Embark Veterinary FAQs

On the sleeve, and on the swab's sticker

Activating your kit/swab is a very important part of the process. This allows us to return the results from your swab to the correct person. Because it is so important, we make it quick and easy to find your activation code. There is a yellow and white barcode sticker located on the outside sleeve of your box as well as on the swab's sterile packaging.

Important Note: If you ordered multiple kits, you will have an activation code for each kit. We highly recommend activating the swab for the first dog you want to test, then swabbing that dog. Start the process over for your second dog. This can help you avoid switching the activation codes for the samples.

Embark can currently test for the majority of AKC-registered breeds, as well as designer dogs, Dingoes, Coyotes, Wolves, and Village Dogswe're the only DNA testing company who can do that. All in all, we test for over 250 breeds! You can learn more about our breed and ancestry test on the Breed & Ancestry page.

Our lab has invested a considerable amount of time in the science of DNA knowledge; we've analyzed DNA from purebred dogs to build a comprehensive database that highlights the differences between different breeds. By comparing your dog’s DNA with our database, we can identify which breeds are present in your dog.

For a full list of breeds, please visit embarkvet.com/resources/dog-breeds.

Our database of validated breeds covers the most common breeds in the world.

Will you be adding more dogs to your database?

As new breeds become more popular, our lab endeavors to include them in our database as quickly as possible. We are actively working on adding more breeds to the database. Please check embarkvet.com/resources/dog-breeds for all our included breeds. If you own a papered purebred dog not listed on our website, please contact [email protected] to find out how you can contribute to expanding our database.

How many breeds does your test recognize, and how did you choose those?

Embark recognizes breeds most commonly found in the North American dog population according to historical trends in dog popularity. The breeds that we detect are the most common breeds you see, such as Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd Dog, Yorkshire Terrier, or Chihuahua. These common breeds are the ones most likely to be present in a mixed-breed dog or in designer dogs. Rare breeds are unlikely to be present in a regular mixed-breed, which means that breeds like Komondorok, Kuvasz or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will not be seen in many resultsbut if we see them, we'll return them.

Do you test for Wolf or Coyote?

Yes, we are able to test for Wolf, Dingo, and Coyote Hybridsplus Village Dogs!

Why can puppies in the same litter have different breeds?

Pups will randomly inherit 50\% of the breeds from each parent, depending on the number of breeds in each parent; it is common for offspring from the same litter to have varying amounts of each inherited breed in their compositions.

Does the Embark test determine purity?

An Embark test can be used to determine how similar or dissimilar your dog is genetically to other known purebreds of the same breed. However, the kennel clubs govern the definition of purity, not us.

Can Embark identify the breeds in a dog that was born outside the U.S.?

Through the course of our test development, we have observed that certain breeds sometimes have quite different genetic breed signatures in different geographical regions, particularly as compared to the same breed in Europe or Australia. Due to these geographic variations, Embark is only offered in geographical areas where we have collected a substantial reference panel of samples.

To assure we maintain the quality and accuracy of our test results before we can extend our tests to new countries, we must collect and analyze DNA from a large number of dogs in every breed from each new geographic location. For more information, please contact us at [email protected].

Bothwe recommend testing all of your dogs, just in case

We recommend testing all dams and sires prior to breeding. Our lab can then develop a risk assessment for a litter of puppies from the test results of pairing a specific sire and dam. If one or both ends up as a carrier or at risk for a particular condition, we recommend testing the puppies as a portion of them could be at risk or carriers themselves.

The statistical chance of a litter containing carrier or at risk puppies can easily be calculated based on the parents' genotypes. That said, genetics sometimes can be a messy science. Because of that, we recommend that you test ALL of your dogs, litters included.

Unlike many other dog DNA testing companies, Embark will test every dog for all of the 160+ genetic diseases that we screen. We do this because we have seen new diseases crop up in breeds that historically have not had issues in that area. We do have tests specific to each breed that can be found here: embarkvet.com/breeders.

Why should I order an Embark test rather than individual tests through another company?

Embark is working to make our test the only one you'll require for all your testing needsand we are already there for a few breeds. Other companies make you piece together multiple tests to get all the data you need. With Embark, each test includes the following:

Breed ancestry

175+ genetic health tests

Coat color

Traits

Inbreeding percentages

Does Embark Veterinary do parentage or lineage testing?

Yes, we offer both parentage testing and DNA Profiling, though these must be special-requested from our breeder-relations team. We are happy to help clarify which is the mother and father of each litter puppy as well as provide sibling data. Special note: All dogs need to be tested by Embark for us to provide you with accurate data.

Embark prides itself on having the finest customer support available. We typically respond within 24 hours and resolve concerns within 48 hours. In addition, our experts and veterinary geneticists are happy to help interpret your results with you.

