SPY Guide: The Best At-Home DNA Tests For Pets

SPY Guide: The Best At-Home DNA Tests For Pets By Tim Chan December 18, 2017 Photo by Juice/REX/Shutterstock (7538161a) MODEL RELEASED Couple sitting with dog in park VARIOUS Photo by Juice/REX/Shutterstock This is e-commerce content. If you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story we may receive a small commission of the sale. Share
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* Find out your cat or dog’s genetic makeup once and for all
* Test done in minutes with simple swab of your pet’s cheeks
* Get detailed results in as little as three weeks

“What kind of dog is that?” It’s a question pet owners hear all the time, but few truly know how to answer. Whether you adopted your pet from a shelter, or got it from a pet store, it’s important to do your research to find out exactly what kind of dog or cat you have. Even if you got your pet from a breeder, it’s always better to get certified results rather than rely on hearsay.

The reason? If you pets ever gets sick, you’ll want to know how best to treat them. Different breeds also require different levels of exercise, different diets and different social structures.

Now here’s the good news: you don’t have to go to the vet or invest in pricey procedures to find out more about your pets. We’ve found three, well-reviewed DNA tests for pets that you can do in the comfort of home. It’s simple to follow too: just swab the inside of your dog or cat’s cheek and return the sample to the lab using an included prepaid envelope. Within three weeks of receipt of samples at the lab, results are emailed directly to you.

1. Dog DNA Health Screen and Life Plan

You never want your dogs to get sick, but if they do, you’ll want to be prepared. This test identifies potential illnesses and diseases that your dog (and his/her breed) could contract, letting you take a more active role in preventing and detecting problems early. Use the report for more informed communication with your veterinarian, too.

BONUS: Get $10 off and free shipping on Dog DNA Health Screen and Life Plan using code: DOGH18

What’s it for?
The Dog DNA Health Screen and Life Plan combines over 100 separate screenings for canine genetic diseases and genetic traits into just one easy test. You’ll get comprehensive, easy-to-understand info about your pet’s inherited traits and predisposition to suffering from or being a carrier for certain diseases.

What’s included in the kit?
The kit includes easy-to-follow instructions, sterile DNA collection brushes, and a postage-paid envelope for returning samples to the lab.

What happens next?
Your dog’s DNA is analyzed at a lab by experienced analysts who then prepare a report outlining information about and/or risks for these diseases and traits.

How do I see my results?
You will receive an email with a link to view your DNA results when they are ready, typically within three weeks.

Image courtesy of HomeDNA

Buy: Dog DNA Health Screen and Life Plan $109.00 buy it

   2. Cat DNA Health Screen and Life Plan

The Cat DNA Health Screen and Life Plan screens your pet’s DNA sample for over 40 genetic diseases and traits. You’ll also find out which physical traits are in your cat’s genes. So if you’ve ever wondered where your cat gets the extra fluffiness in his or her tail, or why they walk (or pounce) a certain way, this test will provide some answers, too. This package also provides an interactive online “Life Plan” to help you meet your cat’s health needs through his or her lifetime.

BONUS: Get $10 off and free shipping on the Cat DNA Health Screen and Life Plan using code: CATH18

What’s it for?
Uncover your cat’s DNA mix across hundreds of genetic markers associated with common breeds, while also screening him/her for 40+ inherited traits and diseases.

What’s included in the kit?
The kit includes easy-to-follow instructions, sterile DNA collection brushes, and a postage-paid envelope for returning samples to the lab.

What happens next?
Your cat’s DNA is analyzed at a lab by experienced analysts who then. prepare a comprehensive report outlining information about and/or risks for these diseases and traits

How do I see my results?
You will receive an email with a link to view your DNA results when they are ready, typically within three weeks.

Image courtesy of HomeDNA

Buy: Cat DNA Health Screen and Life Plan $109.00 buy it

   3. Mixed-Breed Dog Identification DNA Test and Life Plan

Think you have a mutt? The Mixed-Breed Identification DNA Test and Life Plan compares your dog’s DNA with hundreds of genetic markers associated with common breeds. This comprehensive screening helps uncover the most likely breeds in your pet’s history and also provides a “Life Plan” to help meet your dog’s health needs now and down the road. Results are emailed to you within three weeks.

BONUS: Get $10 off and free shipping on the Mixed-Breed Dog Identification DNA Test and Life Plan using code: MIXB18

What’s it for?
Uncover your dog’s DNA mix across hundreds of genetic markers associated with common breeds.  This comprehensive screening helps uncover the most likely breeds in your pet’s family history.

What’s included in the kit?
The kit includes easy-to-follow instructions, sterile DNA collection brushes, and a postage-paid envelope for returning samples to the lab.

What happens next?
Your dog’s DNA is analyzed at a lab by experienced analysts who then determine which validated breeds are included in your dog’s ancestry.

How do I see my results?
You will receive an email with a link to view your DNA results when they are ready, typically within three weeks.

Image courtesy of Amazon

Buy: Mixed-Breed Identification DNA Test and Life Plan $109.00 buy it

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