Embark VeterinaryReviews of embarkvet.com

I've purchased a scottie puppy. Feeling a bit raw after loosing my gorgeous scottie Bonney in June of this year, way too young, I was keen to have genetic testing done on this pup so that if he has any genetic susceptibilities I am aware of them, can share them with the vets and look at monitoring him. I do realise that genetic testing on Bonney probably wouldn't have made any difference to her outcome. Testing a young pup was a little tricky. Trying to get the swab inside the cheek cavity was an invitation for him to chew on it and I must admit I sent it off half expecting to be told the sample wasn't suitable. Informed when the sample arrived (which was great as I'm a bit of a worrier about things being lost in the post) and kept in touch throughout by the company. Having arranged DNA testing on myself, my daughter and parents (with their consent) the time from sending the sample off and getting the results back was considerably quicker for the pup. Fortunately no genetic mutations were identified. Informed he was 100% scottie (no surprise there). I'd love to have had a bit more information about the genes involved in coat colour, that is my only disappointment. The family relations shocked me. My pup shares between 48 and 62% of DNA with the other scotties tested. Putting that in perspective he is genetically more closely related to some of those dogs, most across the ocean, than I am to my parents and daughter! My main interest was the genetic health tests - the rest is interesting and a bit of fun. The 2 tests may breeders of scotties do are for CMO and von Willebrand. There are separate place that do them and a blood sample is required. Embark cost me, from memory, around £150. Had I chosen to just test for the 2 conditions the tests would have cost £98, add to that vet fees for the blood tests, the trauma to the dog etc I think that the money I spent was at least equivalent of that I'd have spent going down the other route. More convenient and I got loads more information (4 breed specific tests and 204 others, and a few fun bits of information).

This company is a SCAM. don't order from here. Company send an invalid tracking number and refused to follow up with a correct one after multiple request.

Don't wast your money. Lousy company. Maybe they could get their DNA issues worked out if they'd spend more time on their actual business and less time pushing politics. Use Paw Print Genetics or DDC if you want to deal with a real company.

Fascinating. Have a rescue dog from Cyprus and was always guessing what his breeding was. Turns out he was a pure golden retriever which was funny after all the guessing. Found it was a really quick turnaround and the website is great for seeing relatives etc

I adopted a dog the owner told me was a St Bernard, Saluki, Australian Shepard. The size, shape and markings of this dog are all St Bernard, with extra long ear hair (saluki trait) and spots on legs like the Shepard. NONE of the breeds came up only the same as my last mutt. I don't care what my dog is but I do care that the company doesn't care that it is inaccurate. When I questioned the result and sent pictures I got a form letter back. No offer to retest or anything. Just wasted money!

Posted 3 samples embark have confirmed they have received 2 but the 3rd is missing I have asked several times for a replaced kit to be issued so I can resend and I'll I get back is keep an eye on tracking updates. The two they have received say the results will be available late april they advertise a much quicker turn around than that, let's hope its quicker and that's just an estimate otherwise that is false advertising

I wanted to support Embark due to their work on Doberman health, however after multiple "not enough DNA on the swab", a VERY obtuse sign in and user design, L O N G wait periods which are not compatible with trying to get results for pups before they go home and almost non existent customer service I now use Paw Print Genetics which have AMAZING customer service, speed and ease of use. Sorry Embark, but I ended up giving up and lost money on a couple tests I never did get done.

Embark is BY FAR the best dog DNA company! There really is no comparison. They are in such a different league than Wisdom Panel, PP Genetics, and the others. Their test is more accurate, the site is more fun, the results are more detailed and explained in a way that both pet owners and breeders can learn about their dog and understand the science behind it. Plus their Customer Support is fantastic. Everyone is so nice and helpful and even when they are extremely busy they go above and beyond to assist. There should be no reason to use another company's test. If you love your dog, choose Embark!