Feel free to use our online customer service form or email us at [email protected] with a question or a request to discuss things over the phone.

Embark Veterinary has a strict privacy policy and does not share your data with any third party without your permission. In keeping with this policy, we do not submit data to the OFA directly. If you do not see Embark Veterinary on the OFA laboratory list, please ask the OFA for clarification.

The OFA has informed Embark that they will accept our results for all breed-applicable testing. However, it is their policy for specific tests to only list patent licensees on their website. These tests include MDR1, PRA, and VWD 1.

You can download your dog’s veterinary report and submit that to the OFA per their requirements.

To view our privacy policy, please visit embarkvet.com/privacy-policy/.

Interestingly, Chow Chows are one of the breeds most commonly identified in mixed breed dogs. Even though purebred Chows are not especially common in most places today, they were an AKC top 10 breed in the 80s and popular into the 90s. Some of those Chows bred with other dogs, and today their mixed breed ancestors retain small amounts of Chow.

Did you know that the Chow Chow is one of the only breeds known to have a blue tongue? When a dog with a blue tongue is crossed with a dog with a pink tongue, the result is a spotted tongue. Many Chow mixes have these spotted tongues!

The new Shared Owner feature is perfect for managing co-owners and puppy owners, as well as coordinating with breed organizations. Shared owners will be able to answer survey results and view all aspects of your dog’s profile, including downloading the raw data. By default, a shared owner cannot change any of the dog’s information unless you give them permission.

To add a shared owner:

Sign in to your Embark account and click on your dog's profile

Click on the Edit Profile link.

On the Edit Profile page, scroll to the bottom where it says “Ownership.”

Click Edit next to “Primary and Shared Ownership” to add a shared owner.

Under Add a Shared Owner, enter the email address of the new shared owner.

Click Add Shared Owner.

Please note, that the person who you are adding as a Shared Owner must first create an account on my.embarkvet.com/login.

Log in to your Embark account.

Click on your dog's profile.

In the Gallery section, click on Add Photo.

Upload the photo from your computer.

Select to Set as Profile picture.

You may not be logged in to the correct account.

If you are not able to view results, or it appears as if your dog is “missing” after you received an email saying results are ready, it is possible you have created more than one Embark account. Try logging out and then logging back in to your account using the email address that received the communication. Additionally, you may have a second account from logging in using Google or Facebook. If you are unable to view results after trying these suggestions, please contact us at [email protected].

Embark does not offer refunds, but here's how we can help

Though we do not offer refunds, we have experts on staff to help interpret results with you and refer your family to veterinary specialists in your local area.

Embark is devoted to providing dog lovers with the highest level of satisfaction in our testing services. Our lab is dedicated to testing for breed determination, health conditions, and unique traitsand we have invested a considerable amount of research into our Canine DNA test. We stand behind the results of every single test.

In the case that your pup's swab has failed at analysis due to an insufficient amount of DNA content, we will be sure to send you a free replacement swab and run the second sample at no charge. However, if you decline this option, you are entitled to a complete refund, less shipping and handling.

No. On the contrary, a Village Dog is a dog breedand a rare one at that

When we call your dog a Village Dog, it's not because we can't figure out what breeds are in your dog. Embark is pretty much the only commercial dog DNA test kit that tests for Village Dog as a breedand they are indeed a breed. They can be recognized and differentiated from other breeds by their distinct DNA signature. Geographic nuances can also be recognized, which is why we can report if your Village Dog is "European," "African," "Indian," "Asian," or "American."

What exactly are Village Dogs? Village Dogs are free-ranging, free-breeding dogs whose ancestors were indigenous to a geographic area. In effect, they are the descendants of the founding population of dogs in a region. With the migration of people, there is often some introduction of more conventional domestic dog breeds into Village Dog populationsand we can easily identify this, as well. If it's a fairly recent ancestor, like a great-grandparent or less, this dog breed will be on your dog's family tree (and a percentage of their DNA will be attributed to that non-Village Dog breed). If the contribution is less recent than that, we'll list it under "trace" breeds.

What do Village Dogs look like? Just like a dog breed generated by years of selective breeding, Village Dogs are startlingly similar no matter where you go. They have a short coat, a narrow head, often upright ears, and a slim body. Rather than being shaped by human fancy or purpose, Village Dogs have a form and function molded by natural selection to exquisitely fulfill their unique role: a consummate scavenger, and a sometimes companion, in human communities.

How did we end up testing for Village Dogs? Our co-founders, Adam and Ryan Boyko, traveled the world sampling Village Dogs to gain insight into dog evolution and genetic diversity. The results of this work were published recently in a leading journal (check it out here ). It also resulted in Embark having the largest Village Dog panel in the world.

By the way, only about 1\% of the dogs we've returned have come back as 100\% Village Dog of any origin! So congratulations if you have one: Your dog is unique!

