How to Swab Your Dog

Just follow the easy steps below. Don’t forget to activate your kit before mailing the swab back to us.

TUTORIAL VIDEO FOR STEPS 1-4

step 1 remove tube

1. REMOVE COLLECTION TUBE

Open the kit and remove the tube from its packaging. Do not remove the swab from the tube, you can use the tube as a handle.

step 2 swab your dog

2. SWAB YOUR DOG FOR 30-60 SECONDS

Take the swab and gently rub the inside of your dog’s cheek pouch and under his tongue to collect saliva for at least 30 seconds. Some tips to get the best quality sample:

  • Make sure the swab sponge is saturated with saliva. Some dogs may need you to swab for up to 60 seconds!
  • Show your dog a treat (don’t let them eat it) so they get nice and slobbery.
  • Don’t let your dog eat for 30 minutes prior to swabbing.
step 3 put swab in tube

3. UNSCREW CAP, PLACE IN TUBE & SEAL YOUR SAMPLE

Unscrew the cap and turn the swab upside down. Place the swab inside the collection tube.

Don’t spill the liquid – it is needed to stabilize the DNA until it’s processed.

Screw the cap until you cannot turn it any further.

step 4 mix sample

4. MIX SAMPLE

Make sure the cap is screwed on tightly over the sample collection tube. Invert the tube and shake for 10 seconds.

step 5 activate kit

5. ACTIVATE

Click the button below to activate your kit.

Please do this before mailing your kit back to us.

Activate Kit

swab your dog

6. SEND YOUR SAMPLE TO US

Send your sample to Embark with the prepaid envelope included in your kit. Don’t worry, your sample is stable for at least 6 months, but who wants to wait that long?

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