DNA Collection Guide
Your pet's DNA is found in every cell of its body. We offer several easy options here for sample collection. Samples should be mailed directly to the Zoogen lab. We strongly suggest using a shipping method with tracking and delivery confirmation to ensure your sample arrives safely. Note: Understandably, we cannot be responsible for samples lost enroute.

Cats and Dogs

Blood Sample
Your veterinarian can assist you in collecting a 1ml sample (approx. ¼ teaspoon). Ask your veterinarian to use a standard lavender top blood collection vial. Place the vial in a padded envelope and send to our lab. No refrigeration is required if sent promptly.

Download the order form

Hair Sample
Clipped or shed hairs contain very small amounts of DNA. You may wish to add a larger DNA sample (such as a cheek swab) from another pet or person. Seal just a few tufts of hair in a ziplock bag, and label each by writing your name on a piece of tape and adhering it to the outside of each bag before mailing.

Cheek Swab
Zoogen sends a swab (soft brush) with all prepaid orders. Cheek swabs are an easy and popular way to collect DNA from a cat or dog, by gently brushing the inner cheek of your pet.

*Note: a new child-size toothbrush can be used as a swab

Instructions:
• Gently pull your pet's cheek away from the teeth and insert the swab brush into the cheek pouch, with the bristles pressed out against the inner cheek (facing away from the teeth).
• Gently brush up and down for at least 30 seconds. If your companion gets impatient, switch sides or take a break and try again later. **IMPORTANT: Avoid taking the sample immediately after your pet has eaten. Let the brush air dry completely, then place back in the packet and into a paper envelope. The brush should be kept dry, and DO NOT put the swab in a plastic bag or airtight container. If sampling more than one pet make sure to use a separate swab for each, label the packet with the pet's name, and wash your hands in between. If submitting a cheek swab from yourself, please label the packet with your name. Complete the order form and mail it along with the brush to Zoogen.

Small Mammals (Ferrets, Rabbits, Rodents)
Due to their size, it is difficult to collect a good cheek swab from these small companions. A blood sample is the best option for a living pet, and it is not necessary to collect the full milliliter if not possible. Have your veterinarian collect as much as you are both comfortable with. Ask your veterinarian to use a standard lavender top blood collection vial. If the pet is deceased, consider a small tissue sample as an alternative. Have your veterinarian call us for special shipping instructions.

Hair Sample
Clipped or shed hairs contain very small amounts of DNA. You may wish to add a larger DNA sample (such as a cheek swab) from another pet or person. Seal just a few tufts of hair in a ziplock bag, and label each by writing your name on a piece of tape and adhering it to the outside of each bag before mailing.

Horses and Other Hoofed Animals

Blood Sample
Your veterinarian can assist you in collecting a 1ml sample (approx. ¼ teaspoon). Ask your veterinarian to use a standard lavender top blood collection vial. Place the vial in a padded envelope and send to our lab. No refrigeration is required if sent promptly.

Mane or Tail Hair Sample
Plucked mane and tail hairs with the hair root material intact are an excellent source of DNA. Wrap a few hairs around your finger and pull slowly and steadily (a quick tug may break the hairs at the base). You should see a little hook-like projection at the end of each strand. Gather about 10 hairs into a bunch, secure with tape, and place in an envelope or ziplock bag. Be sure to label the bag with your name written on a piece of tape.

For Birds, Fish and Reptiles
Our feathered and scaled friends have DNA in all their blood cells, so Zoogen only needs a drop of blood. Blood can be spotted on an ordinary piece of paper, allowed to dry, and enclosed in a paper envelope. If your bird was DNA-sexed by Zoogen within the past 7 years, call us to check if we already have your sample on file.

Feather Sample
Molted feathers contain very small amounts of DNA. You may wish to add a larger DNA sample (such as a cheek swab) from another pet or person. Seal just a few feathers in a ziplock bag, and then label each by writing your name on a piece of tape and adhering it to the outside of the bag.

DNA Collection for Pets
Who Have Passed On
Memorial Life Jewel ^TM
The Memorial Life Jewel combines the ashes from a special pet or person with the DNA from another companion or yourself. We can also incorporate the small amount of DNA from hair or feathers into a pendant. This private and highly personal memento lets you keep your loved one close to your heart in a beautiful and life-affirming way.

Simply enclose a few teaspoons of ash in a small Ziploc bag and enclose in the same envelope along with your secondary sample bag. Label each bag by writing your name on a piece of tape (Scotch brand or masking tape) and adhering it to the outside of the bag.

Cremated Ashes
During the cremation process the DNA is completely carbonized. The fine ash can be mixed with DNA from another sample (such as a cheek swab from another pet or person or from yourself) and will be visible as a fine texture on the surface of the DNA. Cremated ashes have variable color and consistency and may alter the DNA's color tint and texture. Dark colors such as amethyst, ruby and emerald may be less intense, light colors may appear darker. Depending on the consistency of the ashes, the DNA surface texture may appear less smooth.

Consider having your veterinarian call us for sample options if your pet has just died. If this occurs during non-business hours, request that your veterinarian store your pet’s remains appropriately until we have been able to advise you.

Note: Zoogen enhances pet samples with botanical DNA as necessary

For customer service, call: 800.584.2434
E-mail: help@perpetualifejewels.com