Category: product review

When adopting a mixed-breed dog, particularly from a shelter or rescue organization, there are often a lot of unanswered questions. What breed were the parents? How big is my new dog going to get? What is its temperament going to be? Is it going to be healthy? These are just some of the things that up until a little over 15 years ago, there was virtually no chance of ever knowing. Then in 2007, a blood test performed only through veterinarians became available for analyzing dog DNA. As time went on, more and more research was performed on the canine genome, and, eventually, at-home testing kits began hitting the shelves, some with more accurate results than others.

That’s when Boston startup Embark hit the scene. Founded in 2015 by brothers Adam and Ryan Boyko, two dog lovers with a keen scientific interest in improving canine health across the globe, Embark has developed a variety of test kits for home use. Breed identification, genetic health risks, age determination, and more, can all be achieved with Embark’s line of home testing kits in just a matter of weeks. Through their partnership with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Embark boasts the most in-depth dog DNA testing on the market and a 99.9% accuracy rating on the results. It’s no wonder this leading brand has over 20,000 5-star reviews!

About Embark

Though Embark’s sibling co-founders had different educational backgrounds, the Boyko brothers traveled the world together with a shared purpose – to improve the lives of dogs everywhere. Adam, a Biomedical Sciences professor, and Ryan, with degrees in Public Health, Ecology, and Computer Sciences, collected swabs from dogs all over the globe, including remote areas of Europe, Asia, and South America. By performing rigorous analysis on these samples, in partnership with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, they were able to develop the most accurate home DNA test for dogs on the market today. This Boston-headquartered company, with offices in New York and a laboratory in San Diego, works closely with veterinarians and canine geneticists to further their ongoing research with one goal at the forefront – to use science to improve dog care.

Today, Embark offers a variety of home testing kits, but their Dog DNA Breed & Health Test is perhaps the most popular. Any caregiver for a dog with an unknown background will find the results of this DNA test useful. By receiving information about their dog’s exact breed mix, probable adult size, behavioral traits, and genetic health risks, pet parents can now better tailor their care plan for their dog. And knowing more about that cute mystery pup just adopted from the shelter can also improve the bond between human and animal. That is something that any dog owner (and any dog) can benefit from.

Dog DNA Breed & Health Test Overview

Here is an overview of the Embark Dog DNA Breed & Health Test. This easy-to-use home testing kit gives owners the most reliable answers to all their questions about their mystery pups, strengthening the dog-owner bond and improving the care these dogs receive.

Pricing

The regular price of Embark’s combination Breed & Health Test is typically around $199, though they often run sales or provide discount coupon codes. While it may seem pricey, this test is actually very similar in cost to the popular human DNA at-home test kits available. And when you consider the abundance of useful information you will receive from each test, the value of this product is undeniable. In addition, shipping within the US is always free, and their website has an option to pay in installments as well.

Embark Dog DNA tests are also available from a variety of online retailers, so if cost is a concern, you can shop around for the best deal.

What to Expect

When you receive your test kit in the mail, the first thing to do will be to create an account on the Embark website (or log in to your existing account), follow the instructions to “Add a Dog,” and activate the test code. This will link your dog’s sample to your account as soon as you drop it in the mail, so you can track the shipment and receive regular updates as to the status of Embark’s testing process.

Next you need to collect your dog’s sample. To ensure you do this properly, read all instructions prior to beginning the sample collection. You will need to swab the inside of your dog’s cheek for 30-60 seconds before inserting the saliva-coated swab into the test tube, capping the tube, and shaking it up to mix the fluid in the tube. Then place the tube in the plastic pouch provided, place the sealed pouch in the prepaid envelope, and drop the envelope off at the post office. Results should be available in 2-4 weeks.

Results

Embark will inform you by email when your dog’s test results are ready, and you can follow a link in the email to their website to view results in your account. After a slide presentation of your pup’s unique breed makeup, you can go on to view the health results, as well as the probable physical traits your dog may exhibit. All this information can help determine likely training requirements, appropriate veterinary care, and give insight into the best food and exercise regimen to support your dog’s future health and happiness.

