Are Pet DNA Tests Accurate? What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Use the Results

What Is Pet DNA Testing?

Pet parents interested in discovering more about their pet’s breed, traits, and health can do so with a pet DNA test kit. The DNA test kit will provide insight into your pet’s breed composition, behavior, physical characteristics, and overall health. Whether you love a mixed-breed pooch or a purebred pup, the test can provide information otherwise locked inside your pet’s cells.

How It Works

First, head over to our review of the Top Pet DNA Test Providers to decide which pet DNA test is best for you. The purchase of your test will come with complete instructions for collecting a DNA sample, typically done by mouth swab. You’ll return the DNA sample to your testing company via a prepaid mailer, then await your results.

Most cat and dog DNA testing companies return your results within 2-4 weeks. Once notified of your results, you’ll log in to your pet’s account to view the completed results. You can even share the results with your veterinarian to aid in understanding your pet’s unique health needs.

Types of Tests

Pet DNA tests are available for both cats and dogs. Depending on the pet DNA testing company you choose, you’ll find a variety of testing types available. These can include specific tests for DNA or gut health, or more comprehensive tests that sequence the pet’s entire genome.

Why Pet DNA Testing Is Important

Pet DNA testing gives you a glimpse into your pet’s unique genetic makeup. However, it plays another vital role as well. Each sample submitted to a genetic assessment company provides data that can be used to study cats and dogs across breeds, countries, and the world.

Benefits

There are tons of benefits to performing a pet DNA test. First, the results are sure to satisfy any curiosities you have about your pet’s background and health. However, the benefits don’t end there.

You can use the results to gain a deeper understanding of your pet’s health needs. For instance, is your pet prone to certain food allergies? If so, you may need to feed them a specialized food. Do they require health supplements to prevent the progression of a disease? Is your pet prone to conditions for which you should monitor? Your pet's DNA test can answer all of these questions.

Additionally, for pet parents wanting to join a kennel club, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the Westminster Kennel Club, but who don’t have proof of parentage, a DNA test is essential for proving the purebred ancestry of your pet.

What You Can Learn From Pet DNA Tests

Your pet DNA test kit will provide you with results based on the specific kit you’ve chosen. Results can include information such as:

• Breed makeup

• MDR1 (medication sensitivities)

• Family tree / relative identification

• Behavior traits

• Physical traits

• Health conditions

• Health sensitivities

• Genetic condition carrier

• Genetic condition predisposition

• Health condition resistance

• Allergy risk

• Blood type

• Dental condition

• Gut health

• Age estimation

• Birthday estimation

• Fingerprint profile

• Adult weight prediction

• Whole genome sequencing

How to Use the Results in Everyday Pet Care

Your pet's DNA test results aren’t just something fun to look at. They provide you with insight into the makeup of your cat or dog. This is a huge help when it comes to training and healthcare. For instance, if you have a mixed-breed rescue dog and want to understand why he jumps up on you every time you come home, you might find that since he’s 25% Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, it’s a genetic trait.

Furthermore, your dog’s ‘mouthiness’ and shedding may be derived from his husky ancestry. Whatever the behavior or trait, it’s likely that a DNA test could provide some explanation and help you in training.

Beyond behaviors and physical traits, the healthcare insight that a pet DNA test offers is priceless. Some dogs are prone to certain genetic conditions, and understanding what to look for can help you identify the symptoms early on. Furthermore, proper preventative care may lessen the severity of or even prevent some conditions.

Learning that your pet may be predisposed to certain health conditions can also be a good reminder to plan for future veterinary costs. While pet insurance generally won't cover pre-existing conditions, getting coverage before a problem develops may help with eligible expenses that arise later. MetLife Pet Insurance is our top-rated pet insurance provider and offers coverage options for pets of all ages, with no breed restrictions. Pet owners interested in adding another layer of financial protection can explore MetLife's coverage and pricing.

Choosing the Right Test for Your Needs

Choosing the right DNA test for your needs is a multifaceted process. There are several factors to consider, including the types of tests the company offers, the test prices, the accuracy of the results, and more. Before you make your decision, be sure to review our list of the Top Pet DNA Test Companies. Or, check out these recommendations based on some of the most relevant factors:

Are Pet DNA Tests Accurate?

Pet DNA testing has become increasingly popular, but how reliable are the results? While many testing companies boast accuracy rates of 90% or even higher, experts advise approaching these claims with caution. While the stats are getting better rapidly, accuracy can depend on several factors, including the quality of the sample, the robustness of the company’s breed database, and how closely related different breeds are genetically.

Studies have found real-world inconsistencies. In one example, a university-led analysis revealed that some companies’ breed predictions didn’t match a purebred dog’s registered ancestry, and, alarmingly, in certain cases were influenced by photos submitted with samples, as reported by the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine. There have even been instances, as reported by CBS News, where a human’s swab has been mistakenly identified as a dog's, highlighting the risks of inaccurate results.

However, companies like Wisdom Panel and Orivet flagged those samples as insufficient DNA, demonstrating stronger safeguards.

On the health front, some providers, most notably Embark, leverage high-end genetic testing technology, such as research-grade microarray chips, to provide highly accurate breed ancestry calls and health screening results.

Yet, even with sophisticated tools, genetic testing isn’t foolproof. The lack of standardization across companies and the evolving nature of genetic science mean results should be interpreted carefully, and ideally in consultation with your veterinarian.