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Canine Sample Collection
Canine sample collection is quick and simple if you follow a few basic guidelines. For puppies under 6 weeks or not weaned we strongly recommend submitting either a small blood sample on our permacode card, a cotton swab (bud) or dewclaw. For animals over 6 weeks and weaned we recommend any one of the four methods bellow. Please avoid placing samples in plastic bags or sealed containers unless the sample is completely dry. It is important to remember that the quality of the sample submitted to the lab is extremely important in the entire testing process so please be careful and follow the instructions below.
1) Blood Sample (Card):
- Remove the card from the plastic bag and fill out the information on the card including the animals name or ID.
- Cut the nail just short enough to cause a little blood to form on the end. Collect the drops of blood by touching the corners of the card to the end of the cut nail. Each corner of the card should be filled at least half way.
- Allow the blood to air-dry for 15-30 minutes before placing it back in the plastic bag. Wet samples sealed in the plastic bag will grow bacteria and damage sample quality.
- Only one blood sample is required per animal. Please do not use plastic bags and cards to collect and ship dewclaw samples unless the dewclaw is completely dry. Although not generally necessary, you may use a blood coagulant to stop the bleeding if it does not stop on its own.
- Please download and print a canine sample submission form for each animal to be submitted.
2) Blood Sample (Swab):
An easy and reliable sample for genetic testing is a small blood sample collected from the end of a clipped toenail and placed on a dry cotton swab (bud) or filter paper. Blood samples or dewclaws are strongly recommended for animals under under 6 weeks or not weaned.
To collect samples for testing, follow the instructions below:
- Cut the nail just enough to cause a little blood to form on the end.
- Collect 1-2 drops of blood by dabbing an ordinary cotton swab (bud), cotton pad or ordinary filter paper on the end of the cut nail.
- Allow the blood to dry for 15 minutes or so. Then place the swab into an standard PAPER envelope or PAPER bag. Wet samples in plastic bags will not allow the sample to dry properly and will grow bacteria. Label the sample with the animals name or ID.
- Only one blood sample is required for each animal. Although generally not necessary, you may use a blood coagulant to stop the bleeding.
- Please download and print a canine sample submission form for each animal to be submitted.
3) Buccal or Cheek Brush:
Animal Genetics provides buccal (cheek) brush kits to our customers as a simple, non-invasive way to obtain DNA from your dog. Each sample collection kit contains 2 swabs and is good for multiple tests per dog. Please note that swabs should not be used on dogs under under 6 weeks or not weaned.
To collect samples for testing, follow the instructions below:
- Prior to sample collection, please make sure that the dog being tested has not eaten anything for at least 1 hour. Otherwise, the sample can be contaminated with food particles that can interfere or inhibit our reactions. Right before you take the sample, please visually check the dog's mouth to ensure it is clean and clear of any possible contaminants.
Label the envelope containing the sample collection brushes with the appropriate dog's name and breed. - Begin by removing 1 of the brushes from the envelope and placing it in the cheek of the dog and twist the brush between the dog's cheek and gums for about 10-15 seconds. Repeat the same process with the second brush.
- Place both brushes back in the envelope and allow them to air dry for a few minutes before sealing the envelope. It is important not to send the brushes back in a plastic bag; moisture trapped within the bag could lead to bacterial growth on the swabs. This bacterial growth can degrade the DNA causing the sample to no longer be viable.
- To order buccal (cheek) brush please visit Canine Sample Collection Kits
4) Dewclaws:
Dewclaws are claws on a dog that grow farther up the leg than regular claws. They are usually on the back of the leg and appear more often on front legs than back legs. If owners choose to remove dewclaws, most often the procedure is done when the dog is a puppy. It can be done when the dog is even just a few days old.
Animal Genetics recommends two options for collecting a sample for testing:
Option 1: Simply submit the actual dewclaw after it has been removed. It is important NOT to place the sample in a plastic bag or a vial. Please use a paper envelope. This will prevent decay and breakdown of the sample during storage and shipping. Dewclaw samples should be shipped within a few days of the procedure.
Option 2: Collect a small blood sample from the area where the dewclaw was removed. This is done by dabbing the area where the dewclaw was removed with the tip of a cotton swab (bud) and collecting a small amount of blood. Swabs should be placed in a paper envelope and allowed to dry for 15-30 minutes before sealing.
Samples may be shipped by regular mail to Animal Genetics for processing. For faster turnaround, please send samples using courier service as shipping can sometimes take longer then expected.
Submit a Sample for Testing:
To submit a sample for testing please go to Test Now.
To order a sample collection kit please go to Order Sample Collection Kits.
Please see our Canine Fee Schedule for current pricing.