Check your emailwe send a notification when it's checked in

Typically, the U.S. Post Office takes 2-4 business days from the date it was sent back in the mail to return packages to Embark headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts. In rare cases (or from outside the lower 48 US states), the postal service takes up to 14 days due to high volume, weather, or simply temporarily misplacing a package. Unfortunately, there isn't much we can do to control this part of the process; however, once your test is registered, you may track the progress online.

You will receive an email update when we receive your swab safely back in the mail.

If the USPS has lost your package, or you find it has been longer than 14 days before hearing of its safe arrival, please let us know. We will send a free replacement swab to collect a new sample. If we happen to receive the original sample in the meantime, we will be sure to let you know. We are here to help.

Will the sample expire before Embark gets it back?

Have no fear about postal delaysonce you've closed your DNA collection tube, the liquid inside will stabilize and preserve the saliva sample for up to 3 months in any weather conditions.

If you are a pet owner with an activated Breed + Health or Breed ID Kit:

Login to your Embark account

Once logged in, you will be taken to your dog's Embark home page.

Select the dog's card shown to navigate to that dog’sProfile page.

From your dog’s Profile, scroll down to the Print or Download ResultsSection.

Select the row for the type of results you wish to access:

Certificate of Breed is a single-page, water-marked official document of the dog’s breed or breed mix. Select this row to preview, print, or download a copy to your device.

Full Results is a multi-page, detailed breakdown of all of your dog’s results. Select this row to preview, print, or download a copy to your device.

Veterinary Report is a multi-page, detailed breakdown of your dog’s results, which can be emailed directly to your veterinarian. Select this row to send the report to your vet. You may also share a link, preview, print, or download the report.

Raw Data lets you download your dog’s raw, uninterpreted data. Select this row to download your data as a zip, csv, or tsv file.

dog's Embark home page

Download or Print your dog's full DNA Report, on mobile.

Note: each browser will display the report preview page and print/download actions differently. This example shows a Google Chrome browser.

If you are a breeder with an Embark for Breeders Kit:

Login to your Embark account

Once logged in, you will be taken to your .

Select the dog's card shown to navigate to that dog’sProfile page.

From your dog’s Profile, scroll down to the Print or Download ResultsSection.

Select the row for the type of results you wish to access:

Certificate of Breed is a single-page, water-marked official document of the dog’s breed or breed mix. Select this row to preview, print, or download a copy to your device.

Full Results is a multi-page, detailed breakdown of all of your dog’s results. Select this row to preview, print, or download a copy to your device.

Veterinary Report is a multi-page, detailed breakdown of your dog’s results, which can be emailed directly to your veterinarian. Select this row to send the report to your vet. You may also share a link, preview, print, or download the report.

OFA Submission Report is included if your dog is eligible for an OFA report.You will first see an online preview; then click 'Download / Print' in the top-right to download a PDF file that you can either print out and mail to the OFA, or submit electronically via email to the OFA.

Important: Your submission will need to include payment to the OFA, and a completed OFA DNA application form. At the top of the application, please be sure to write which tests you want to register with the OFA.

Raw Data lets you download your dog’s raw, uninterpreted data. Select this row to download your data as a zip, csv, or tsv file.

[email protected]

Login to your personal account at my.embarkvet.com/login.

Login using the same email address that receives communication about your results. Then select theSIGN IN button.

Additionally, you can login using your Google or Facebook account.

If you forget your password, use the “Forgot password?” link, under theSIGN INbutton.

Once logged in, you will be taken to your dog's home page

You can also navigate to the login from embarkvet.com:

If you are on embarkvet.com, select SIGN IN on the top right of the home page to reach your Embark login page.

From a mobile device on embarkvet.com, select the hamburger icon to reveal theSIGN IN link.

Logging in from embarkvet.com on a mobile device

Are you still having trouble, or not seeing something that you'd expect to see?

Most often when this happens, it's because you may be trying to login with multiple accounts under different email addresses, or using an email address that you didn't use when activating your dog. We recommend double-checking.

If you are still experiencing trouble, you can reach out to us directly at . Please let us know what device you're using, the browser you're on, and when possible, screenshot what you are seeing so that we can help troubleshoot.

dog's home page

Navigate to your dog's profile on my Embark account, mobile

Log in to your Embark account.

Once logged in, you will be taken to your, which shows you any dogs you had previously added to your account, and the status of each dog’s results.

Select the dog's card shown to navigate to that dog’s Profile page for more details.

From your dog’s Profile, you can explore results for Health, Breed, Traits, & Relatives* in different ways:

If you're on your laptop or computer, use the Tabs on the top of the page to explore your results.

You can also scroll down the Profile page to the Explore menu. From the Explore menu, you can select any row to navigate to your results.

