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Tuesday, August 16th
HomeDNA provides home DNA kits for individuals as well as dogs and cats. They process results through their DNA Diagnostics Center in Ohio. HomeDNA was founded in 1995 with the belief that technological advancements in DNA should be affordable and available to everyone. Every year they handle over 1 million samples and focus on giving back through their support of the Innocence Project where they use DNA evidence to exonerate wrongly convicted persons. HomeDNA promises to keep personal information safe and secure and destroys DNA samples once results are processed.
Basic and expensive DNA tests
For dog owners, HomeDNA offers two options for DNA tests. The first is a Health Screen and Life Plan kit for $125 that screens for over 100 genetic diseases and traits. The test also provides a life plan to help you meet your dog's health needs now and in the future. A sample report of this life plan showed vague information about potential health alerts as well as what should be done at their next clinical examination, which looked to us like what a standard exam would include anyway. We immediately felt like you could get more from other companies for the amount of money HomeDNA charges for this basic test.
Couldn't access all information
The second DNA kit is a Mixed-Breed Dog Identification DNA Test and Life Plan for $89. This seems to have the same contents as the health screening kit but its main purpose is to uncover the most likely breeds in your pet's history. This also includes a life plan for your dog. When we tried to read more on "The Science" , "How It Works" , and FAQs for this product, we were only shown related products that were for sale.
Simple test kit materials
Test kits include sterile DNA collection brushes, an information brochure and instructions for DNA collection, and self-addressed, postage-paid envelopes for returning your sample to HomeDNA. The company says you'll receive your results within 3 weeks.
Contact customer service to cancel
If you decide to cancel your order, you'll need to do it before you send in your dog's cheek swab sample to HomeDNA. You can contact them by phone or email to work through the refund process.
Not a top choice
It doesn't seem like HomeDNA's specialty is dog or cat DNA tests. Even though they offer them, it isn't their focus and probably not the main product purchased from them. We weren't able to find customer reviews about the reliability of these tests because people have only written about the human ancestry categories. Even though they have an "A+" Better Business Bureau rating, HomeDNA is not one of our top choices if you want a lot of information about your dog's health and genetic background.
If your dog was adopted from a shelter or rescued, you might not know their breed. We as humans are deeply interested in our background and where we come from, so why wouldn't we want to know about our furry family members as well? DNA tests for dogs are similar to the DNA tests humans do with some companies providing fairly detailed results.
Knowing your dog's breed will give you insight into how to train them, their overall health, possible diseases they could face, and why they behave the way they do. This will help you navigate the best diet for your dog and give your veterinarian necessary information on how to treat your animal long-term. If you have a puppy, you'll get a better idea of how big your dog will be when he/she grows up or if your dog is antisocial, you might learn why that's the case and how to navigate such quirks.
There is so much you can learn from a DNA test that will help you give the best to your dog throughout their life. Comparing the cost and accuracy of dog DNA test kits online is the best way to ensure you get the best option. You'll usually just need a cheek swab of the inside of your dog's mouth, but all kits come with instructions on how to properly package your dog's sample back in the mail.
It only takes a few weeks to receive results via email. Most companies have comprehensive online portals for you to view your dog's genetic makeup and break down their heritage by percentage.
There are many companies that sell dog DNA tests, so we have provided important information for you to consider which company to use:
TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the best places to purchase a DNA test kit for your dog. We hope this information helps you find the right test to give you all the guidance you need to keep your four-legged best friend healthy and happy!
Select any 2 Dog DNA Test Kits to compare them head to head