

The Mixed-Breed Identification DNA Test can detect over 220 of the most popular dog breeds. In addition, genetic markers for wolf and coyote are included in the database for detection. Reveal your dog’s genetic background today!

The Life Plan

As much as we love our pet, most of us probably don’t know what to ask the vet at our dog’s checkup—whether they’re a puppy or a senior! When should they get their teeth cleaned? On what date are they due for their heartworm screening? These and many other questions are answered by Orivet’s exclusive online Life Plan, included with the Mixed-Breed Identification DNA Test. This comprehensive plan eliminates all the guesswork and helps you stick to your dog’s optimum healthcare schedule. It’s an excellent resource and a must for all dog owners!

What are the (FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions About DNA & Paternity Testing

A: The Mixed-Breed Identification Test kits are normally shipped the same business day (Monday-Friday) that they are ordered. If we receive your order after 3:00 PM Eastern Time, they’ll be shipped the following business day. The test kit can only be shipped within the U.S. and Canada; sorry: no P.O. boxes.

A: Once your dog’s sample is received, the results are completed and available to view online and download in about 2-3 weeks. The first step is to register your kity before you send in the sample.

 

A: “Pit Bull” generally refers to a genetically-diverse group of breeds that are characterized by certain physical traits. Since this group is so genetically diverse, “Pit Bull” is not a breed detected by the test. However, the breed test will detect breeds like American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Mastiff, Bullmastiff, Bulldog and various other terrier types.

 

A: Yes, the test detects wolf and coyote wild canids.

We do Equine DNA Testing for Horse Parentage

Parentage for horses can be definitively established using PCR DNA technology. For parentage testing, the DDC team uses an optimized 22-DNA marker panel plus a gender marker. A typical test includes both parents. If the dam is not available, please contact us for more information about extended-test options for equine DNA testing for parentage.

You collect the DNA samples using hair from the main of an adult horse or hair from the tail of a foal—it’s easy! 

Once results are ready, DDC emails a detailed parentage report showing inclusion or exclusion of each sire tested along with a DNA Profile summary page. Results are reported as:

WE DO HORSE DNA PROFILING

Details about DDC Horse DNA Profiling Testing

Equine Profiling (Genotyping) is used to establish a secure, permanent ID for your horse in case it is lost or stolen. It can also be used for proof-of-parentage purposes. Using the same technology as parentage testing among equine families, the unique set of allele sizes for the horse are tested and recorded.

DNA profiles also serve as a tool for breeders who need to keep genetic records of their breeding stock (dams and sires) in case a parentage verification of their offspring is ever needed. Many registries keep records of DNA profiles to verify pedigrees.

You collect the DNA samples using hair from the main of an adult horse or hair from the tail of a foal—it’s easy! 

The profile report includes the industry-standard STR-marker panel plus additional markers for an optimized panel of 23 DNA markers. Profiles are reported in the standard letter code. Each DNA marker has two (2) allele sizes: one is inherited from the dam and one from the sire. These DNA markers do not provide information about inherited traits or diseases.

DNA results are emailed within 10 business days, once samples are received at the laboratory.

*NOTE: This test does not determine the breed make-up or lineage of a horse. It provides a profile only for the horse tested.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)PKD in CATS

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is an inherited autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the formation of cysts on the kidneys, PKD could lead to eventual renal failure and possible death. The PKD DNA test is available for the following cats breeds: Persians, Himalayans, Exotics, and crosses of these three.

PKD is dominant,therefore, heterozygotes (those possessing one copy of the mutation) will likely be clinically affected. When bred to genotypically-normal cats, heterozygotes are still likely to produce clinically affected offspring 50% of the time.

Your PKD DNA-test kit includes:

You can also use a kit to collect samples, if you prefer.

Once testing is complete, we email a detailed DNA report showing the cat’s genotype for PKD.

The 3 possible genotypes include:

Polycystic Kidney Disease Inheritance

The following table shows the expected distribution of progeny genotypes based on a mating where both parents have known genotypes.

Chart Legend:

How long until I receive the FAST DNA results?