Your dog’s results will always be available to you by logging in to your Embark account, and you may even receive periodic email updates, such as when new relatives are found.

Specs

In Summary

Key Features

Reliability

With nearly a decade of research experience, and a close partnership with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Embark has become the most popular dog DNA testing company on the market because of the 99.9% accuracy of their results. Through the most in-depth genetic testing procedure of any of their competitors, Embark can test against a database of more than 350 dog breeds and over 250 hereditary diseases to provide owners with the most complete genetic profile possible.

Testing Results

Testing results from the Breed & Health kit include a myriad of useful and intriguing information. Not only does this DNA testing reveal the breeds involved in your dog’s ancestry, but you will also be provided with the most probable family tree going back to your dog’s great-grandparents. On the health side, Embark tests for the genetic predisposition to over 250 health conditions, significantly more than the leading competitor. Your dog’s unique DNA also provides insights into your dog’s most likely behavioral and physical traits, which Embark will include in your dog’s profile.

Significance

Determining a dog’s breed makeup is often pursued by owners just for fun, but there are benefits to knowing this information. By knowing your dog’s ancestry, you can be aware of how big your dog may get, what kind of grooming requirements it may have, the most likely behavioral traits, and what genetic diseases it could be susceptible to. By performing health screening, Embark can better determine if your dog is at risk for certain diseases by revealing if the dog carries the gene for that health condition. Knowing this allows owners to create a customized care plan for their pets.

Are Embark Dog DNA Test Kits a Good Value?

Embark’s DNA testing kits are not exactly cheap, but they are comparable to the popular at-home human DNA testing kits on the market because the science is essentially the same. The Dog DNA Breed & Health Test can generally be purchased for around $200 or less, and considering the wealth of information you will get, and the accuracy of the results, this test is well worth the price.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are Embark’s testing results reliable?

Embark is not only partnered with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, but they have been in business for almost a decade and have over 1 million samples in their database. This company consistently achieves a 99.9% accuracy rate in their testing results, higher than the competition.

Will it be hard to get a sample from my dog?

That depends on the dog, but the swabbing process is not terribly invasive – the tip of the swab only needs to be inserted between the dog’s lower cheek and gums and swirled around for 30-60 seconds to allow maximum absorption of saliva. Your dog’s mouth does not even have to be opened for this procedure. If your dog does not enjoy handling of its face, you may need to have a second person to assist you during this process.

What can I do to ensure I obtain a good sample?

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS FIRST. Do not swab your dog’s cheek within 30 minutes of giving any food or treats. Avoid letting your dog chew on the swab. Swab for a full 60 seconds. Insert the swab into the tube so that the sample tip is in the fluid, close the cap, and shake 10 times. Now your dog’s sample is ready to mail!

How long will I have to wait for the results?

Most results will be ready in 2-4 weeks, and Embark will email you regular updates during the process to keep you informed.

Our Experience With Embark Dog DNA Breed & Health Test

When I adopted Candy, all I knew was she was a cute fuzz face with golden fur, a short nose, and an underbite. The shelter called her a Shih Tzu-mix, but I was anxious to have her DNA tested, since the results of my other dogs’ testing were both big surprises. Rooney was tested by Embark a couple years ago, and Turtle by a different brand over a decade ago, but Rooney’s results seemed more in-depth than Turtle’s. So, I decided to stick with Embark, the most popular brand on the market.

I already had an online account for Rooney’s results, so upon receiving my order, I simply logged into my Embark account and clicked “Add a Dog” to enter Candy’s name and activate her kit. At this point, Embark gives you the option to upload a photo of your dog, but I have never done this prior to receiving my results, just so I know the testing company isn’t influenced by the appearance of the dog beforehand.

