Genetic Testing for Pets

Our laboratory works with various types of biological material, but buccal swabs (swabs from the inner surface of the cheek) are the most convenient for pet owners, their pets and for our laboratory.

General Recommendations

It is recommended that the pet be isolated from other animals and not eat for one hour before the sample collection.

To collect and send samples, we recommend using the VetProfile sampling kit, which includes detailed instructions on how to take a buccal swab properly.

If you do not have our kit, you can take and send a buccal swab in the following way:

1. You need to provide tools for collecting biological material, such as swabs with plastic handles, cervical brushes, or hygienic ear swabs with plastic handles. Two buccal swabs are required for each animal.
2. Next, prepare a paper envelope in which you will pack the buccal swabs. Write the pet's name or other identifying information on the envelope. If you want to test more than one pet, prepare an individual paper envelope for each of them and label properly. Alternatively, you can make a paper envelope for the buccal swabs from a clean sheet of paper.

Instructions for collecting biological material – Buccal swab

Carefully remove the swab from the packaging by the handle and ensure that the tip of the swab does not touch anything except the inner surface of the animal's cheeks. Place the tip of the swab between the gums and the inner surface of the cheek, press against the mucosa of the cheek, and rotate for 15-30 seconds. There is no need to collect saliva as most of the biological material is already retrieved from the mucosa. Repeat the procedure with another swab and pack them together in the prepared envelope for buccal swabs.

Note

In case that you use hygienic ear swabs, make sure to cut off one end, leaving other one with cotton. If you use swabs that come with plastic tubes, place the swabs in the envelope without the tube or any other plastic packaging to prevent possible condensation, which could result in contamination of the sample.

Our laboratory does not accept samples for analysis that are collected on medical gauze or bandages. Our experience shows that such materials often contain substances that can affect the results of genetic tests.

Filling out the submission form and sending samples
The next step is to fill out our submission form, which you can download and print. If you are testing more than one animal, use a separate submission form for each of them. If you cannot print the submission form, write the following information in legible handwriting on the envelope containing the buccal swabs:

• The name and breed of the pet
• The microchip number (optional)
• Your contact details (phone number and email address)
• The name of the test or tests you want to be conducted

Place the envelope or envelopes with the samples of all animals and submission forms into one postal envelope. You may also enclose copies of pedigree certificates in the same envelope. Alternatively you can send them to our manager later via email or WhatsApp.

The collected and packed samples should be kept at room temperature, in a dry, dark place until shipping. If properly stored, samples remain usable for at least 3 months.

In most cases, one swab is sufficient to perform all the ordered tests; the additional swab serves as a backup.

All collected samples are stored in our laboratory and can be used for additional testing; there is no need to collect and send biological material again.

If you have any questions or concerns, our laboratory is at your disposal. You can contact us by phone or email.

Animal Identification

When it is necessary to confirm the identity of the animal (for legal and ethical considerations), sampling should be performed by a veterinarian who will identify your pet and fill out the submission form.

The veterinarian takes biological samples and packs them according to the procedure described above. After placing the buccal swabs into an envelope and sealing it, the veterinarian marks the envelope by indicating the microchip number or other identifier and placing personal signature and stamp across the seal of the envelope. This prevents potential tampering with the samples.

If identification and testing of more than one animal is needed, the veterinarian may place envelopes with biological materials and submission forms into a larger envelope, seal it, and place signature and stamp across the seal of this envelope.

For any additional information, your veterinarian is welcome to contact our laboratory.
Biological material can be sent to our laboratory by regular mail or a courier service to the following address.

For our customers in Serbia:
VetProfile,
Borhesova 39,
Belgrade-Zemun,
Altina 11283