- DNA My Dog has collaborated with Lakehead University’s Paleo-DNA Laboratory since 2015.
- The partnership combines commercial canine genetics capabilities with the university laboratory’s expertise in challenging and degraded DNA samples.
- Collaborative work has included DNA analysis involving deceased animals and select veterinary forensic investigations.
- DNA My Dog says expertise developed through academic collaborations also informs its genetic testing and product development.
- The company is expanding its canine testing platform with health and trait testing in addition to genetic analysis.
DNA My Dog is marking more than a decade of collaboration with Lakehead University’s Paleo-DNA Laboratory, highlighting the role the academic partnership has played in specialized canine genetic testing and veterinary forensic work.
The companies have worked together since 2015, combining DNA My Dog’s focus on canine genetics with the Canadian university laboratory’s expertise in analyzing challenging and degraded DNA samples.
According to DNA My Dog, the laboratory has supported projects involving deceased animals as well as select veterinary forensic investigations requiring specialized genetic testing.
“Our goal has always been to ensure that every DNA result is backed by sound science,” said Mindy Tenenbaum, MSc, CEO of DNA My Dog. “Having the opportunity to work alongside the talented researchers at Lakehead University’s Paleo-DNA Laboratory over the past decade has strengthened our ability to provide reliable, scientifically grounded services for pet owners, veterinarians, animal welfare organizations, and legal professionals.”
Genetics applied to veterinary forensic cases
One area of the collaboration has been veterinary forensics, where genetic testing can be used to provide evidence in cases involving animals.
The Paleo-DNA Laboratory specializes in analyzing difficult and degraded DNA samples, with applications extending across genetics, archaeology, conservation and other research fields. DNA My Dog said access to that expertise has supported cases requiring more specialized analysis.
“Veterinary forensics is a growing field that requires both scientific precision and careful interpretation,” Tenenbaum said. “Our collaboration with Lakehead University has allowed us to approach these cases with the highest level of scientific rigor.”
Collaboration supports genetic testing development
DNA My Dog said its work with academic researchers also contributes to the scientific foundation underlying its broader genetic testing platform.
Founded in 2008, the company provides canine DNA testing intended to give dog owners information about their animals’ genetic makeup, traits and health. It also works with rescue organizations through fundraising partnerships and programs providing genetic information for adopted and rescued dogs.
The company said it is continuing to expand its genetic testing platform, including its latest health and trait testing offering. DNA My Dog said scientific expertise and standards developed through collaborations such as its work with Lakehead University help inform that product development.
Lakehead University’s Paleo-DNA Laboratory conducts analysis of challenging and degraded DNA samples and supports academic and applied research in genetics, archaeology, conservation and related fields.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
