How It Works
Learn how easy it is to perform DNA Proof of Parentage testing.
- Simply collect DNA samples from each of your dogs (dam, puppies, and each possible sire) using one of our DNA Proof of Parentage Kits for each dog and mail them to our lab. The dam is required for parentage testing. We recommend puppies be four weeks of age or older at time of swabbing. Please read more about this in our FAQ.
- You will receive a login for your new account on the DNA World Pet Registry.
- In as little as 2 weeks processing will be completed on your DNA Sample*
- Log in to the DNA World Pet Registry and execute a parentage test for each puppy.
- When executing the convenient online parentage tool, you will receive a “Certified”, “Disqualified” or “Inconclusive” result for each puppy.
- A “Certified” result confirms the parentage, and you may then print or save a .pdf version of your DNA Certified Canine Certificate.
- A “Disqualified” result indicatest hat you should re-run using a different Sire.
- An “Inconclusive” result indicates that there could be a slight mutation on one of the markers. Please contact BioPet Laboratories for assistance.
*see FAQ
One litter, lots of litters, what about a kennel club?
We have 3 different programs to fit the needs of various sized breeding programs. At BioPet, we strive to make canine DNA Parentage Testing simple and affordable. See our pricing guide to find the most affordable option for your program.
Introduction to Genetic Testing
DNA is the material in living creatures that provides the building plan from which that animal is made.
The DNA in a dog governs the dog’s appearance and contributes to its behavior. Every dog is a unique individual; two puppies from the same parents will have a different genetic makeup. Although the puppies differ from each other genetically, they still must carry a copy of both the Dam and Sire DNA. Proof of Parentage works by comparing the DNA of the puppy to both parents to confirm that the puppy does indeed carry a copy of each parents’ DNA.
For example, in the chart below, the dam has the genotype “AB” and the sire has the genotype “CD”. Puppies generated from this paring can have the genotypes of “AC”, “BC”, “AD”, or “BD”. If a puppy does not have one of these four genotypes, then it is “excluded” as an offspring of this paring at that marker. A dog must be excluded at two independent markers before the mating is officially excluded. If it does have one of these four genotypes, then the sire and dam are considered “qualified” as the parents of the offspring. This process is repeated across more than 16 highly informative DNA markers so that the statistical probability of accuracy is greater than 99.99%.
DNA Collection Tips and Techniques
Our in-home DNA collection method is simple and harmless for your dog. Follow these steps for an easy, successful collection.
You will be collecting your sample with a sterile polyester tipped cotton swab. Your goal is to collect enough cheek cells from the dog that the lab can extract a quality sample of DNA.
First, and most importantly to remember; you are collecting cheek cells from your dog. These cheek cells are what the lab will use to extract DNA.
To collect a good sample, do not allow your dog to have any food or to play with any shared toys or water bowls for at least one hour prior to collecting a sample. If you have multiple pets in the house, it is best to keep them separated for an hour. This helps to ensure no cross-contamination of the sample.
The best place to sample is from the side of the dog’s mouth, between the cheek and the gum.
With the swab placed on the inside surface of the cheek, apply slight pressure with your thumb on the outside of the dog’s cheek and gently swirl the swab around for about 10 seconds.
If your dog is a bit restless and you can’t get a good sample at first, that’s ok. Simply repeat the process a few more times, using the same swab.
Once enough cheek cells have been collected, allow the swab to dry by placing it in a glass, polyester tip side up. The swab should appear slightly dingy.
Repeat this process with the second swab on the same dog.
Allow both swabs to dry completely, approximately 10 minutes should be ample time. Return both dried swabs to the original swab sleeve.
Fill out your Customer Information Card completely.
Place the corresponding two swabs and the Customer Information Card in the return envelope and mail to BioPet Laboratories at 6727 Baum Dr. Knoxville, TN 37919.
In order to ensure that all samples reach the lab at the same time, you may want to put all envelopes together into a larger envelope, affix postage and return to BioPet Laboratories.