Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

Embark vs Orivet

Friday, October 4th

2024 Dog DNA Test Kit Reviews

Embark Review 5 Star Rating

Embark

5 Star Rating
  • Pricing: Breed ID for $109, Breed ID + Health for $159
  • Partners with Cornell University for advanced genetic research
  • Tests for 350+ breeds, 250+ potential health conditions, and 35 traits
  • Easy testing process with results in 2-4 weeks
  • Free U.S. shipping
  • 60-day return policy and free replacement swabs
  • Offers unique "wolfiness” score
  • Includes village dogs in the database
  • High customer satisfaction with 4.7-star average rating
Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award

Embark is a dog DNA test that delivers a wealth of information about your furry friend, from their breed mix to potential health conditions to who their relatives are. They've partnered with Cornell University for cutting-edge research, contributing to discoveries that benefit all dogs. You'll find the process simple and quick, with results in just 2-4 weeks. Plus, Embark offers some unique features, like a "wolfiness" score and the inclusion of village dogs. We think their test makes for an affordable, thoughtful gift for a pet owner in your life. Despite a recent drop in their Better Business Bureau rating, we still rank Embark as our top choice for dog DNA tests.

Orivet Review 3 Star Rating

Orivet

3 Star Rating
  • Breed identification test for $109
  • Breed ID and health screening for $169.96
  • Unique DNA test for purebred dogs costs $119
  • Personalized wellness program with every purchase
  • Non-invasive cheek swab for DNA collection
  • Global presence with offices in multiple countries
  • Free delivery in Australia, USA, UK, and Europe
  • $10 discount for newsletter sign-ups

Orivet Genetic Pet Care offers breed identification and health screening options for your dog. They even provide a special DNA test for purebred dogs, which is not a common offering. With every purchase, you get a customized wellness plan for your dog based on their DNA. However, you'll want to know that Orivet has had some issues with delivering results on time and their customer support could be better. Given these concerns, we're hesitant to fully recommend them. It might be safer to go with a more reliable vendor for your dog's DNA test.

Which Dog DNA Test is the Best?

Have you ever looked at your dog, with her mismatched ears and quirky habits, and thought, "What in the world are you?" Well, you're not alone. Many dog owners are turning to DNA tests out of curiosity about their furry friend's breed, health predispositions, and even unique behavioral traits.

Whether you adopted your pup from a shelter with a mysterious past, or simply want to understand why your dog insists on greeting any visitors with a toy in his mouth, a DNA test might just hold the answers. However, there are quite a few services offering dog DNA tests these days, so you may be wondering if one is much different from the other.

The Best Dog DNA Test Kits Compare Dog DNA Test Kits Compare Dog DNA Test Kit Reviews What are the best Dog DNA Test Kits Best Dog DNA Test Kit Reviews

Dog DNA Test Kit FAQ

Since 2007 Dog DNA testing has been providing the customer information to better understand their lovable pooch through its genetic DNA. Performing these tests can help the customer learn more about their dog (breed and heritage) and the higher risks the dog may be more susceptible to via their genetic DNA. When testing your dog, the larger the research-grade DNA genotyping platform a company has, the more information the customer will receive.
When it comes to DNA genotyping platform, think of it as a large database for genomic data. The DNA genotyping platform can, but is not limited to, storing the DNA from 100's of dog breeds and genetic conditions and traits. Having the information stored in this platform, allows the company to compare it to your dogs' DNA results.
DNA testing of your dog can be a little pricy but worth it. DNA Dog Testing kits can range from $79 to $199. On occasion some companies do offer promotional discounts and offers towards the kits. The price for the kits can be a wide range. Some companies offer an all in one kit, whereas others offer a standard and a premium version of their Dog DNA testing kit
The amount of health conditions and disorder that can be tested for depends on the size of each companies database. For a larger company, there are test kits that check for genetic issues and diseases within the main systems of your canine such as: blood, muscular, skeletal, immune, hormones, and many more. Smaller companies typically have a premium package that allows for the testing of medical conditions that are standard and not breed specific.
Most Dog DNA testing kits tests for over 250 breeds of dogs, ranging from a small chihuahua to a gray wolf. The heritage for a dog can surprise you and can be a little wilder than you think. If you are more interested in the breed of your pup, consider looking into ancestry testing to see the lineage of your loved pooch.
Accuracy from the Dog DNA test companies range from 95 % to 99 % accuracy. If you are looking for a more accurate company, we recommend the companies with 4 star review and higher. Keep in mind there is not a company with 100% accuracy because there is a potential for human error and the size of each company's database.
On average Dog DNA testing can take anywhere from 2 to 7 weeks, once the DNA is received, depending on the company. If you're in a hurry be sure to look at the average turn around time before making a selection.
Originally DNA was taken through blood, with the at home test kits, it is just a simple swab of the fluffy canines' cheek. Once the swab is taken, you send the test kit in for evaluation and results will be provided in a timely manner depending on the company you are testing with.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

Some tests focus solely on identifying breed composition, which can be fascinating for owners of mutts - who knew your funny-looking Boston Terrier has a Chow Chow great-grandparent? If you want to be proactive in managing your pet's health, you might prefer a test that screens for genetic health conditions. Some tests analyze traits and behaviors, shedding light on why your dog might exhibit certain habits, like digging up your dahlias or barking exclusively at his reflection in the oven door.

Some popular dog DNA tests also offer a relative database feature, connecting you with other dogs that share your pet's DNA. This can be a fun way to "meet" your dog's relatives and possibly even find some siblings. If this is important to you, double-check that the service you're considering offers this.

Some companies out there offer tests that can identify food or drug allergies your dog is likely to have. Other tests can estimate their age. These options can be really useful if something is making your dog sick, or if you're just curious about how old they really are. You may want to pay a little more for a breed identification test that includes health screenings for genetic disorders. This way, you can prepare for potential health issues and discuss preventive measures with your veterinarian.

As you shop online for a dog DNA test, here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

  • Breed identification accuracy. Look for a test that offers a high level of accuracy in breed identification, verified by customer reviews. Some dog DNA test providers have been known to give breed breakdowns that seem more like a best guess than the result of carefully considering data.
  • Value for money. Consider the range of information the test provides and weigh it against its price. Some tests are more comprehensive and therefore more expensive, while others might offer less information but are more affordable.
  • Database size. The size of the company's breed database can affect the accuracy of the test. A larger database generally means better results in identifying a wider variety of breeds.
  • Ease of use. Check user reviews to gauge how easy it is to collect a sample. The best dog DNA tests should come with clear instructions and all the tools needed for a non-invasive, hassle-free sample collection.
  • Turnaround time. Check how long it takes to receive results. Some companies may offer quicker results than others, which can be important if you're making medical or behavioral decisions based on the outcomes.
  • Customer support. Good customer support can be invaluable, especially if you have questions about interpreting the results of your test.

Choosing the right dog DNA test isn't just a walk in the park. It requires careful consideration of these factors. Whether you're driven by curiosity about your dog's breed or concerned about potential health issues, the right test can provide insights that deepen your understanding and strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Top Consumer Reviews has sniffed out and ranked the best Dog DNA Tests available. We hope this review helps you fetch the perfect test for your four-legged buddy, making your shared journey even more pawsome.

The Best Reviews of Dog DNA Test Kits