FAQs for Proof of Parentage
- How soon after my puppy is born can I collect DNA?
- Is shopping with Happy Dog DNA Safe?
- Do I have to have a PayPal account to make a purchase?
- Can you confirm that my dog is pure bred?
- Can I collect the DNA myself?
- Does DNA collection hurt my pet?
- How do I send the DNA back to the lab?
- How long does it take to get the results?
- What are the benefits of DNA parentage testing?
- What if my pup fails to certify in the parentage analysis?
How soon after my puppy is born can I collect DNA?
We recommend that puppies be at least four weeks old in order to collect sufficient cheek cells. It’s been our experience that prior to four weeks of age the cells that line the cheeks do not release readily. However, if you wish to test your puppies prior to four weeks of age, just be sure to separate them from their mother for some time to reduce contamination from her milk and be sure to swab thoroughly to collect sufficient cheek cells.
Is shopping with Happy Dog DNA Safe?
Yes! We use PayPal to process your transaction so your personal account and credit card remain safe and secure.
Do I have to have a PayPal account to make a purchase?
No. You can purchase securely using your credit card (MC, Visa, Amex, Disc) or using PayPal – your choice.
Can you confirm that my dog is pure bred?
No, the Proof of Parentage DNA test is to provide certification that a pup is the offspring of a particular dam and sire. No breed-specific information is provided.
Can I collect the DNA myself?
Yes, the collection process is very simple and can be performed at home by following the enclosed instructions. Simplified dog DNA test instructions.
Does DNA collection hurt my pet?
No, the DNA collection is painless. The gentle swab gently removes skin cells from your dog’s cheek which minimizes any chance for infection or irritation.
How do I send the DNA back to the lab?
Once you have collected your DNA sample, simply put the swab back in the paper sleeve and place it and the Customer Information Card in the enclosed prepaid envelope. It typically takes about one week for the DNA samples to arrive at the lab.
How long does it take to get the results?
Happy Dog DNA offers super-fast USPS Priority Mail to ship your Proof of Parentage tests which means your test is delivered in 2-3 days. Most orders placed by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time will be shipped the same day.
Typically, once the sample arrives at the lab in Knoxville, TN, (please allow about one week for the swabs to arrive at the lab) results will be available about two weeks. You will receive an email from the lab inviting you to set up your online account and you will again be notified once the results are ready so you can perform your online analysis.
What are the benefits of DNA parentage testing?
DNA parentage testing provides lifetime certification that will set your breeding program apart. The longer DNA testing is in place, the more value is created for each dog by longer tracing of your breeding program. Confirm pedigrees with the confidence that only an unalterable DNA based report can provide.
What if my pup fails to certify in the parentage analysis?
Please contact us with any questions concerning disqualifications of pups. We offer an extended testing panel to eliminate the possibility of point site mutations. Remember, one litter may have more than one sire making it important to test all pups, the dam, and all potential sires.