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Monday, July 7th
Easy DNA, a company that's been serving customers around the globe for 15 years, takes pride in its high-quality customer service. They offer DNA tests for both people and pets, including dogs.
Breed identification starting at $104
Easy DNA offers a lot of DNA tests for dogs, so in this review, we're focusing on three. Firstly, the $269 Premium Package For Dogs might seem pricey, but it's comprehensive. It comes with three tests that check for food intolerances, identify your dog's breed, and screen for traits and genetic disorders. If you buy more than one of these tests, you can get $20 off each additional order.
400 breeds, physical traits, genetic diseases identified for $119
The $119 KnowYourDog Genetic & Breed Test is less expensive than some competitor options, helping you learn about your dog's physical traits, which of 400 breeds are in their ancestry, and any genetic diseases they might be prone to.
350 breeds identified for $104
Lastly, the Dog Breed Identification Test, priced at $104, is a simpler option. This one only identifies around 350 breeds, though, so if you've got a mutt or suspect unique ancestry, you may want to opt for the more expensive breed ID test.
Test for multiple other factors
Aside from those, Easy DNA offers a multitude of other tests, including:
At the time of this review, the dog allergy test was not in stock, and a test for Vitamin D deficiency was slated to be available soon.
Detailed PDF reports
The report provided with the Premium package is impressively detailed. The example report we saw was 11 pages long. It provided a thorough history of any identified breeds, an array of information about potential health conditions and traits, and even included references to relevant veterinary medicine journal articles.
Quick swab process and prepaid envelope
Taking a sample is quick and easy. You just need to hold the swab by the handle and place the tip under your dog's tongue or inside their cheek for about a minute and a half. After that, all you have to do is send the samples back to Easy DNA in the provided return envelope. Most of Easy DNA's tests come with free shipping. The result timeframe will depend on the test, but you can typically expect turnaround in 2-3 weeks.
Expensive fees for retests and returns
If you're thinking about using Easy DNA, you should know that their return and cancellation policies are not as forgiving as some of their competitors'. If you cancel your order before the kit is issued, you'll receive a full refund. However, if you cancel after you've received the kit but before you've sent back your samples, you'll be charged for postage and administration. These fees range from £25 in the UK, €35 in Europe, $40 in the USA and CAD $50 in Canada. If you've already sent back your samples and then decide to cancel, you won't be eligible for a refund. Also, if your test fails and you need to do another one, you'll be charged a resampling fee. (Other dog DNA test companies often cover the cost and send you a new one.) This fee varies depending on where you live: it's £30 in the UK, €35 in Europe, $40 in the USA, and CAD $50 in Canada. Easy DNA doesn't have a satisfaction guarantee.
Use your test within 3 months of purchase
Remember, you have three months from the time you order to send your samples back. If you don't send them in time, your account will be closed. If you want to reopen it and send samples after the three months, you'll have to pay a $65 fee if you're in the USA. If a year goes by without sending samples, your account will be permanently deleted. So, if you're giving this as a gift, remind the recipient to use it within three months to avoid extra charges.
Reviews are mixed
Easy DNA has an "A+” from the Better Business Bureau, and the UK Trustpilot page shows an average of 4.2 stars from a handful of reviews. The USA page only has an average of 2.8 stars from even fewer reviews. Some people are extremely pleased with their results, but there are a few angry customers who felt that the breed analysis results delivered were not accurate for their dogs. They were also not impressed with Easy DNA's follow-up, which can be summarized as, "the results we gave you are accurate, take it or leave it, but you won't get a refund.” Some customers have had great success with the allergy tests, though, and were able to make improvements to their pets' health with the information provided in the reports.
Likely a reliable pick
Even though Easy DNA isn't the most popular pick of canine heritage enthusiasts online, not many people are saying anything negative about them either - they seem to be relatively unknown. Easy DNA has a good rating from the Better Business Bureau and some positive customer experiences, so it's likely a reliable option. Just remember, while they do have good prices, you'd be wise to keep in mind the additional fees they charge and the circumstances that incur them.
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.
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:
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.
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