Dog DNA tests can help you better understand your pup from the inside out. But there are many options available to choose from. So how much does a dog DNA test cost? Let’s break down this information, what kind of results you might expect to get with these tests, and exactly why DNA tests can be so beneficial for dogs.
A MetLife Pet Insurance policy with a Preventive Care add-on can help cover dog DNA tests purchased through your vet.1 See our pet insurance prices.
How Much Is a Dog DNA Test?
Depending on the test and the company, you might expect dog DNA test costs to be around $40 — $200 or more.2,3,4,5 We’ll dive into specific cost information later, so keep reading.
Across the board, the more information you receive from your test, the higher the price will likely be. For example, a test that includes extensive breed health screening details is typically more expensive than a simple breed identification test.
Types of Dog DNA Tests
There are several types of dog DNA tests you can purchase, depending on what kind of information you’re looking for. Sometimes, these tests are bundled together in a kit, and other times, you may be able to purchase them individually. Let’s take a look at some of the things you can purchase tests for.6
- Dog breed identification (ID): These tests offer a breakdown of your dog’s breed makeup according to their genetics. Results may also include inherited trait information for each breed listed, which can help you understand your pet (more on this below).
- Dog lineage and parentage verification: Such tests provide information about your dog’s lineage and help you find your dog’s relatives. You may also be able to get a parentage/DNA profile test to make sure a dog is registered to the correct parent dogs or to help verify your dog’s identity in case they’re lost or stolen.
- Inherited disease screening: These tests provide insight into which diseases and health conditions your dog may be predisposed to based on their genetic makeup. They’re typically the most expensive DNA tests on the market because they provide more in-depth information to help care for your dog.
- Inherited trait testing: Such tests explain specific trait information your dog may inherit based on their breed makeup — such as physical and character traits. Results could show information like typical coat and eye colors, estimated sizes, or energy levels.
Dog DNA Test Costs by Brand
Here are some of the more popular and trusted dog DNA testing companies on the market today, including the tests they offer and the cost you might expect to pay for each.
Embark
Embark offers two main tests that were developed with the help of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine — one for breed identification and ancestry (priced around $130), and the other includes a health screening for inherited disease and traits in addition to breed ID (priced around $200).2
If you have a purebred dog, Embark has a version of the health screening test specifically for them that costs around $200. And if you’re a breeder, they also offer a more extensive breeder-specific DNA test kit priced around $129 – $159 per kit, depending on how many kits you order.2
Wisdom Panel
Wisdom Panel has three main tests that provide more results for each upgrade. The first is a breed identification, some inherited traits, and drug sensitivity screening test (priced around $85). The second includes all of that, plus inherited disease screening and more inherited trait information (priced around $105). The third includes everything from the second tier, plus extensive inherited disease and trait information and a vet consultation (priced around $160).3
DNA Diagnostics Center
DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC®) offers a variety of tests that are typically sold individually rather than bundled together in a single kit like many other companies. These tests include breed ID, DNA profile ID, inherited disease screening, inherited trait testing, lineage and parentage verification, and individual disease tests for certain breeds that may be at a higher risk.4
Costs per test can range from around $40 – $100, with the total cost depending on how many tests you purchase or how many samples are needed for testing.4
Ancestry
Outside of providing popular human DNA tests, Ancestry® also offers a dog DNA test that provides a breed identification breakdown as well as some of their inherited traits. This test costs around $99.5
Reasons To Get Your Dog’s DNA Tested
Finding out information on your dog’s DNA is interesting, but it can also be beneficial in helping you care for your pet’s overall well-being.
Understand their behaviors
Knowing which breeds your dog’s genetics are made up of can be fun, but it can also be a great way to understand their inherited behaviors and characteristics.7 It can help give a better picture of why they might be more prone to anxious behaviors, why they love digging holes in the yard, why bouncing off the walls with energy is their favorite pastime, or why they may prefer to be the only dog around. Not only is this great information to have when it comes to caring for your dog, but it can be helpful if your pup is experiencing some behavioral challenges and needs training.
Preparation and prevention
Having results from DNA health screening kits may be the biggest benefit of dog DNA tests. In addition to understanding their breed traits, you can see which diseases and health conditions they may be at a higher risk for based on their breed makeup. For example, if your dog is part English bulldog, they may be more prone to developing brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BAOS). Or if your dog is part beagle, they may be at a higher risk for developing hip dysplasia.
Just remember, these tests are for seeing what conditions a dog may be prone to developing — the results don’t mean they’re guaranteed to develop said condition, and they’re not meant for diagnostic testing.7 But if you know what health conditions and diseases your dog could have a higher risk of experiencing, you can take steps to help prevent or prepare for them.
MetLife Pet Insurance May Help Cover Future Health Conditions
Enrolling in a dog insurance policy can be one of the ways you help prepare for any health conditions listed in your dog’s DNA test that they may develop. By enrolling while your pup is still healthy, you can better ensure coverage for vet bills later on by avoiding pre-existing condition exclusions.
We can typically cover things like diagnostic testing and treatment for illnesses — like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and more — with our insurance policies. And with our Preventive Care plan add-on, you can get coverage for routine care that can help keep them healthy and increase the chance of preventing certain health problems. You may also be able to get reimbursed for your dog’s DNA tests through our Preventive Care add-on when you purchase them through your vet.1
Think about the kind of information you want to know about your dog’s genetics, the test cost, and research the accuracy of the test before you decide to purchase one. And if you’re thinking about pet insurance, explore more reasons why pet insurance may be worth it for you. Ready to see your personal rates for a MetLife Pet policy? Get a free quote today.
