What is Embark?
Embark Veterinary, Inc. is a technology company that has uniquely combined canine genetic testing with canine research and discovery. Embark was launched in 2015 with a mission to improve the life and longevity of all dogs. An Embark for Breeders Dog DNA Kit provides insights on genetic health risks prioritized for each breed, coat colors and traits, genetic COI, ancestry, and more. The company was founded by Adam and Ryan Boyko, two brothers with years of experience researching dogs’ origins and the impact of genetic diversity on canine health. Joined by a shared passion for scientific research and a love of dogs, Embark’s growing team includes scientists, veterinarians, researchers, breeders, and community builders. Embark is an official research partner of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. For further information, visit Embark’s website at www.embarkvet.com/breeders, or follow Embark on Facebook.
What is the Canine Health Summit?
The Embark Canine Health Summit is an exploration of genetics and breeding where one can discover the latest insights and best practices from leading experts in the fields of veterinary medicine, dog breeding, and more via panel discussions and dynamic presentations.
The Embark Canine Health Summit’s mission is to engage leaders from across the canine community to join in providing an educational and informative platform to:
- a) bridge the gap between canine genetics research and purpose-bred dog breeding
- b) elevate collaboration between breeders, veterinarians, canine behaviorists, genetics experts, and scientists who are all on the same journey to improve the health and lifespan of dogs
The Health Summit has three topic tracks; Canine Health Research, Population Management and Diversity, and A Breeder’s Perspective on Canine Health. The Health Summit will also feature a Keynote address from Dr. Brian Hare and a roundtable discussion, Collaboration is Key in Canine Health: How Breeders and Veterinarians Shape the Canine Health Future, hosted by the Westminster Kennel Club. You can view the schedule here.
When is the event and how do I share registration information?
The Embark Canine Health Summit will be available online as a live event on Monday, February 15, 2021 and Tuesday, February 16, 2021. All times noted are in Eastern Standard Time (US). Registration can be completed by visiting the Canine Health Summit website.
What is the registration rate?
Registration is complimentary and can be completed by visiting the Canine Health Summit website. The event will be available for on-demand viewing afterward.
I just want to attend one session. Is that possible without registering for the Summit?
Individuals wanting to participate in one session must still register here.
What if I cannot make the event on one or both days?
The event will be available for on-demand viewing afterward. Please look out for emails after the conference for more details.
What is the partnership between Embark and the Westminster Kennel Club?
Since genetic testing is an imperative part of not only producing a champion dog, but also a healthy dog, it became a natural decision for Embark to team up with Westminster Kennel Club as the official dog DNA test of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Through their partnership, Embark and Westminster are committed to promoting the importance of health and vitality for every unique breed, and thus, a collaboration for the Canine Health Summit was a natural next step.
What is meant by genetic health?
A genetic health screen provides extremely detailed information that can be used to improve a dog’s health, optimize breeding pairs, improve litter outcomes, and contribute to longer lifespans in breeding lines. Embark’s genetic health test looks for specific variants that may put a dog at risk for a specific disease. A genetic health screen does not eliminate the need for veterinary examinations, blood work, x-rays, or other diagnostics to detect and diagnose health issues, but it is crucial for detecting genetic variants that could lead to the manifestation of disease.
You can visit the Embark Dog Genetics for Breeders website to learn more about specific genetic health conditions, Genetics 101, and complex genetics. Many breed organizations recommend genetic testing and additional non-genetic testing when deciding how a dog should be incorporated into a breeding program. You can learn more here.
I want to learn more about a specific topic, how do I get additional information?
You can visit the Embark Dog Genetics for Breeders website to learn more about many topics covered at the Health Summit and sign up for the Embark mailing list to receive first notice of additional Health Summit-related content. Additionally, many speakers have additional information on their websites, and those may be found in their bios on the conference website. You can also email Embark at breeders@embarkvet.com.
I really liked this event and want a friend to watch but they didn’t register before the conference. Is that OK?
Yes, and thank you! The event will be available for on-demand viewing afterward. Register at https://embarkvet.brand.live/c/embark-canine-health-summit to gain access to the conference recordings and sign-up for the Embark mailing list to receive the latest information on how to watch specific lectures and panels on the Embark website.
I missed the opportunity to provide feedback on a session. How do I do that after the Health Summit?
We appreciate feedback and are looking forward to continuing to have events cover topics our attendees want to learn more about. Every registrant will receive a follow up email after the conference which will include the opportunity to provide suggested topics for future events as well as lecture format. If you think of suggestions after you have already responded to the email, you can email Embark at breeders@embarkvet.com.
I have an idea for a 2022 conference, how do I submit that to Embark?
We appreciate feedback and are looking forward to continuing to have events cover topics our attendees want to learn more about. Every registrant will receive a follow up email after the conference which will include the opportunity to provide suggested topics for future events as well as lecture format. If you think of suggestions after you have already responded to the email, you can email Embark at breeders@embarkvet.com.
How does my breed organization partner with Embark or how do we suggest a research project?
At Embark, we consider individual breeders and breed organizations the breed experts—so your input is valuable in determining which canine genetic research initiatives to undertake.
- Breed clubs and organizations requests: Submit a proposal for a stand-alone research project to study a disorder or trait impacting a specific breed here.
- Individual breeder requests: Individual breeder requests for a specific research study can be made here.
- Requests for information about a breed club partnership: Our Breed Club Research Partnership Program is designed to empower both breed stewards and individual breeders with the tools to make informed breeding decisions. To learn more about our partnership opportunities, please click here, or fill out an information request form.
How do I test my dogs with Embark?
You can visit the Embark website to learn more about the suite of products specifically designed for breeders. You can click here to order: Embark for Breeders DNA Kits, Embark Litter Packages, or Embark Breeding Pair Packages. You can learn more about ordering, shipping, and activating test kits by visiting the Embark Help Center.
An Embark test comes back as 100% clear, does that guarantee that a dog will be healthy?
An Embark for Breeders Dog DNA Kit tests for specific genetic variants (mutations) known to cause specific diseases in certain breed populations. There are known genetic health variants for which Embark does not test, health conditions that have no known causative genetic variant, and health conditions that are not considered to be genetic in origin. Embark results can be shared with a veterinarian to help inform preventative health care, treatment plans, and management but are not a substitute for care or monitoring recommended by a veterinarian. You can learn more about how to interpret Embark results here.
My question is not listed here. Whom do I contact?
Please contact breeders@embarkvet.com. You many also ask questions in the comments section of the Canine Health Summit website.