Even though I was familiar with the sampling process, I read through the instructions to refresh my memory before pulling Candy onto my lap to swab the inside of her cheek. She was a little unsure, but I took it slow and offered lots of praise and she did just fine. Once I had the sample, I packaged it up and shipped it off. From the time I mailed the sample to the day I got the email that Candy’s results were ready was only about 2 weeks, and I immediately dove in to view Candy’s genetic profile.

The first topic in the results was her breed profile. Candy is 39.1% Shih Tzu, 36.9% Pekingese, 12.3% Yorkshire Terrier, and 11.7% “Supermutt.” This means she has a lot of breeds in her background but Embark was able to find trace percentages of Chihuahua, Poodle, and Maltese in her lineage. I was not surprised by any of these breeds, given her appearance – we suspected Pekingese due to her long body, short legs, and a tail that flips over her back. It’s also no surprise that Shih Tzus and Pekingese are devoted companions, as Candy always wants to be with me. Embark predicted her adult weight as 13 lbs, which is right on the money!

In her health screening, Embark determined Candy has a low “Coefficient of Inbreeding” percentage at just 4% (many purebreds have a higher COI than this). I was also glad to know she only has one genetic health risk to watch for, Intervertebral Disc Disease. Candy is such a clumsy pup, I have already been cautious about injury prevention. Now I know we must take extra precautions to prevent strain on her back.

Having all this information about Candy is not only useful in providing her with the best care, but also makes me love the little critter that much more. And the relative finder was fun to view – Candy sure has some cute cousins!

Conclusion

Embark Dog DNA Breed & Health Test is a great way to feel closer to your dog, understand how to better interact with them, and to finally be able to answer the question, “What kind of dog is that?” But the best reason to buy an Embark DNA test is to facilitate a longer, healthier, happier life for your pup. By knowing key behavioral traits, breed health considerations, and genetic disease risk, pet owners can use their dogs’ Embark results to tailor an appropriate care plan. And giving our dogs the best lives possible is priceless.

The post Embark Dog DNA Breed & Health Test Kit Review 2024: Our Expert’s Opinion appeared first on PangoVet.

Whether you’re training a puppy or kenneling an adult dog, it’s important to have a functional crate. But not every crate checks all the boxes when it comes to safety and design. And with so many brands on the market, how do you know which one to choose?

That’s where Diggs comes in.

Diggs is a pet brand committed to selling high-quality pet essentials, like crates, walking gear, and training supplies. They’re best known for their innovative dog crates–including their award-winning Revol Crate–and have made a name for themselves in the pet industry with their revolutionary designs.

My dog, Micah, and I tried out Diggs’ Evolv Dog Crate and it’s by far the best crate I’ve ever owned. Not only is it quick and easy to assemble but at six years old, Evolv is the only crate Micah actually wants to be in.

Between the versatile features and classy look, Evolv is not just a stellar product for pet parents, it’s also a great product for puppies and adult dogs (take Micah’s word for it). If you’re looking for a practical crate that’s convenient for you and safe for your pup, Evolv could be the one for you. Keep reading to find out!

About Diggs

What is Diggs?

Diggs is a pet lifestyle and supplies company that specializes in designing innovative pet crates and travel carriers. The company was founded by dog owner Zel Crampton after he struggled to find a safe and practical crate for his dog, Louise. Upon creating Revol–the brand’s first and most popular dog crate–the company continued to expand their product line with the mission to improve the lives of pets everywhere.

Since their founding in 2018, Diggs has grown into a leading supplier of pet essentials, selling everything from crates and beds to leashes and treat spreads. With their recent launch of the Evolv Dog Crate, they’re continuing to reinvent the future of pet products with a commitment to quality, safety, innovation, and design.

Who is the Evolv Crate Best Suited For?

Evolv is an ideal crate for everyday home use. The high-quality, puppy-proof design makes it great for dogs of all life stages and the tool-free assembly means any dog owner can easily set it up. While this isn’t the best crate for travel (it’s not designed to be), it’s the perfect home base for your pup when they’re hanging out around the house.