Tabs for DNA Result details, on your dog's Profile page, desktop

* Access to Health, Breed, Traits, & Relatives will depend on the Embark product you have purchased, and may be limited if your dog's DNA results are still processing. Some results may not be available for all products, or may be available earlier/later than others based on lab turnaround time.

Embark is actively working to expand our breed database. We do so by collecting samples from breeders with dogs with verified papers from registration bodies. We also work to improve our detection algorithm over time.

If it has been at least 12 months since you first received results and you would like your dog’s breed ID re-run on our updated platform because you have noticed new suspected breeds added to our website ( www.embarkvet.com/breedlist ), we would be happy to do so once as a complimentary service. This service is contingent upon if your dog is assessed as eligible for a rerun by our team at that time (qualifying dogs generally have over 15\% Supermutt or specific breed groups that have since been further characterized in our reference panel, etc).

Please contact us at [email protected] for more information and to speak to a team member about re-running your dog. Please keep in mind that depending on when your dog’s sample was originally tested, the breed-mix in your dog, and our updated reference panel, your dog’s results may change or stay the same. Because breed ID results are examined by hand by our science team, this process may take a little bit of time. You will receive an email update when the updated results are released.

Please note: These reruns are available for breed ancestry only- rerunning your dog's results will not provide an update to health testing.

Visit embarkvet.com/how-to-swab-your-dog/ or read this article to find out.

Just follow the six easy steps below. Don’t forget to activate your kit before you swab your dog. For a video showing you how to collect a good sample, please visit https://embarkvet.com/how-to-swab-your-dog/.

Activating your test is one of the most important steps to ensure we return your dog's data back to you accurately.

We recommend that you activate your test before swabbing your pup and sending us the swab.

To get started:

Log in to your Embark account.

Click on Activate kit next to your dog's name.

On the next page, enter your 7-digit EM code. Please note: If your EM code does not work, click on "Don't have an activation code?." You'll then be prompted to enter in the 14 digit swab code (it typically starts with 310)

Once you've entered the code, you'll need to answer a few more question to complete the activation.

If you are a breeder who purchased an Embark for Breeders dog DNA kit, you do not have access to view your dog’s DNA relatives in the Doggy DNA Relative Finder feature.

At this time, we also do not give access to this feature for dogs with over 10\% wolf content, due to privacy concerns voiced by the wolfdog community.

However, we’re hard at work building relatedness features to meet the specific needs of each of these communities and are aiming to release these features in the near future!

If you have your dog’s breed preferences set as private, you also will be auto-set as private and opted out of Doggy DNA Relative Finder.

Have thoughts or input on relatedness features you’d like to see as a breeder? Email us at [email protected].

If you are not a breeder or are still confused about why you are not seeing relatives, please contact [email protected].

My Embark home page

Select the Share button on your dog's Profile page, then select Share on the results card. Choose your sharing option from the menu.

Log in to your Embark account.

Once logged in, you will be taken to your, which shows you any dogs you had previously added to your account, and the status of each dog’s results.

Select the dog's card shown to navigate to that dog’s Profile page.

From your dog’s Profile, select the SHARE link below your dog’s profile circle.

You can also scroll down the Profile page to the Explore menu. From the Explore menu, select the Share row.

Selecting Share will bring you to your dog’s Share page. If your dog’s results are ready, you will see a card for sharing your dog’s results. Select the SHARE link in the Results card.

A menu will appear with various options for sharing: Email, Facebook, Twitter, or Copy Link. Choose how you wish to share, or select Cancel to exit this action.

Email, Facebook, or Twitter will open a window for one of those apps, with the results link embedded. Complete the action within the application chosen.

If you copy the link, it is available on your clipboard, and can be inserted in any media or program of your choice (send a text, make a Pin, create a Story, etc).

To see how your public results will look when shared, select the PREVIEW link in the Results card. This will take you to your dog’s public profile.

You may see other content cards on this Share page. Preview these cards to see what fun content you can share about your dog!

Another option: scroll down your dog's Profile page to the Explore menu, select the Share row, then select Share on the results card.

Will I have to pay more to receive my kit?

Embark offers shipping to over 240 countries outside of the United States. We try to prepay for any potential customs charges prior to the kit's arrival. However, each incoming customs process varies from country to country. Every once in awhile a customs charge may be required for kit collection at a local post office near your shipping address.

If you find yourself in this position, please be sure to email us a copy of the required customs charge, and we will be more than happy to reimburse this cost. You can send any information or questions you may have about customs fees to our customer service team at [email protected].

We're glad you askedyes! Visit embarkvet.com/share to get started

Yes, we do! You can give your friends a discount on their kit, and you earn a $10 Amazon Gift Card when they sign up. There is no limit to how many friends you can refer and how many gift cards you can earn. To begin barking about us, please go to embarkvet.com/share.

