Pebblebee Tracking Device Reviews2 2024: An Expert’s Breakdown

The post Pebblebee Tracking Device Reviews2 2024: An Expert’s Breakdown by Emily Muller appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Our Final Verdict

We give Pebblebee Trackers an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Quality: 5/5
Reliability: 4.8/5
Accuracy: 4.8/5
Value: 5/5

Being a pet owner is no small feat. As much as you love your best bud, they can give you a run for your money, especially if they’re a runner or an escape artist. After all, there are few worse feelings than losing your four-legged soulmate, and few better feelings than knowing where they are at all times.

If you’ve experienced the dread of losing your pet (even for a few minutes), you might’ve considered getting a tracking device like the ones developed by Pebblebee. Pebblebee is an innovative company that makes tracking devices to help you find items that commonly go missing. While their products are often used to locate stationery items, like keys and wallets, they can also be used to keep an eye on four-legged family members and track their location.

I tested out Pebblebee’s products for my dog, Micah, and they’ve been handy gadgets to have. Not only do they provide real-time data about Micah’s location but they emit a tone to help me find him if he goes out of sight. If you’re looking for a reliable way to track your pet, Pebblebee’s trackers are a great option.

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At a Glance: What We Received

Rating Image Product Details

Best Overall

Winner

Pebblebee Clip
Pebblebee Clip

  • Easy to use

  • Keychain attachment

  • Built-in speaker
  • Second place

    Pebblebee Tag
    Pebblebee Tag

  • Small

  • Lightweight

  • Water-resistant
  • Third place

    Pebblebee Card
    Pebblebee Card

  • Thin

  • Convenient

  • Rechargeable
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    About Pebblebee

    Pebblebee Bluetooth Trackers - unboxing with Micah

    What Is Pebblebee?

    Pebblebee is a tech company that makes tracking devices for personal items, like wallets, backpacks, and phones. The idea for the company was born in 2012 when a toddler’s knack for hiding important items inspired these aerospace engineers to create an easy way to find them. After a year of developing and testing their products, Pebblebee was founded with the mission to “Track What Matters Most”.

    Since their founding in 2013, Pebblebee has created several user-friendly smart trackers to help you locate your missing items, including the Pebblebee Clip, Tag, and Card. Whether you’ve lost your car keys, your wallet, or your four-legged friend, Pebblebee helps you stay connected to the important things in life.

    Who are Pebblebee’s Trackers Best Suited For?

    The devices are perfect for anyone who wants to track their furry friend’s whereabouts and are ideal if your dog has a habit of escaping your yard or bolting out your front door. Even if your pet is extremely well-behaved, these are great to use if you want to keep an eye on your pup and have peace of mind that they’re safe.

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    Key Features

    Pebblebee Bluetooth Trackers - devices charging

    Dogs love having the freedom to explore, but letting them off-leash can come at a price if they wander too far. With Pebblebee’s trackers, you keep an eye on your pet from your phone and initiate an alert melody to help you find them if they go missing.

    How it Works

    All three devices function the same way–they’re rechargeable trackers that attach to whatever item you want to track and have recall features to help you locate the item if it goes missing. For pets, the trackers can easily be clipped onto their collar or slipped into your dog’s go-bag during travel.

    To use the tracker, download Pebblebee’s app and follow the in-app directions to create an account. After you log in, you’ll be prompted to add a device. To do so, place your phone near the tracker and click the Pebblebee logo button on the tracker twice. The device will beep, which lets you know it has been activated.

    At this point, you can complete the setup process through the Pebblebee app or hop over to the Apple Find My app or Google Find My Device app to finish adding the device to your phone. From there, you can track your pet’s location and use the alert features if needed.

    Tracking App

    There are a few ways you can track your pet depending on your network and personal preference, including:

    • Pebblebee app (iOS and Android)
    • Apple Find My app (iOS)
    • Google Find My Device app (Android)

    All three apps show a map of the tracker’s location and have several settings you can personalize based on your preferences. A few of these settings include sharing your pet’s location with a family member or friend and turning on notifications to alert you when the device is found. If your furry friend does go missing, you can use your phone to initiate a loud beep to help you find them or get directions to your pet’s location based on where the device is pinging.

    As an iOS user, I used Apple Find My for all three devices, and it worked great!

