TORONTO (PRWEB)
April 05, 2023

A cutting-edge, one-of-a-kind DNA test is finally giving some dog owners closure on pets that have died – even as long as over a decade ago.

Breed testing is a service pet parents often consider for years but may never get around to doing. And now it’s not too late. In this process, DNA is extracted from items like toys, collars, dog beds, dog teeth, and blankets, and the test can provide a detailed breed breakdown of a dog that has passed on.

The test – the only deceased dog DNA testing service in the world – is available through a partnership between Toronto-based canine DNA testing company DNA My Dog and the Paleo-DNA Lab at Lakehead University in Ontario.

“For years, customers asked us if there was a way to tell them more about their pet from DNA samples taken after death,” said Mindy Tenenbaum, Founder of DNA My Dog. “We worked extremely hard to meet those needs and are so proud to have created a test that families can use to receive the information or closure they’ve always needed, even if it comes 10 years later.”

Pet parent and DNA My Dog customer Melissa Czerkasow found comfort in the test following her dog Tigger’s passing.

“I adopted Tigger when she was almost 11 years old, and she was such an important part of my family. A month after she passed from a long battle with Cushing’s disease, I realized I was never able to have a DNA test done,” Czerkasow said. “I found DNA My Dog’s deceased DNA Test and decided to send Tigger’s favorite stuffed toy in to be tested. The results helped solve the mystery of her breeds and made me feel even closer to her, something that meant so much during the grieving process.”

Owners simply package and send items such as collars, toys, blankets, teeth and beds that are likely to have the dog’s DNA on them. It’s important that these items were not used by any other animal, to avoid any chance of cross-contamination. The process has the capability to extract and test DNA from items over 10 years old.

With a background in animal rescue and a Master’s in Veterinary Science, specializing in Veterinary Forensics, Mindy Tenenbaum founded DNA My Dog with a mission to help pet parents around the world forge deeper bonds with their dogs, whether or not those pets are still here with us.

DNA My Dog has been working alongside the Lakehead University Paleo-DNA Lab to provide much-needed answers to customers for 10 years. The Paleo-DNA Lab specializes in extracting and analyzing that may be low-quality or degrading, making them uniquely qualified to assist in this testing. When the pet’s belonging is received by the lab, it is examined for DNA and if found, that DNA is extracted and sent to DNA My Dog to be put through the company’s robust and accurate testing procedure, detailed here.

“We are so excited to be a part of this innovative way for pet owners to feel connected to their pets, even long after they’ve passed on. Pets are extremely important members of a family, and it’s incredible to see pet parents finally get the closure they’ve always wanted,” said Stephen Fratpietro, Technical Manager at the Paleo-DNA Laboratory.

Upon purchase of this test, DNA My Dog will provide customers with detailed instructions on the best way to send their chosen items to the lab. If requested, items will always be returned when testing is complete.

ABOUT DNA MY DOG

Established in 2008, DNA My Dog is one of the longest-standing canine genetics testing companies to date and has had a front-row seat in the evolving relationship between people and their four-legged friends. In addition to the deceased dog DNA test, DNA My Dog offers an Essential and Premium Breed ID test, which can identify over 350 breeds, genetic health concerns, and unique personality traits, as well as a Patent Pending Genetic Age test that can give an accurate biological age for their pet, or act as an early indicator of disease. Learn more about DNA My Dog’s testing options here.

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