Please note, you can only refer friends via the link above. To be considered a successful referral that we can reward, your friends must order their kit by following the unique link that you send them; this takes them to our website. Referrals outside of the provided platform will not be rewarded.

We estimate genetic age and can try to help you with calendar age

Genetic age: First, we use your dog's reported calendar age and sex as a starting point. Our proprietary algorithm factors in breed breakdown (large dogs mature differently than smaller ones), genotype at size genes (more than 15 of them), and inbreeding coefficient. All of these have an effect on lifespan. The number we provide is where a dog is in his or her life relative to an average human living in the U.S.

Calendar or biological age: While some human DNA tests can estimate biological age, no commercial dog DNA test currently offers this sort of testing. However, we will do our best to help you estimate calendar age. Please work through the questions found in the following blog post as a starting point, and then reach out to us: How Old is Your Dog?.

The turnaround time is 24 weeks in most situations.

When should you expect your results?Typically within 2-4 weeks of us receiving your sample! During the holiday season, please allow 3-6 weeks due to the high volume of samples we're processing.

What happens with the sample? When a sample is received by our lab, the solution on the swab is mixed with various chemicals and copied by a process called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which replicates millions of copies of DNA for analysiswe call those pieces of DNA “markers."

Once we have the amplified DNA markers, we analyze the information from those markers and compare it to our reference database. During that comparison process, the results for the DNA markers from your dog are compared with DNA marker information from thousands of purebred dogs. This matching process is performed on a computer through a sophisticated program that repeats the analysis thousands of times to assure an accurate result. This process allows us to determine if a dog is purebred or if the dog is mixed-breedand it allows us to tell what breeds make up a mixed-breed dog.

We then have several qualified professionals, including veterinary geneticists, college professors, and PhDs in genetics, check the results. The end result is a clinically-valid determination of breed, health, and traits for your dog.

With additional information, will the time to complete tests be affected?

Adding new tests will not increase our turnaround time beyond what it is currently.

Why does the test require 24 weeks?

We thoroughly check every result in our quality assurance pipeline. Embark tests are the most advanced genetic analyses commercially available for dogs at this time. The full process to extract the DNA, identify your dog’s DNA markers, and analyze the results against the extensive Embark database is done in a very deliberate and careful manner.

This is why our test takes longer than other dog DNA tests, but it's important that we provide you with the most information with the best service.

The disease tests that Embark offers are finalized as a result of rigorous scientific analysis of specific mutations determined to meet medical diagnostic needs. Although there are no currently accepted laboratory standards and/or regulations that must be achieved in performing various required tests for canine genetic testing, Embark has adopted all relevant human diagnostic standards based on clinical requirements by national or state agenciesincluding the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA ’88). Embark complies with those requirements as well as the scientific testing requirements to achieve quality products and services that are needed for the canine medical community. As part of our commitment to high medical standards, we confirm that our test results are accurate and reliable by using two independent methods for each disease test we perform.

The notice to view your results will be immediately emailed (and/or texted to you) as soon as everything is ready, and we provide frequent updates throughout the process at each stage.

The purple fluid in the test tube is designed to keep your sample safe in transit in many different weather conditions, though freezing temperatures and those above 100F are not ideal. If you can drop the kit off inside the post office rather than leaving it outside, or wait until it gets above freezing or below 90F, that's what we suggest. Another option is for you to contact a carrier such as FedEx or UPS and provide for overnight or expedited shipping methods.

If in the off-chance your sample isn't sufficient for analysis, we'll let you know and have a free replacement swab sent out to you.

First and foremost, we are deeply sorry for your loss. At Embark, we know that a dog becomes an essential part of your family and the loss of a loved one is never easy.

In order to change your Embark account to reflect this:

Log in to your Embark account and click on your dog’s profile.

Click Edit Profile button located under the profile picture on the right side.

On the Edit Profile page, scroll down to Actions

Next to Has Your Dog Passed Awayclick Edit.

From here, you may enter the cause of death and date. If you wish, you can opt out of any further notifications about your dog’s profile. It is a personal choice to enter any of this information, but we are always grateful for any details you feel comfortable providing us. It is in this way that your beloved furry friend can continue to contribute to our research and new scientific discoveries, helping generations of dogs and dog-lovers to come.

Again, we are so sorry for the loss you have experienced and our thoughts are with you. Please feel free to reach out to anyone on our team if you are in need of support.

No, it does not cost extra!

Access to our Doggy DNA Relative Finder is included with the purchase of either the Embark Breed Identification Kit, or our Breed + Health Dog DNA Test. Once your Breed results are ready, you will have access to your dog's Relatives.

