Here's How Much DNA Testing Your Dog Will Cost You

Wondering how much it takes to solve your dog’s breed mystery—or to screen for hidden health risks? Prices range from the cost of a casual dinner to a full vet visit, and what you get varies just as widely. The sections below break down today’s price tiers, explain the biggest cost drivers, and help you pick the kit that fits your goals.

Key Takeaways

A quick look before we dig in:

• Three clear tiers – Breed-only kits start near $70; mid-tier “traits” kits hover around $120; health-heavy kits top out near $200.
  
• Premium brands cost more – Embark and Wisdom Panel charge extra for huge breed databases and hundreds of health markers.
  
• Why pay more? – Higher prices buy deeper health screening, trait reports, and vet-level customer support.
  
• Match cost to need – Stick with a budget kit for ancestry alone; invest in health features if you want preventive care clues.
  
• Shop the sales – Black Friday, Prime Day, and pet-retailer promos often slash prices by 20-40 percent.
  

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How Much You’ll Pay

Dog DNA kits fall into three price bands. Each uses the same cheek-swab collection, but the lab work—and the final report—grow with the price.

Quick Brand Snapshot

Below is a bite-size view of the most popular kits and their list prices.

• Embark – $129 (Breed ID) · $199 (Breed + Health) · 350 + breeds · 270 + health tests.
  
• Wisdom Panel – $120 (Essential) · $160 (Premium) · 365 + breeds · up to 265 health tests.
  
• Orivet – $110 (Breed + LifePlan) · 150 + breeds · wellness plan with diet and exercise tips.
  
• DNA My Dog – $80 (Essential Breed) · $130 (Premium) · 300 + breeds · limited health add-ons.
  

Why Prices Differ

Each dollar supports extra science behind the scenes.

• Breed database size – Larger reference sets improve accuracy for mixed rescues.
  
• Depth of health screening – Premium kits scan hundreds of genetic markers—small DNA flags linked to diseases like Degenerative Myelopathy.
  
• Extra reports – Relative-finder networks, trait breakdowns, and geographic ancestry maps require more data crunching.
  
• Research partnerships – Embark’s tie to Cornell University raises both credibility and cost.
  
• Customer support – Top-tier kits often include a veterinary geneticist call for worrisome results.
  

Is a Budget Kit Enough?

Use this checklist to see which tier meets your needs.

*Relative-finder tools appear in select kits—check the feature list before buying.

Finding Deals and Discounts

Sales can trim a surprising amount off the sticker price.

For an apples-to-apples feature rundown, visit our in-depth guide to the best dog DNA tests on the market. 

Matching Cost to Your Needs

1. Just solving the breed mystery?
   Pick a budget Breed ID kit. You’ll get ancestry percentages in two to four weeks.
   
2. Want fun traits or a relative map?
   Step up to a Breed + Traits kit. Expect coat-color genetics, adult-weight prediction, and possible cousin matches.
   
3. Planning health decisions?
   Invest in Breed + Health. Early alerts on drug sensitivities or inherited diseases can guide vet care and pet-insurance plans.
   

Next Steps

• Set your budget first to avoid impulse add-ons.
  
• List your must-have reports—health, traits, or just ancestry.
  
• Time the purchase around major sales to save $30–$70.
  
• Follow swab instructions—no food or water 30 minutes before sampling for the cleanest DNA read.
  

With the right kit at the right price, you’ll uncover your dog’s backstory—and maybe chart a healthier future together.

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