Welcome to the Embark for Breeders Litter Package. Based on feedback that puppy buyers are searching for DNA-tested puppies, our new and improved Litter Package helps breeders provide happy, healthy puppies to loving pet homes.
Breeders can increase their credibility and provide more value to new puppy owners by testing whole litters at a reduced price. Puppy DNA testing is the new standard of care. Each Litter Package contains 4-7 or 8-11 individual puppy swabs at a discounted price. Additionally, Tested by Embark brochures are included (same number as swabs) for breeders to distribute to new puppy owners.
Each DNA Test in the Litter Package includes a DNA Health Summary as proof of DNA testing for new puppy owners, breed-relevant genetic health risks, 250+ genetic health conditions, 35+ traits, genetic diversity, predicted adult weight, and ancestry breakdown.
Table of contents
- How to activate a litter package
- How to swab a litter of puppies
- How to include the brochures in the new puppy owner’s take-home materials
- How to explain the DNA Health Summary to new puppy owners
- How do I give my new puppy owners more information about genetic health conditions?
How to activate a litter package
Wondering How to activate a litter package? First, you need to sign in to your account on my.embarkvet.com/breeders.
Activate the DNA test for each puppy with the Add a Dog icon using the EM-code on the swab tube. Use this handy litter testing worksheet to keep track of each puppy’s swab.
Make sure you enter the correct sex for each puppy at activation. Entering the wrong sex at activation, or changing the sex of the puppy after activation, will cause a delay in the swab processing. This will likely result in a new swab being shipped to you, which will significantly delay your results, most likely after the puppies have gone to their new homes.
How to swab a litter of puppies
Swabbing a whole litter can be done in several ways. Each puppy must be separated from the mother for one hour before swabbing to avoid cross-contamination from the mother’s DNA. You can separate one pup at a time or do a whole litter together.
When doing the whole litter at once, use one cardboard box or container per puppy with a heating pad or heat source to keep them warm while separated from their mother. Puppies can be as young as two weeks old for swabbing. Don’t let your puppy nurse for 30 minutes before swabbing, and offer them water to keep them hydrated while in the box.
Using your litter testing worksheet, ensure the swab’s EM-code matches the corresponding puppy before you begin. Take the swab and gently rub the inside of your puppy’s cheek pouch and under their tongue to collect saliva for 30-60 seconds. Once done, return the swab to the collection tube, twist it closed, and shake for 10 seconds. Place each swab in its return postage-paid mailing envelope and send it to Embark.
How to include the brochures in the new puppy owner’s take-home materials
Sending puppies home with their new owners is an exciting day with lots of information to go over. Savvy breeders prepare a “puppy packet” of materials to send home with each puppy. The Embark for Breeders litter package contains a Tested by Embark puppy brochure for each swab you ordered. Prove you are a responsible breeder and care about genetic health by including these brochures in the puppy packs.
Puppy DNA testing is the new standard of care. Encourage the new puppy owner to read the brochure at home to understand the value of puppy DNA testing. This brochure has a QR code that links to a puppy DNA testing article on the Embark website with more information.
How to explain the DNA Health Summary to new puppy owners
Each Embark DNA test in the litter package will generate a DNA Health Summary for each puppy. You can access this handy, printable, one-page document, which highlights your puppy’s breed-specific genetic health results, in your account under each puppy’s profile.
It’s a great tool for describing genetic testing to the new owner and explaining the difference between clear, carrier (notable), and at-risk results. Giving new owners this knowledge, what that means for the puppy’s life, and if any care recommendations are needed will set the puppy and their new owners up for success.
How do I give my new puppy owners more information about genetic health conditions?
The Embark website has a user-friendly search tool for genetic health testing by breed and health condition. If you have further questions about the Embark for Breeders Litter Package, please contact breeders@embarkvet.com.