Great question! Message us directly at [email protected]

We have an entire team dedicated to press coveragewe're excited to chat! Please email us here with details of your inquiry, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Our report covers COI across the whole canine genome

Inbreeding is a measure of how closely related your dog’s parents were. The higher the inbreeding coefficient, the more closely related the parents. In general, higher inbreeding coefficients are associated with increased incidence of genetically inherited conditions.

The diversity of the maternal and paternal haplotypes in the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) region of the genome has been found in some studies to be associated with the incidence of certain autoimmune diseases. Dogs that have less diversity in the MHC region haplotypes (i.e. the Dog Leukocyte Antigen (DLA) inherited from the mother is similar to the DLA inherited from the father) are considered less immunologically diverse. A High Diversity result means the dog has two highly dissimilar haplotypes. A Low Diversity result means the dog has two similar, but not identical, haplotypes. A No Diversity result means the dog has inherited identical haplotypes from both parents.

Below is a sample COI for a Golden Retriever in our database.

Breeder kits do not include mixed breed identification.

If you are a dog owner and bought an Embark for Breeders Dog DNA Test Kit, please contact us about a return via email at [email protected].

If you are a breeder and would like more information on the genetic makeup of your dog, please call us during business hours at 224-236-2275 or email us at [email protected].

Don't worry, we'll send you a replacementfree of charge.

If you find your dog got a little peckish during the swabbing process and the swab is now damaged, please don't worry. Your dog will be finethe swab is not toxic.

With regards to the damaged testing swab, we would be happy to send you a replacement swab free of charge. Please reach out to us at [email protected], and send us the 14-digit swab code on the white label found on the side of the tube (below the barcode). With this code, we can cancel the damaged swab and begin the process of sending you a replacement.

We do not yet show your dog’s DNA relatives within the family tree feature.

Our family tree feature shows the breeds that your pup’s recent ancestors were, to help you better understand how your dog’s breed makeup came to be from his or her parents, grandparents, and great grandparents.

Relatedness varies from around 50\% for full siblings, to around 12.5\% for first cousins, and less for more distant relatives. These values are approximate, and not exact due to the way genes are inherited (because of processes called recombination and chromosomal segregation are random, so some siblings or cousins are a bit more or less related than others).

Of course, all dogs in a breed are related to some degree, because they are all descended from the same “foundation dogs” used to establish the breed. Thus, dogs that are as "related as first cousins" might be actual first cousins, but they might also be related in several different ways further back in their pedigree.

Learn more at: https://embarkvet.com/understanding-genetic-relatedness-in-dogs/

You can reach out directly to doggy DNA relatives owners via our Chat feature, which is available for every matched dog who has their privacy settings open to accept direct chats from other pet owners.

Your Doggy DNA Relatives today are just the beginning. As more and more dogs Embark with us, we'll send you updated Relatives, uncover new discoveries about your dog's extended family, and further enable you to connect other dog owners to your dog's distant relatives. Because every dog that Embarks with us becomes our family, too.

Distant relatives can have very different breed mixes since they are usually only related through one of the breeds in the mix (possibly a trace breed!). Even close relatives like first cousins are likely to have very distinct breed mixes, although ancestry results for full siblings should generally be similar (although not identical since there is randomness in how chromosomes are inherited).

Fun facts are gathered from pups who have answered the Just Fur Fun survey. If they (or you!) have not yet filled out that survey under the RESEARCH tab in the report, these facts will not be shown for the respective dog.

Breed Mix Match Buddies are other Embark dogs that share a similar breed makeup to your pup. The higher the score (100 is highest), the closer in breed breakdown the pup is to yours. Breed Mix Match Buddies are not related to your dog, and do not share DNA with your dog.Learn more about our Breed Mix Match feature here: https://embarkvet.com/embark-unveils-mix-match-buddies/

Your dog's relatives are other Embark dogs which DO share DNA with your dog. The larger percentage of shared DNA, the closer 2 dogs are related.

1) Activate, 2) Swab, 3) Mail, 4) Enjoythat's it!

How do I use my Embark kit to test my dog’s DNA?

Activate your kit online.

Collect a sample from the inside of your dog’s cheek with the included swab. View this video for detailed instructions: https://embarkvet.com/how-to-swab-your-dog/.

Mail the swab back to our laboratory in the postage-paid packaging.

In typically 2-4 weeks, you’ll receive an email to log in to your account to view your dog’s results.During the holiday season, please allow 3-6 weeks due to the high volume of samples we're processing.

How can I track my Embark sample online?

You can track the progress of your sample online by logging into your Embark account.

For the science behind our testing, please visit https://embarkvet.com/about/.

We test for 200,000+ genetic markers in our industry-leading panel.

Embark uses the most advanced genotyping platform with over 200,000 genetic markersthat's over twice as much as any other dog DNA testso that your dog has the most accurate and complete profile that science can offer. Competitors don't come close.

