Ancestry unveils Know Your Pet DNA

Ancestry, the company focusing on consumer DNA testing and family history, has released Know Your Pet DNA. Created by an expert team of DNA scientists and animal geneticists, this dog DNA testuses Ancestry’s DNA science and technology to provide pet parents deeper insights into their pets so they can offer the best care.

Photo courtesy of Ancestry.

It includes details on¹:

• Breeds: The breakdown of a dog’s breed(s) from a reference panel including over 400 different breeds worldwide.
• Matches: Close genetic matches to other dogs in the database and dogs with similar breed mixes in the local area.
• Traits: Information on the unique genetic makeup of your pup with 30 behavioral (eg, likelihood to have separation anxiety) and physical traits (eg, noise sensitivities).

Approximately 62% of US households have a pet, and 51% consider their pet part of the family—and even say they are as much a part of the family as a human member.² "One thing we hear from our customers who are dog owners is that many of them consider their pet to be a part of the family. At Ancestry, we are constantly looking for new ways to innovate and use our expertise to give our customers a better understanding of themselves and their family," said Brian Donnelly, Ancestry chief commercial officer.¹ "As a proud dog enthusiast, I was inspired by the love my family has for our dog to create a product that helps us better understand him and meet his needs based on his genetics."

Once you purchase the Know Your Pet DNA, it works like this¹:

• Register your test at petdna.ancestry.com
• Gently swab the inside of your dog's cheek for 30 seconds.
• Return the sample using the provided prepaid box.

When the DNA is received, scientists prepare the sample, extract the DNA, and use Thermo Fisher Scientific's DNA microarray technology to determine each dog's genetic blueprint. Ancestry's scientists then analyze genetic patterns compared to an expansive database, and discover each dog's lineage, traits, and kinship connections in an easily understandable format in 2 to 4 weeks.¹

"Identifying the breed and genetic makeup of a dog requires advanced DNA analysis technology, especially for those with complex ancestry from many breeds," said Kim Caple, president, genetic sciences, Thermo Fisher Scientific.¹ "We are thrilled that Thermo Fisher's highly comprehensive canine genotyping technology, the Applied Biosystems Axiom Canine HD genotyping array, will provide Ancestry and its dog-loving customers with a more complete understanding of their pet's genetic background for improved care and creating even closer connections."

The dog DNA kit is $99, however through September 30, 2023, it is available at a special introductory price of $75.

References

1. Ancestry launches Know Your Pet DNA. News release. Ancestry. September 13, 2023. Accessed September 13, 2023. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ancestry-launches-know-your-pet-dna-301925812.html
2. Brown A. About half of US pet owners say their pets are as much a part of their family as a human member. Pew Research Center. July 7, 2023. Accessed September 13, 2023. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/07/07/about-half-us-of-pet-owners-say-their-pets-are-as-much-a-part-of-their-family-as-a-human-member