- IMPORTANT NOTE: Embark’s Age test works best for dogs who are past the puppy stage.
- ESTIMATE YOUR DOG’S AGE: Using the power of epigenetics and measuring DNA methylation patterns, Embark provides an estimate of your dog’s calendar age and birthday. 77% of dogs have a true birthday within 12 months of their estimated birthday.
- EASY TO COMPLETE: You can complete the whole process of activating your kit to collecting your dog’s DNA sample in less than 5 minutes. For US customers, each kit comes with a pre-stamped mailer that you can drop in any USPS box to send us your dog’s sample for processing.
- RESULTS IN 4-5 WEEKS: Estimated turnaround is based on the time that our labs have received your dog’s sample.
- GET LIFE STAGE TIPS: As dogs age, their social, behavioral, and health needs change. Dogs who have the same calendar age may be at different stages in life, depending on breed, size, and other factors. We’ll suggest appropriate diet, exercise, and preventative care options to keep your dog healthy at every life stage.
- CONTRIBUTE TO RESEARCH: Embark’s mission is to use science to help dogs live healthier, happier lives. Your dog’s sample will fuel our epigenetics discovery engine as we learn more about canine wellness, healthy aging, and disease risk. As our data grows, so does our ability to make new discoveries.
Product description
How old is my dog?
We understand how important it is to know your dog's age. It allows you to provide proactive age-appropriate care, anticipate health issues, and give them the best life possible. Judging a dog's age based on visual cues alone can be challenging. That's why we created the Dog Age Test to answer the age old question with the power of science, using the scientific field of epigenetics. Epigenetics is the study of how behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect how genes work.
Compare Embark's Dog DNA Test Kits
| Customer Reviews | 3.9 out of 5 stars 149 | 4.6 out of 5 stars 18,567 | 4.6 out of 5 stars 394 | 4.5 out of 5 stars 18,826 |
| Price | $109.00$109.00 | $117.99$117.99 | $118.00$118.00 | $90.00$90.00 |
| Age and birthday estimate | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Breed mix breakdown | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Family tree | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Relative Finder | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Health testing | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Traits testing | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Genetic diversity score (COI) | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
Comparing the science behind Embark test kits
DNA Tests (Genetics)
Relies on genetics. Provides insights such as breed mix, genetic health conditions, and relatives (and more) based on a detailed view of a dog's genome and microarray technology. A dog's genetic code that's present from birth does not change.
Age Test (Epigenetics)
Relies on epigenetics. Provides estimated age based on DNA methylation patterns - a chemical modification that can change how genes work, while not changing the actual genetic code of DNA. As dogs age, the level of DNA methylation changes in a predictable way and we use that analysis as a "clock".
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How is Age Test different from Embark’s other DNA tests?
DNA Tests analyze your dog’s DNA sequence that was present from birth. Our Age Test analyzes how a dog’s unique life has impacted the structure of their DNA.
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Do I need to swab my dog again if I’ve already used an Embark DNA test?
Yes. Age Test follows a different process in the lab and we can’t use the same swab for Age Test and our other DNA tests. Each test is run separately and requires its own swab.
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Why is the turnaround time for the Age Test longer than Embark’s other DNA tests?
Age Test involves a special processing step during DNA extraction that allows us to measure methylation. This step requires additional time, making the turnaround time slightly longer than that of our other DNA tests.
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How do I return my dog's sample?
If you're located in the US, use the enclosed envelope and prepaid return label to ship your sample back to us.