Besides breed mix, health, and traitswe can even determine your dog's sex, if you don't already knowthe genetic and health profiles of Embark dogs can be used to advance scientific discovery in canine health.

For breeders, we offer a complete picture of genetic diversity as well as relevant health tests to give you the tools you need.

We offer the largest selection of tests for inherited diseases. Our tests are economical and efficient, while using the highest medical standards in the industry.

While your dog's sample is in the lab, you can track your order online and receive updates and alerts as the sample is processed.

Our platform is built and run by the world’s top dog geneticists, meaning that you and your dog get the absolute best information while contributing to research in life-saving preventative care for all dogs everywhere. We have published a detailed comparison that explains all the differences between the Embark test and the rest.

Does the Embark test employ similar techniques as human ancestry DNA tests?

Embark has some technological similarities to the DNA analysis that people use to determine their ancestry, but there are major differences in what each analysis is seeking to discover. Embark tests are designed to detect the presence of purebred dogs in the most recent ancestry of a dog, going back about three generations to the great-grandparent level. In contrast, most human ancestry tests are designed to detect the proportion of the tested individual that comes from historical, racial, or defined population groups many generations ago.

Sure! Visit embk.me/harley to learn about our Chief Executive Dog.

You may be asking yourself, "What will my results look like?"

Find out by visiting embk.me/harley. You'll be able to learn more about our furry teammate.

Yes - we offer a discount for purchasing multiple Health + Breed kits.If you'd like to test your whole 4-legged pack, save money by using the following coupon codes:

MULTIPACK2 - 10\% off 2 kits.

MULTIPACK3 - 15\% off 3 kits.

MULTIPACK4 - 20\% off 4 or more kits.

Please note: These MULTIPACK discounts do not apply to our Breed Identification kit or our Embark for Breeders products, and cannot be combined with other coupons or limited-time offers. For an order to qualify for this discount, kits must be ordered together and shipped to the same address.

If you are interested in our Embark for Breeders products, please go to https://embarkvet.com/breeder/ to learn more or email us at [email protected].

Puppies can be tested at any age, but do it before you breed!

It is always best to test a dog before it is bred so that you are aware of any potential genetic disorders that it could pass to its offspring. We suggest testing as an ongoing part of your breeding program, before you invest significant time and resources into training a dog for specialized work, before buying a puppy, or if your dog becomes symptomatic with a potentially inherited disease. Testing today can mean a healthier, more productive, and more valuable breeding program.

My dog is pregnant. Will this interfere with the testing?

We can test your pregnant dog, and the pregnancy will not affect our genetic testing in any way. In fact, it would be better to do it now rather than after the pups are born and mom is licking them. It is important to try to reduce contamination, so testing her right now would be ideal.

Can I test before my puppies are weaned?

Yes, but we do ask that you separate them from their mother and other littermates for at least one hour prior to collecting a sample using a cheek swab. This is to ensure we get the DNA of the puppy instead of the mom's or siblings' DNA. During this time, they should have plenty of water and should not be allowed food to avoid contamination of samples.

Is there a minimum age?

You can DNA test your dog at any age. We recommend following the above instructions if the puppy is not yet weaned. It is recommended that the puppy is handled by a professional, trained breeder to minimize the risk of the puppy becoming cold, dehydrated, or hypoglycemic.

When is the best time to test a puppy?

You can test them at any time. Otherwise, we suggest doing cheek swabs around 4 weeks of age or when the pups can safely be isolated from mom and littermates for at least an hour. If you do cheek swabs, please have someone help you hold them and give them plenty of water during the one hour wait. Insert the swab between the cheek and gum and press gently towards the outside, against the cheek. Rub and roll the swab against the cheek for a slow count of 30-45 seconds. This should collect enough cells for DNA extraction. The primary mistake that many people make is not leaving the swab in the mouth long enough to collect sufficient cells.

Note that while genetics will not change as the puppy ages, it can be very difficult to observe physical breed traits in young dogs because they are growing and developing rapidly. Most dogs will not achieve their final mature physical traits until they are at least one to two years of age.

Yes, but you'll have to pay a little bit extra to cover the costs

Shipping Internationally?

You will notice a couple of differences on your order if you need a test shipped outside of the United States. First, there will be a $10 international shipping charge added to your order. Also, the return envelope will not work outside of the United States. You will have to return your package back to us at the below address:

Embark Vet

Attn: Logistics Team

186 Lincoln St, 6th Floor

Boston, MA 02111

USA

Customs Form

We highly recommend that you use an international courier that will provide you with a tracking number and estimated delivery date. Please email this tracking number to us at [email protected] so that we can also track your package. Note that Embark Veterinary is not able to accept Saturday deliveries.