The crate comes in four sizes (small, medium, intermediate, and large) with the largest size holding dogs up to 90lbs.

Micah is a 54lb Standard Goldendoodle and tried out the large (42”L x 28”W x 31”H). He’s technically in the weight range of the intermediate (50-70lbs) but I went with the large based on the size of his current crate and the suggested breeds in the size chart. Even though the crate is a little big for him, the extra room lets him sprawl out and gives me space to put his mat, blanket, and giant stuffed octopus that he loves to snuggle with.

Evolv Modern Dog Crate Overview

Prioritizing safety and security, Diggs designed Evolv with your four-legged friend in mind. But they also know convenience is key. That’s why they made Evolv easy to assemble and customizable to fit your space and your dog’s needs.

What is The Evolv Dog Crate?

Evolv is Diggs’ sleekest and slimmest dog crate, featuring a steel frame, mesh wire walls, and two dual-lock doors. The diamond mesh is pinch-free and the modular design lets you add two additional doors for easy access and a personalized experience.

Included with the crate is a removable tray and a puppy divider. The tray allows for quick cleaning and the puppy divider lets you crate your furry friend through puppyhood.

Speaking of puppies, Evolv comes with a removable ceiling frame, which lets you transform the crate into a playpen.

How It Works

This is hands down the easiest metal crate I’ve ever assembled. You’ll start by connecting the four side panels to create the main frame. There are a few ways to position the doors, but no matter how you do it, the door handles should meet at the same corner.

Next, you’ll secure the base to the four panels using the corner connectors. The connectors were the hardest part for me to get the hang of, but after doing a few, the rest were a breeze. The key is to align the connectors with the corners, snap them into place, and then rotate them to the locked position.

At this point the crate is upside down, so you’ll need to flip it over. Once right-side up, insert the tray. If you need the puppy divider, go ahead and install it now. If not, repeat the process with the corner connectors to attach the ceiling frame.

Customization Options

Evolv is known for its versatility and flexibility. It has a slim, modular design that allows you to add up to four configurable doors to fit your space and give your dog the freedom to move around. This means all four side panels can be replaced with doors.

Evolv also easily transforms into a playpen. As a 2-in-1 crate, Evolv has open-frame access that allows you to convert your crate into an enclosed play area during the day and then back into a cozy den at night.

Additional doors and the playpen ceiling frame are add-ons and must be purchased separately.

Shipping and Returns

Your order will ship within 1-2 business days and arrive within 3-6 business days. Shipping rates are calculated at checkout and differ based on where you live.

If you receive your order and decide it’s not for you, you can return it within 30 days. A shipping fee will be deducted from your refund and the rate varies depending on the type of product you purchased and the product size.

In Summary

Key Features

High-Quality, Safe, and Durable

If there’s one thing Diggs prioritizes, it’s safety. Evolv is made with an ultra-strong coated steel frame that’s free from toxic materials like phthalates and heavy metals. The wire mesh is diamond-shaped to prevent pinching, and there aren’t any sharp edges for your dog’s paws to get caught on.

The dual lock doors are finger-friendly and puppy-proof. Even if your dog is a canine Houdini, the locks are integrated into the doors on the outside of the panels, so there’s nothing for your pup to pull on or accidentally open.

Easy to Set Up and Maintain

This is the only non-collapsible crate I enjoyed setting up. Along with the quick setup, the tool-free, finger-friendly assembly was enough to sell me on this product. My fingers have taken a beating on both standard metal crates and soft collapsible ones, so the fact that Evolv doesn’t require tools or hurt your hands is amazing.

It’s also easy to clean. The removable tray makes for stress-free cleaning and the material is easy to wipe down.