    Pebblebee Bluetooth Trackers - Pebblebee App map and settings

    Contents

    The following is included in each box:

    Pebblebee Clip:
    • Pebblebee Clip
    • USB-C to USB-C charging cable
    • Snap-on keyring
    Pebblebee Tag:
    • Pebblebee Tag
    • Magnetic charger to USB-C
    • Silicone strap/collar attachment
    • Double-sided adhesive tape
    Pebblebee Card:
    • Pebblebee Card
    • Magnetic charger to USB-C

    Shipping and Returns

    All orders are processed within 1-2 business days. How fast your order arrives depends on where you live.

    Returns are accepted within 15 days of the delivery date and you are responsible for return shipping costs and a 20% repackaging and restocking fee.

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    Our Reviews of the Pebblebee Products We Received

    1. Pebblebee Clip

    Pebblebee Bluetooth Trackers - Pebblebee Clip

    The Pebblebee Clip has a circular design with a built-in hole at the top and comes with a carabiner-like ring for easy attachment. The hole is perfect for looping onto a traditional key ring and the carabiner is great for securing onto your dog’s collar. It also comes with a green LED light that lights up around the edge of the device when you charge it or pair it with your phone.

    Since the Clip is Pebblebee’s only product that comes with a keyring attachment, it’s one of the easiest to secure onto your pet. Because of this, it was my favorite device to use with Micah. Micah is a 54 lb Standard Goldendoodle and didn’t seem to mind wearing the tracker on his collar. However, it is bigger than traditional pet ID tags and might be a bit cumbersome for small pets.

    The Pebblebee Clip costs $29.99 for iOS and Android.

    Pros
    • Rechargeable
    • 12-month battery life
    • Snap-on keyring
    • Lightweight
    • Innovative design
    Cons
    • 500ft Bluetooth range

    2. Pebblebee Tag

    Pebblebee Bluetooth Trackers - Pebblebee Tag

    The Tag is Pebblebee’s smallest and most discrete device. It’s designed to stick onto items like remotes and slip into compact areas like a coat pocket. Because of its size, it’s perfect for attaching to small dogs and cats without being bulky. Since it’s Pebblebee’s only product to come with a silicone strap and double-sided adhesive tape, you can attach it to almost anything (pet collar, pet travel bag, dog backpack, etc.). It looks sleek too, which is a nice bonus!

    The tag was my second favorite because of how small and compact it is. The silicone strap looks nice on a dog collar, and the device is super lightweight. The only downside is the silicone strap doesn’t fit well on large dog collars. I had to find one of Micah’s thinnest collars to slide it onto, and even then, it was a tight fit. That said, I could see this being a favorite for anyone with small pets.

    The Tag costs $29.99 for iOS and $34.99 for Android.

    Pros
    • Track location
    • Loud melody
    • Emits LED light
    • 8-month battery life
    • Compact
    Cons
    • 300ft Bluetooth range

    3. Pebblebee Card

    Pebblebee Bluetooth Trackers - Pebblebee Card

    This is Pebblebee’s largest tracker and is designed to fit in narrow spaces like wallets, pockets, and bags. It comes with a magnetic charger and has LED lights on the front that light up when you pair it to your phone or charge it. Out of the three devices, the Card has the longest battery life (up to a year and a half on a single charge), which is impressive, especially since other trackers only last a few days.

    While this isn’t the easiest device to attach to your pet, it’s the perfect tracker to keep in your dog’s travel bag or slip into a backpack when you’re on the go. I like putting the Card in Micah’s travel bag when I take him on road trips.

    The Pebblebee Card costs $29.99 for iOS and $34.99 for Android.

    Pros
    • Slim design
    • iOS and Android compatible
    • 18-month battery life
    • No subscription needed
    • One year warranty
    Cons
    • Doesn’t easily attach to pet

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    Our Experience With Pebblebee

    I have a Goldendoodle named Micah who loves to hike and go on solo adventures in my backyard (I live on several acres). Even though he’s great about checking in with me, he can disappear pretty fast. After hearing about Pebblebee, I was curious to see how their trackers would work in helping me keep an eye on him.

    I tried out the Pebblebee Clip, Tag, and Card, and all were amazing in their own way. They were easy to connect to my phone, and it only took a few minutes before all three were up and running.

    The Pebblebee Clip was the first tracker I tried and it ended up being my favorite. It was the easiest one for me to use since I could easily clip it onto Micah’s collar before going outside (the snap-on keyring was one of my favorite features!). I also love that it resembles an ID tag since it blends in with Micah’s tags and looks classy on his collar.

    Next, I tried the Pebblebee Tag. This is by far the most versatile tracker due to its small, compact size. Since it comes with adhesive tape and a silicone strap, it can be attached to just about anything you think of and is perfect for sliding onto a pet collar. The only drawback is the strap is too small to fit on thick collars. I was able to fit it onto Micah’s 1” collar (very snugly), but anything bigger than that would be too big. Small dogs and cats shouldn’t have a problem though!

