Genetic health testing for dogs

Yes — and that’s actually the best time to test.

Certain inherited diseases don’t appear until later in life. Others may not cause symptoms unless triggered by surgery, medication, diet, or aging. Knowing your dog’s genetic risks early gives you and your veterinarian the chance to monitor, prevent, or plan ahead.

In fact, 1 in 3 pet parents report changing their dog’s care after receiving Embark results.

— Kari Cueva, DVM, Associate Director, Veterinary Genetics at Embark and practicing ER clinician

That’s completely normal.

Embark results are not diagnostic — they don’t mean your dog has a disease. They indicate whether your dog has a higher genetic risk of developing certain conditions.

Think of it as being informed, not alarmed. The goal is to help you know what to watch for and have more productive conversations with your veterinarian — so you can act early, not react later.

Yes. Embark’s health reports are designed to be shared directly with your vet and include clinical details, variant information, and condition summaries.

Our research is developed in partnership with Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and our veterinary genetics team supports ongoing scientific validation.

• At risk means your dog has genetic variants associated with an increased risk of developing that condition.
• Carrier means your dog carries one copy of a variant but is unlikely to develop the disease themselves (though it may be relevant for breeding decisions).

Each result includes a clear explanation in plain language so you understand what it means for your dog.

Embark uses a research-grade genotyping platform powered by the world’s largest canine genetic database that delivers 99%+ genotyping accuracy for each health condition. Our tests are scientifically validated and continuously updated as new research emerges.

Most results are available within 2–4 weeks after your swab is received at our lab. You’ll be notified as soon as your dog’s report is ready.

Yes. The test uses a simple, non-invasive cheek swab that you can do at home in just a few minutes.