Discover our research
We study the genetic factors behind diseases and traits in dogs and cats. We also investigate behavior and the attachment between pets and their owners. Our findings help improve pet wellbeing and can also benefit human research.
Research Topics
Take a peek at our active research projects and ongoing sample collections.
How to Participate
Read the participation instructions and lend a helping paw – every sample counts!
Research Steps
Learn what happens to your pet’s sample and the steps involved in our study.
About Us
Explore our multidisciplinary research team and get in touch with us.
Genome mapping has opened unique opportunities to study inherited diseases and traits.
Humans, dogs, and cats share many genes and diseases. Genetic discoveries help explain disease mechanisms and pave the way for better diagnostics and treatments.
Over the past two decades, we’ve made many important findings. Explore our publications:
Update Your Pet’s Health Information
Our research is citizen science, built on active collaboration with pet owners. If you’ve ever donated a sample from your dog or cat, please keep us updated on their health to help advance our studies.
Health Update Forms:
Join Our Online Course
Our University of Helsinki MOOC online courses “Me and My Dog” and “Me and My Cat” are open to everyone interested in dogs and cats. In the course, you will learn about genetics, history, breeds, behavior, and the partnership between humans and their pets. The courses are free of charge. During the course, you will fill in questionnaires about your pet and yourself and receive personalized reports, for example about your pet’s personality, which you can compare with others. By participating, you also support our research by contributing valuable new data.
Homepage Photos and Graphics: Tiina Harmas, Elias Sairanen, Veikko Somerpuro, Kaisa Eskola
Follow Us on Social Media
Instagram: @koirangeenit Facebook: Hannes Lohi Lab