    Last, I tried the Pebblebee Card. I love slipping the Card into Micah’s travel bag for road trips. This isn’t one I would attach to Micah since there’s not a great way to clip it on him, but it’s a great option to throw in any bag carrying your dog’s travel gear or pet essentials.

    When the trackers arrived, I initially planned to use them as a safeguard while hiking or traveling. But honestly, these are great gadgets to use every day. The devices are reliable, lightweight, and low maintenance, and they have a long battery life (8-18 months depending on the device, which honestly blew my mind).

    The app works great too. As an iPhone user, I like that Pebblebee works with the Apple Find My app. Through Apple Find My, I could track Micah’s location, set off a loud buzzer to find him, or get directions to his location if he wandered too far.

    When looking at cost, the devices range from $29.99 to $34.99 and are competitively priced compared to similar tech gadgets. They don’t require a subscription to use either, so you’re not locked into an ongoing expense, which is fantastic.

    Overall, I love having a way to check in on Micah’s whereabouts, and it gives me peace of mind to know his location if he goes out of sight.

    Pebblebee Bluetooth Trackers - Micah wearing Tag on collar

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    Conclusion

    Pebblebee’s mission is to help people stay connected to what matters most, and that’s exactly what Pebblebee’s tracking devices allow you to do. The Tag and Clip are small enough to attach to your dog’s collar and the Card is perfect for slipping into a bag of pet essentials. You can track all the devices from your phone, and initiate a sound and light to help you locate your furry friend if they go missing. I love having a way to track Micah and nothing beats the peace of mind it gives me to know where he is and that he’s safe.

    The post Pebblebee Tracking Device Reviews2 2024: An Expert’s Breakdown by Emily Muller appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

    Boxie Glo Natural Attractions Clumping Clay Cat Litter Review 2024: Our Expert’s Opinion

    Our Final Verdict

    We give Boxie’s Glo Natural Attractions Cat Litter a rating of 4.75 out of 5 stars.

    Attraction: 5/5
    Clumping Ability: 4.9/5
    Odor Control: 4.6/5
    Value: 4.8/5

    Picking the right cat litter isn’t something most cat owners think about until they have to. This usually happens after you get fed up with lingering odors, hard-to-scoop clumps, or after your cat ends up at the vet for a kidney or urinary tract infection.

    If any of these issues have you rethinking your litter choice, Boxie’s Glo Natural Attractions Clumping Clay Litter may be worth considering. This natural litter features visual and odor cues to help encourage cats to use the litter box correctly and more frequently. It’s also designed to form hard, easy-scoop clumps and absorb odors for up to thirty days.

    I had a chance to try this unique odor for my cat, Makoa. I was looking for something that would do a better job of absorbing odors and keeping my automatic litter box cleaner. The fun UV glo, pleasing texture, and other attractants were bonuses that my cat certainly appreciated.

    Keep reading to find out how well this new litter worked for us and to see my full Boxie Glo Natural Attractions Clumping Clay Litter review.

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    About Boxie

    Boxie Glo Natural Attractions Clumping Clay Litter

    Boxie is a subscription litter company run by cat owners for cat owners. All of their products are made with safe ingredients and designed to tackle common litter box issues to make life better for humans and cats alike. They are committed to sustainability, using natural ingredients, and making things easier for cat owners everywhere.

    Their products are endorsed by veterinarians worldwide and are easy to use thanks to their subscription delivery approach.

    Where Is Boxie Cat Litter Made?

    All Boxie cat litters are made in the USA using US-sourced clay and plant-based additives. The company is based out of Santa Monica, California.

    Who Is Boxie Cat Litter Best Suited For?

    Boxie’s Glo Natural Attractions Clumping Clay Litter is an effective choice for cats who struggle with accidents outside of the litter box as well as those who have a history of UTIs, kidney issues, or FLUTD. This litter has multiple attractant features to entice kitties to use the litter box and use it often.

    Boxie also has a number of other litter products that cater to cats of all types.

    They have multiple probiotic-based litters that help keep odors down and reduce the need for frequent cleaning. Their natural litter line includes plant-based and biodegradable options for those with an eye for sustainability. You can also choose from scented and unscented varieties as well as from clay and crystal options.

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    Glo Natural Attractions Cat Litter Overview

    Boxie Glo Natural Attractions Clumping Clay Litter - pouring litter to the litter box

    Here is an overview of Boxie’s Glo Natural Attractions Clumping Clay Litter. We’ll look at the ingredients, how it works, its cleaning features, and the subscription option.

