Ancestry, renowned for its consumer DNA testing and genealogical services, has introduced “Know Your Pet DNA.” This dog DNA test, developed by a team of expert DNA scientists and animal geneticists, leverages Ancestry’s DNA technology to offer pet owners a deeper understanding of their dogs for better caregiving.
The “Know Your Pet DNA” kit offers the following insights:
Breeds: Provides a breakdown of a dog’s breed(s) by referencing a panel encompassing over 400 breeds worldwide.
Matches: Identifies close genetic matches to other dogs in the database and dogs with similar breed mixes in the local area.
Traits: Offers information about your pup’s unique genetic traits, including 30 behavioral (e.g., likelihood of separation anxiety) and physical attributes (e.g., noise sensitivities).
In the United States, approximately 62% of households have pets, with 51% considering their pets as integral members of their families.
Ancestry’s Chief Commercial Officer, Brian Donnelly, shared, “One thing we hear from our customers who are dog owners is that many of them consider their pet to be a part of the family. At Ancestry, we are constantly looking for new ways to innovate and use our expertise to give our customers a better understanding of themselves and their family.”
Using the “Know Your Pet DNA” kit is straightforward:
Register your test at petdna.ancestry.com.
Gently swab the inside of your dog’s cheek for 30 seconds.
Return the sample using the provided prepaid box.
Once the DNA sample is received, Ancestry’s scientists employ Thermo Fisher Scientific’s DNA microarray technology to analyze each dog’s genetic blueprint. This analysis includes identifying the dog’s lineage, traits, and kinship connections, which are presented in an easily understandable format within 2 to 4 weeks.
Kim Caple, President of Genetic Sciences at Thermo Fisher Scientific, emphasized the importance of advanced DNA analysis technology in identifying complex canine ancestry, noting that their technology, the Applied Biosystems Axiom Canine HD genotyping array, would contribute to providing Ancestry’s customers with a comprehensive understanding of their pet’s genetic background.
The “Know Your Pet DNA” kit is priced at $99, but there is a special introductory offer available until September 30, 2023, reducing the price to $75.
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