Dog DNA Testing: How It Works, Costs, Benefits and More

Pet DNA testing is a growing industry, with a market size of $447.94 million in 2025 and projected to continue growing year after year as its popularity increases.¹ It’s no wonder, considering the wide range of information a DNA test can tell a pet parent about their beloved pooch.

Learn more about dog DNA testing, including how they work, how much they cost and what they can reveal about your pup.

What Is a Dog DNA Test?

A dog DNA test can analyze a sample of your dog’s cells to determine their genetic makeup, including breed and potential health risks.²

While dog DNA tests are similar to human DNA tests as far as how they’re conducted and what type of information they can reveal, unlike human DNA test kits, those designed for dogs are not regulated. Pet parents should bear this in mind when using testing kits marketed directly to consumers rather than going through a veterinarian to test their pets’ DNA.³

How it works

If you purchase an at-home DNA test kit, it should provide detailed instructions for how to collect your dog’s sample and send it for analysis. But in general, here’s how a test kit works:⁴

1. Collect your dog’s DNA. Swab the inside of your dog’s mouth for around 15 seconds.
2. Submit the sample. Send the test back in the box it came in — just drop it in the mail.
3. Receive the results. Turnaround time depends on the company and varies by test.⁵

If you’re having difficulty swabbing your dog, you may want to ask your veterinarian to help you collect the sample. Check with your vet to see if DNA testing is a service they perform. Or you can choose a vet-administered DNA test instead, which may require a blood sample from your dog.⁶

Popular Types of Dog DNA Tests

While the field of dog DNA testing is growing, there aren’t a lot of major players. Here are some of the most popular dog DNA tests:

• DNA My Dog offers breed identification kits starting at $79.99 and tests for more than 350 breeds.⁷
• Embark claims to be the most accurate dog DNA test on the market, with a gene database of over 400 dog breeds and 270-plus genetic health risks.⁸
• Wisdom Panel™ claims to be the most accurate at pinpointing a dog’s breed makeup, and also claims to have the world’s largest breed database. In addition to 265+ genetic health conditions that they can test for, they also test for behavioral and physical traits.⁹

Which kit you choose depends on what you hope to learn and how much you want to spend. If you’re mainly curious about your dog’s background, a basic test may be all you need. For owners who want more in-depth information about their dog’s genetics, including potential health risks and traits, a DNA test that includes a comprehensive panel may be more informative than a basic breed-only test.⁶

Average Cost to Test Your Dog’s DNA

The national average cost* of a dog DNA test can range from $35 for basic to $175 or more for premium.¹⁰ The cost of testing your dog’s DNA can vary depending on the type of test you choose, including whether it focuses on basic breed information or provides more detailed health and genetic insights.

Average cost of popular dog DNA tests by brand

Here are the average costs* of different brands of DNA tests:¹⁰

Benefits of DNA Testing Your Dog

Learning more about your dog can be fun — and it can be practical, too. Here are some key benefits of getting your dog’s DNA tested:⁶

• Anticipate average size and lifespan. Knowing how big your puppy might become — and how long they may live — can help you manage your expectations and create the right amount of space for them in and around your home.
• Discover hidden traits. DNA tests can help you find out which genes your dog may carry but not display, which can be useful information for breeders.
• Find their fur family. Some DNA tests come with access to a canine relative finder, so you can connect to your dog’s relatives and map out a family tree.
• Help the future. Dog DNA testing contributes to research that can help understand diseases in both dogs and humans, particularly when it comes to cancer. Genetic testing also helps breeders screen for inherited health conditions and provides insight into behavioral tendencies that may guide training, supporting long-term breed health.²
• Learn about personality traits common to some breeds. Discovering specific needs based on your dog’s breed makeup can provide insight into their behavior, which may be helpful with training.
• Prove pedigree. If your dog has puppies, you can provide future families with their DNA results. This can be particularly helpful for families seeking DNA-certified purebred pedigrees.
• Understand and manage potential health problems. Some DNA tests can reveal whether your dog may be prone to genetic health disorders. These can include drug sensitivities, neurological conditions and bleeding disorders that are important for your vet to know about when administering care.²

Limitations and Considerations

DNA testing for dogs is a science, but while pet DNA tests can offer interesting insights into your animal’s background, they also come with important limitations to keep in mind.

Regulation and accuracy

Pet DNA tests are not regulated by the FDA, and no direct-to-consumer tests have been approved to detect or prevent medical conditions. Because of this lack of oversight, health-related results may not be completely accurate, and relying on them too heavily can sometimes do more harm than good.¹¹

Health information should be interpreted carefully

DNA tests may suggest possible genetic risks, but they cannot reliably predict your pet’s future health. If you have concerns about medical conditions, it’s best to consult your veterinarian rather than depending solely on test results.

Genetics don’t explain everything

While a DNA test may reveal certain breed tendencies, behavior and personality can vary widely even among purebred animals. Your pet’s unique traits are shaped by many factors, so genetic information should be viewed as just one piece of the puzzle.¹¹

After Receiving Your Dog’s Results

Once you receive your dog’s DNA test results, it’s best to interpret them with the guidance of your veterinarian. They can walk you through any health conditions to which your dog may be genetically predisposed and discuss whether additional health screenings or adjustments to your dog’s diet or lifestyle may be appropriate.³

Dog DNA Tests for Your Dog’s Health and Happiness

Pet DNA tests can offer interesting insights into your pet’s breed background and general tendencies, but they are not perfect. While these tests may help you better understand certain behaviors or traits, they should not be relied on for diagnosing or predicting health conditions. For any medical concerns, it’s important to consult your veterinarian rather than depending on DNA test results.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dog DNA Testing

Still have questions? Here are some common questions pup parents are asking about dog DNA tests.

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Dogs

The CareCredit credit card provides a convenient way to pay for your dog’s vaccinations and other health and wellness expenses, including exams, medications and products at providers in the CareCredit network.** Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App. You can find a provider on the go, manage your CareCredit account and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos. Use our Acceptance Locator to find a veterinarian that accepts CareCredit to help keep your pet healthy and happy for a lifetime of love.

In addition to pet care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Jean Marie Bauhaus is a freelance writer and novelist who has been writing pet content since 2013. Her work has appeared on Forbes.com, Hill’s Pet, Chewy, AKC.org and more.