    Ingredients

    Each bag of Glo Natural Attractions Clumping Clay Litter contains just four simple ingredients.

    The first is premium clay sourced in the United States. This ingredient is key to Glo’s capable clumping ability.

    The second ingredient is silica gel. This combined with a UV reflective coating creates the fun “glo” feature of this unique cat litter.

    The last ingredient is an olfactory attractant used to help cats find the litter.

    How It Works

    This litter uses three separate features to attract cats to the litter box to do their duty.

    The first and most unique is the use of UV crystals. These clear pieces are scattered throughout the clay litter. While they may not look like much to us, they put on quite the sparkling show for cats.

    This is because cats can see well into the UV spectrum of light. Scientists believe they developed this ability to help them hunt, as it allows them to better track movement, differentiate prey from the landscape, and even track animals using fluorescent urine trails. Because cats are attracted to UV light, they are more likely to investigate this litter.

    The second trick lies in the added olfactory attractant. This scent, which is undetectable to humans, calls cats like a loudspeaker. It not only makes the litter box easier to find but entices them to get inside and experience that instinctually attracting scent up close and personal.

    Lastly, the soft, smooth feel of this litter is pleasing to cats. It was made to mimic the feel of the sand in North Africa, where house cats’ ancestors lived.

    Boxie Glo Natural Attractions Clumping Clay Litter - uv crystals in the litter

    Cleaning Features

    The clay in this litter is selected and processed to maximize its clumping ability and for its natural odor-absorbing properties.

    It quickly swells and hardens in response to moisture, creating solid clumps with the odor trapped inside. This litter won’t fall apart when you scoop it. And, equally as important, it won’t stick to the walls of the litter box the same way other clay litters do.

    Subscription

    Boxie products are available as one-time purchases as well as through subscription orders. If you choose the latter option, you’ll receive 5% off your order. You can choose to have your auto-delivery ship every 4, 6, or 8 weeks.

    The subscription offering ensures you never run out of cat litter. And unlike getting your litter at the grocery store, this litter is delivered straight to your door so you can avoid the heavy lifting.

    Of course, you can skip or cancel your subscription at any time.

    In Summary

    Pros
    • Highly attractive to cats
    • Forms solid clumps
    • Fair odor control without fragrance
    • 99% dust-free
    • Convenient subscription option
    Cons
    • Not a budget buy
    • Not low-tracking
    • Cats may play in the litter box

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    Key Features

    Boxie Glo Natural Attractions Clumping Clay Litter - sack nest to litter box

    Attracts Cats with Ease

    This cat litter is so “attractive” to cats that my kitty was trying to crawl into the bag the moment I opened it. Clearly, the added odor attractant is very effective at gaining a cat’s attention.

    The unique UV glowing crystals continue to entice until cats just can’t help but jump in. The smooth, comfortable feel of the rounded clay pieces continues the seduction to ensure your cat won’t want to use the bathroom anywhere else. Whether your cat struggles to find the cat box or just doesn’t use it frequently enough, this litter is bound to help.

    Low-Dust, High-Clump

    The premium ctter boxes.

    Delivered Straight to Your Door

    With Boxie’s subscription feature, you can get this cat litter along with all of Boxie’s other great products delivered straight to your door. This means no more worrying about running out and no more heaving heavy boxes of litter around the store. Plus, the subscription option comes with a 5% discount on every order.

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    Is Boxie Litter a Good Value?

    Boxie’s Glo litter costs quite a bit more than most grocery-store brand cat litter. But it also costs much less than other premium subscription cat litter options.

    Considering the many added features of this litter and the natural ingredients, I believe it’s a good value.

    Boxie Glo Natural Attractions Clumping Clay Litter - cat sniffing the sack

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    What does this litter look like to cats?

    Since cats can see well into the UV spectrum, the clear crystals in this litter will appear whitish blue to them. More importantly, these crystals will glow with a subtle fluorescence. Cats are attracted to this phenomenon because they use UV light to track prey.

    Does it have a fragrance?

    No, this cat litter is not scented in a way humans can smell. It does include an added odor attractant that cats can detect but this is not used to mask urine or fecal odors.

    Can this litter be used in automatic litter boxes?

    Yes, the small grain size and clumping prowess of this litter make it a great choice for automatic litter boxes.

