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As a dog owner, you may have heard of dog DNA tests and wondered if the information they provide is worth the cost. Let’s break down the price range, how these tests work, what kind of results you might expect to get with these tests, and how you might be able to get coverage for dog DNA test costs through MetLife Pet.
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Depending on the test and the company, you might expect dog DNA test costs to be around $40 — $200 or more.1,2,3,4 We’ll dive into specific cost information later, so keep reading.
Across the board, the more information you receive from your test, the higher the price will likely be. For example, a test that includes extensive breed health screening details is typically more expensive than a simple breed identification test.
You can buy several types of canine DNA tests, depending on what kind of information you’re looking for. Let’s take a look at some of the things you can purchase tests for.1,3
Sometimes, these tests are bundled together in a kit. Other times, you may be able to buy them individually.
After you order a dog DNA test kit in the mail or pick one up at a pet store, follow the steps for the specific test that are within the kit.
Usually, the process includes mailing in your dog’s saliva. You’ll probably need to swab under your dog’s tongue or on the inside of their cheek using the swab in the kit and then place the swab in the included tube. After mailing back the saliva sample, you’ll wait a few weeks before being notified, likely via email, that the results are ready to access online.1
To feel confident in the validity of a canine DNA test, consider who’s conducting the test. Some veterinarians offer DNA tests, and you may consider your vet more trustworthy than a DNA test company. Vets may also submit a blood sample, as opposed to saliva, to ensure a large amount of DNA is present.5
As for testing companies, it can help to do research on a specific company to ensure they have a good reputation. To establish your dog’s breed, a DNA testing lab will compare a small set of markers in your dog’s DNA to that of all dogs in their database (also called a reference panel). A company with a large database could bring more accurate results.6
These tests aren’t 100% accurate. You’ll probably get a good approximation of the breeds your dog is made up of, but since it’s based on a reference panel, the percentages of various breeds likely won’t be exact. Take the information about genetic health risks with a grain of salt. Many test kits identify single gene mutations — just because the mutation is present in your dog’s DNA doesn’t mean they’re guaranteed to develop any associated diseases.6
Here are some of the more popular and trusted dog DNA testing companies on the market today, including the tests they offer and the cost you might expect to pay for each.
Embark offers two main tests that were developed with the help of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. One test is for breed identification and ancestry, priced around $130. The second test includes a health screening for inherited disease and traits in addition to breed ID, which is priced around $200.
If you have a purebred dog, Embark has a version of the health screening test specifically for them that costs around $200. And if you’re a breeder, they also offer a more extensive breeder-specific dog DNA test kit priced around $119 – $139 per kit, depending on how many kits you order.1
Wisdom Panel has three main tests that provide more results for each upgrade. The first tier is a breed identification, some inherited traits, and drug sensitivity screening test, which is priced around $100. The second includes everything from tier one plus inherited disease screening and more inherited trait information and is priced around $120. The third includes everything from the first two tiers plus extensive inherited disease and trait information and a vet consultation and is priced around $160.2
DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC®7) offers a variety of tests that are typically sold individually rather than bundled together in a single kit like many other companies. These tests include breed ID, DNA profile ID, inherited disease screening, inherited trait screening, lineage and parentage verification, and individual disease tests for certain breeds that may be at a higher risk.3
Costs per test can range from around $40 – $100, with the total cost depending on how many tests you purchase or how many samples are needed for testing.3
Outside of providing popular human DNA tests, Ancestry®7 also offers a dog DNA test that provides a breed identification breakdown and some of their inherited traits. This test costs around $99.4
Finding out information on your dog’s DNA is interesting, but it can also be beneficial in helping you care for your pet’s overall well-being.
Knowing your dog’s breed ID can be fun, but it can also be a great way to understand their inherited behaviors and characteristics.8 It can help give a better picture of why they might be more prone to certain behaviors, such as anxious actions and hyperactivity. Not only is this great information to have when it comes to caring for your dog, but it can be helpful if your pup is experiencing some behavioral challenges and needs training.
Having results from DNA health screening kits may be the biggest benefit of dog DNA tests. There can be value in discovering which diseases and health conditions your dog may be at a higher risk for based on their breed makeup. You could also find out if your dog is a carrier of a certain genetic problem. There are even breed-specific tests for certain breeds that are prone to developing genetic disorders or mutations.8
Remember, these tests simply show what conditions a dog may be prone to developing — the results don’t mean they’re guaranteed to develop said condition, and they’re not meant for diagnostic testing.6 However, if you know what health conditions and diseases your dog could have a higher risk of experiencing, you can take steps to help prevent or prepare for them.
For example, border collies and Australian shepherds are prone to developing an MDR1 gene mutation, or multidrug resistance mutation.9 Dogs with this mutation have negative side effects to many commonly used medications, and a DNA test can tell you if your dog has this mutation.8 Sharing this information with your vet can help avoid your dog receiving drugs that could cause a negative response and possible harm.
Enrolling in a dog insurance policy can be one of the ways you help prepare for any health conditions listed in your dog’s DNA test that they may develop. By enrolling while your pup is still healthy, you can better ensure coverage for vet bills later on by potentially avoiding pre-existing condition exclusions.10
We can typically cover things like diagnostic testing and treatment for illnesses — like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and more — with our insurance policies. And with our Preventive Care plan add-on, you can get coverage for routine care to help keep them healthy and increase the chance of preventing certain health problems. Depending on the Preventive Care plan you choose, you may be able to get reimbursed for your dog’s DNA test costs when you purchase the test through your vet.11
Think about the kind of information you want to know about your dog’s genetics, the test cost, and research the accuracy of the test before you decide to purchase one. And if you’re thinking about pet insurance, see your personal rates for a MetLife Pet policy by getting a free quote today.