Stylish

If style and aesthetics are important to you, Evolv will not disappoint. This is a good-looking crate and I wouldn’t be surprised if it starts a trend in the pet industry. With its stylish look and modern design, Evolv isn’t a crate you’ll want to hide when guests come to visit. If anything, it’s one you’ll want to show off to all your dog-owning friends.

Is the Evolv Crate a Good Value?

Ranging from $170.00 to $300.00, Evolv isn’t exactly cheap. When compared to competitor brands, it’s on the higher end of the price range. That said, it has a lot going for it. Between the safety features, high-quality materials, and customization options, it’s a great value and a one-of-a-kind crate. You’re not likely to find anything like it on the market, and with the sturdy design, you’ll have it for a long time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the crate collapsible?

While Evolv is not collapsible, it is designed for easy assembly.

You can find step-by-step assembly instructions by scanning the QR code included in your box or locating the User Manual on Diggs’ website.

Does Diggs make crate-compatible accessories for the Evolv Crate?

In addition to their premium crates, Diggs offers a variety of different pet products and crate-compatible accessories.

Does Diggs Ship Internationally?

Diggs only ships to the United States and Canada. However, they’re working on expanding shipping options to include other countries.

If you’re interested in international shipping, Diggs has a mailing list specifically for international shipping updates. By signing up, you’ll be the first to know when the Evolv Crate (or any of Diggs’ other amazing products) can be shipped to your door.

Our Experience with the Evolv Dog Crate

I’ll start out by saying Micah has never been a fan of crates. He hesitates to go in them, is reluctant to stay inside them, and if you close the door, it’s game over. It doesn’t matter if it’s the soft-sided collapsible ones or the standard metal ones. At six years old, he still shies away from them.

So, you can imagine how surprised I was when he not only showed interest in the Evolv Crate but decided to go inside and check it out. Within a week, he was going in the crate on his own to take a nap. If you know Micah, you know how huge that is for him. And he’s not the only one who likes it either.

I was impressed with the crate when I took it out of the box. Initially, it looked like a lot of pieces but it has an intuitive design, so even without instructions, it doesn’t take much thought to put together. As someone who appreciates convenience, this was a huge plus.

Assembly is pretty straightforward. The four panels connect to one another and the ceiling and base are held together with corner connectors. It took me a while to set it up the first time, but a good chunk of that was spent fiddling with the connectors. After mastering the corners, I had the crate up in minutes.

Once it was standing, I understood the hype. Evolv is designed with an open, airy concept. Even though it’s a large item, it’s built with a slim design and has a classy feel, so it looks good no matter where I put it in the house. It doesn’t overpower my living space or distract from my home décor either. When you have a big dog, it’s not easy to hide their crate, so the sleek look was a selling point for me.

More than anything, this is a crate I’m confident Micah will be safe in. Evolv is made with non-toxic materials and is dog-proof from the inside out. It’s incredibly durable and the double doors make it inviting and non-confining, which is why I think Micah likes it so much. As a crate that’s built to last, I know I’ll have it for a long time.

While I’d love to take Evolv with me on road trips, this isn’t a crate I would travel with. Along with being heavy, it has quite a few pieces when disassembled. Diggs also mentions they designed Evolv for in-home use (they recommend their Enventur Inflatable Travel Kennel if you’re planning a pup-friendly getaway).

That’s not to say you can’t travel with it, and if you have a small crate, you’d probably be okay taking it on a trip. Just know that it isn’t designed for portability and the large crate is cumbersome to pack up.

Conclusion

When you buy Diggs’ Evolv Dog Crate, you’re buying the whole package. It’s safe, sturdy, and stylish and has all the add-ons and configurations you need to customize it to your lifestyle. I love Evolv for its easy assembly and I have peace of mind knowing it’s safe for Micah.

Many brands make a good dog crate, but Diggs has perfected the design, creating a high-quality, easy-to-assemble, puppy-proof crate without compromising on quality or safety.

The post Diggs Evolv Modern Dog Crate Review 2024: Our Expert’s Opinion appeared first on Pet Keen.