    Boxie Glo Natural Attractions Clumping Clay Litter - cat waste clumped by the litter

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    Our Experience With Boxie’s Glo Natural Attractions Cat Litter

    I’m lucky that my one-year-old cat, Makoa, has never had issues using the litter box. Still, I have been on the hunt for a better litter. I recently switched to an automatic litter box and my litter just wasn’t cutting it in the odor-control department.

    Part of the issue is that the waste bin for the spent litter is not sealed so the odors permeate quickly even though it is made to hold up to 14 days of litter. The other issue is that my litter doesn’t clump solidly, which leaves a lot of small pieces of urine-soaked litter in the pan between cleanings.

    I thought Boxie’s Glo Natural Attractions Clumping Clay Litter might be the solution I needed. Plus I hoped glowing litter might be a fun way to stimulate Makoa, who is always up for a new experience.

    The moment I cut open the bag, Makoa was very interested. In fact, he immediately stuck his head in the hole and laid on the bag like it was his new favorite place in the world. Once I got him out of the way, I was able to get the Glo litter into the litter box and start the test.

    Makoa was so taken by this litter that he hopped into the box immediately and did his business. It was so fast, in fact, that I didn’t even get a picture of it for this review! It was clear he was giving this litter two paws up.

    From my end, I have been very pleased with its clumping abilities. The pieces that go into the waste bin are solid and I haven’t noticed many smaller chunks floating around in the clean litter after the box cleans itself.

    Both of these factors have also helped a lot with the odor issues I was having with my old litter. With Glo, I have been able to go back to cleaning the waste bin once a week without having excessive odor issues.

    I also really like that this is a low-dust formula. It keeps the surfaces and air around the litter box much cleaner.

    After using this litter for over a week, I don’t have too much to complain about.

    The small pieces of clay tend to track a bit more than the low-tracking clay litter I was using before. This means a bit more cleanup around the litter box throughout the week. But the fact that it’s nearly dust-free is a worthy tradeoff.

    While the general mess created by the litter isn’t too bad, Makoa will now occasionally play in his litter box. As you can imagine, this creates quite a massive mess. He hasn’t done this since he was a kitten, so I have to assume it’s that attractive UV glow that gets him so amped up.

    This litter is also a bit pricey compared to the bargain brand I was using before. I’m not saying it isn’t worth it, though, given how well it clumps and holds odor. I can see it being especially worth the price for cats with litter box issues and related health problems.

    Overall, I have been very pleased with this litter and am excited to try more of the litter options Boxie has to offer.

    Boxie Glo Natural Attractions Clumping Clay Litter - cat on the litter box

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    Conclusion

    If your cat struggles to maintain healthy litter box habits (or to use the litter box at all), I highly recommend checking out Boxie’s Glo Natural Attractions Clumping Clay Litter.

    This unique litter uses natural odor attractants, a comfortable, natural feel, and specialty UV glowing crystals to help entice cats to use the litter box consistently and often. My cat loves this litter and I love how well it clumps and tackles odors using only natural ingredients.

    Plus, this product and all of Boxie’s litters are available through a subscription delivery plan that will save you time, money, and hassle.

    The post Boxie Glo Natural Attractions Clumping Clay Cat Litter Review 2024: Our Expert’s Opinion appeared first on PangoVet.

    Embark Dog DNA Breed & Health Test Kit Review 2024: Our Expert’s Opinion

    Our Final Verdict

    We give Embark Dog DNA Breed & Health Test a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

    Reliability: 5/5
    Convenience: 5/5
    Usefulness: 5/5
    Value: 5/5

    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

    Embark Dog DNA Test box

    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

    Embark Dog DNA Test - unboxing

    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.

    Embark Dog DNA Test - candy getting swabbed

    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

    • Tests for over 350 breeds
    • Ancestry profile and family tree
    • Canine relative finder
    • Screens for over 250 hereditary disease risks
    • Genetic diversity measurement

    In Summary

    Pros
    • 9% accuracy rate
    • Identifies any relatives in the database
    • Easy-to-follow sampling instructions
    • Only one test swab required
    • Free US shipping
    • Prepaid return postage
    • One account keeps track of all your tests
    • Regular email updates during testing process
    • Can send health risk results to your veterinarian
    • Provides breed trait insights
    • Can predict adult size
    • Provides personalized care recommendations
    Cons
    • Pricey test kit
    • Sample may be difficult to obtain from aggressive or fearful dog
    • Results may take up to 4 weeks to receive

    Key Features

    Embark Dog DNA Test - breed results

    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.

    Embark Dog DNA Test - candy lying next to the box

    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.

    Embark Dog DNA Test - candy's health results

    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!

    Embark Dog DNA Test - close up of candy getting swabbed

    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.

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