When shipping the sample back to our lab, please fill out our customs form to avoid any unnecessary delays at the U.S. border ( bit.ly/embarkcustomsform ).

The value that you declare on your shipment's U.S. Customs form should not total more than US$10. This is the value of the swabs themselves, not the price of your order. This will make it easier to get your shipment through customs, and there should not be any duties or taxes applied. Any duties, fees, or taxes are the responsibility of the customer. Unfortunately, sample processing will be delayed until all outstanding balances are paid.

Yes! Expedited shipping options are available for an additional fee for orders within the continental U.S.

Orders can take up to 24 hours to process before shipment. Expedited shipping rates are estimated based on the date of shipment.

Shipping Options for delivery within the U.S.:

Free Shipping (3-7 business days) Free

Priority Shipping (1-3 business days) $7.50

Priority Express Shipping (1-2 business days) $31.00

Kits ordered within the U.S. should arrive within 7-14 days, depending on the shipping address location. If you feel that you have been waiting longer, please email us at [email protected], and provide us with the following information:

your full name

your email

your order number

Customers receive tracking information in the confirmation email after their order has shipped.

Can I track my samples online?

Once you have created an account and ordered your tests, you will be able to track your samples. After you have used the swabs on your dog and sent the kit back to the laboratory, you can track the kit to see when the laboratory received it. Once samples are received by the laboratory from any destination, a notification will appear in your online account. When your reports are completed and available, you can view or download them from your secure online account.

Can I track an international order?

International shipments will only display tracking information while they are within the U.S. Once they are picked up by the new carrier, we will not be able to track your shipment. Please email us at [email protected], and we will work to get additional information for you about your shipment.

Even if you do not see your breed listed on our breed list, rest-assured your dog will be tested for all of the genetic health risks, coat color and traits, and COI results Embark provides!

Embark loves working with breeders and owners to learn more about breeds and help establish a genetic profile of that breed. For dogs noted on their profile to be a purebred of a breed of interest, Embark will provide provisional ancestry results stating that dog is 100\% that designated breed. Provisional means we perform genetic testing to make sure there is not another breed in our reference panel detected in the dog (e.g. a dog is noted by his owner to be Thai Ridgeback but we can detect it is half Bernese Mountain Dog).

For registered purebred dogs, you will also be provided with a provisional

ancestry result indicating the breed, and that dog will be considered for inclusion

in our growing reference panel of 250+ breeds.

After we have recruited enough registered dogs to determine a unique genetic profile for the breed and to reliably detect purebred and mixed breed dogs with that breed, we will add that breed to our breed list. We will re-analyze all the provisional results to ensure they are, in fact, correct and update the genetic profiles accordingly with this new information.

If you have specific questions about adding your breed to our reference panel or

how your breed club can partner with Embark, please contact

[email protected].

Coat color genetics explained

Coat color genetics is very complex. While viewing your dog's results, click on the "Traits report" section and click on "Show Details" to learn more about each test. There are two types of pigment in dogs. Eumelanin is found in the coat and is present in the other parts of the dog that need pigmentmost notably the eyes (irises) and nose. On the other hand, phaeomelanin doesn't affect the eyes or nose and is only visible in the coat.

At the E locus, dogs that are ee can be "red" regardless of the other loci (this would be dominant over the A and K). We use the term red, but as you can see in these photos ( http://www.doggenetics.co.uk/masks.html ), many of the dogs are yellow, cream, or even appear white. This can be controlled by the intensity gene, which is currently poorly mapped. As a result, the genetics are not completely known, so we cannot test for it. There are a few other genes that can control white as well. For example, we are not currently reporting on albinism or spotting genes which can affect the whiteness in eyes and coat.

There's no cost too great for more time with a best friend.

Embark tests every dog for over 175 mutations associated with genetic diseases, including MDR1 Drug Sensitivity, Hyperuricosuria & Uricemia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (several forms), Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Exercise Induced Collapse, Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency, multiple coagulopathies, and Imerslund-Grasbeck Syndrome (selective cobalamin malabsorption). All of these may not be apparent on routine blood work or physical examination but could have a substantial impact on common things such as spay and neuter surgery, exercise, and growth curve.

Our most accurate breed composition informs you of what other complex and unmapped diseases might be on the horizon.

Embark is actively running studies in collaboration with non-profit organizations as well as breeders, clients, and veterinarians: Wouldn’t you like a better way to test for/know predisposition for food allergy, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and cancer?

Embark always provides complementary genetic counseling, as well as excellent general customer service.

Tests ordered through a veterinary hospital account have results only released directly to veterinarians (as the owner of the account).

We never give direct treatment advice and always recommend consulting with a veterinarian to discuss follow-up testing and treatment options.

Please message us directly at [email protected] with additional questions and for pricing and ordering information.