How to DNA test your pet.
Uncover a new world of knowledge in just three easy steps.
Swab their cheek to gather DNA. Here’s how to get the best sample:
Swab your pet’s cheek for at least 15 seconds. Inspect their mouth for any debris or rogue treats. Avoid touching the end of the swab with your hands. Firmly roll and rotate the swab inside their cheek. Apply gentle pressure from the outside of their cheek. Allow the swabs to dry for at least five minutes.
Send your sample to our lab using the prepaid mailer.
Once we get your pet’s DNA, the science starts. Our labs are CLIA-certified, which means our geneticists handle each sample with human-grade equipment. Here’s what goes down behind the scenes: We determine the complete set of genes found in your dog or cat (AKA genotyping). We screen their sample against the world’s largest breed database to ensure the most accurate results. We create a clear breakdown of your pet’s results.
Understand their results.
After 2-3 weeks, it’s time for the DNA reveal party. This is when you get to really step up your pet parenting game. Because learning your pet has a mutation in the POMC gene is fine. But knowing it makes them predisposed to overeating and obesity is better. Here’s what else to keep in mind: Be ready for a surprise. It’s possible that your “Corgi mix” may actually be CattleWeenieDoxiPoo. But finally knowing for sure sets you up for so many new ways to know and care for them. Your results help more than just your pet. Every sample in our database contributes to research that’s aiming to improve the lives of all pets. Just by testing your pet, you’re contributing to scientific breakthroughs in pet care.
We recommend waiting at least two hours after feeding your pet a meal or treat to swab. (Water is fine—no delay necessary.) This helps ensure you get an uncontaminated sample.
You might not see anything on the swabs. But if you followed the instructions above, you likely captured plenty of genetic material. Regardless, our lab performs quality checks on every sample prior to analysis. So, in the unlikely event that yours don’t have enough high-quality DNA for processing, we’ll let you know.
To prevent scratches or sudden escapes, try wrapping your cat’s body in a blanket or towel (AKA, cat burrito) before you swab. And be sure to have treats on hand to reward a job well done afterward! Find more tips in our full FAQs →
Find the best DNA test for your pet.
When it comes to the health and happiness of your pet, there’s always more to know. So we have four different tests to help you discover the answers you need to understand your pet— whether you’re excited to learn more about their breed mix or you want to go full crazy pet parents and run hundreds of tests to know all the details. (Yes, we’re the latter.)
