Pet DNA Testing

Discover your pet’s breed mix, screen for genetic health conditions, and learn what makes your dog or cat unique.

Why test your pet’s DNA

A simple cheek swab can tell you what breeds make up your dog or cat, identify genetic health risks, and help your vet make informed decisions about preventive care. Many pet owners use DNA testing to learn their rescue pet’s breed mix, predict adult size for puppies, or discover relatives.

🧬

Breed insights

Discover which breeds make up your pet. Most tests detect 350+ dog breeds (or 70+ cat breeds) and provide an ancestry breakdown. Helps predict adult size, energy level, and behavior tendencies.

🩺

Health screening

Screen for 200+ genetic conditions including hip dysplasia risk, degenerative myelopathy, MDR1 drug sensitivity, and breed-specific diseases. Share results with your vet for tailored preventive care.

👪

Relatives and ancestry

Some tests connect you with relatives in their database — find your dog’s parents, siblings, or cousins. Great for adopters curious about their rescue pet’s background.

Featured DNA testing providers

🧬

Embark

350+ breeds, 230+ genetic health conditions, relative finder. Developed with Cornell University Veterinary School.

Visit Embark →
🐕

Wisdom Panel

350+ dog breeds and 70+ cat breeds, 25–200 medical complications screened depending on test tier.

Visit Wisdom Panel →

Some links may be affiliate or sponsored. We only feature DNA testing providers we have reviewed for quality.

Frequently asked questions

How does pet DNA testing work?+

You order a test kit, swab the inside of your pet’s cheek, and mail the sample to the lab. Results usually arrive in 2–4 weeks via an online portal showing breed breakdown and health screening results.

How accurate are pet DNA tests?+

Leading tests like Embark and Wisdom Panel are highly accurate for breed identification (95%+) when the breed is in their reference database. Health condition screening accuracy is high for variants the test specifically looks for, but tests do not detect every possible condition.

How much does pet DNA testing cost?+

Basic breed-only tests start around $80–$100. Breed plus health screening kits range from $130–$200. Premium kits with relative-finding and extensive health panels run $200–$300+.

Can DNA testing predict my puppy’s adult size?+

Yes — most major DNA tests provide an adult weight prediction based on the breeds detected. Accuracy is usually within a 5–10 pound range for mixed breeds.

Should I share DNA results with my vet?+

Absolutely. Genetic health insights help your vet plan preventive care, screen for breed-specific issues, and avoid medications your pet may have a sensitivity to (such as MDR1 drug sensitivities in herding breeds).

Have more pet questions?

Ask Lucy AI — our free pet advisor available 24/7.

✨ Chat with Lucy AI