We continuously need more DNA samples for our genetic studies. DNA can be obtained from saliva, cheek swabs or blood. We prefer blood because it gives us better quality and quantity.
We welcome samples from all dogs and cats. We are especially looking for samples for our ongoing research projects. If your breed is not listed, you can also suggest a research project to us.
1. Fill sample form
A sample form for the pet must always be included with the blood sample. We ask that you complete the sample form electronically before printing and signing it. Please select the appropriate electronic sample form below:
After completing the form, click “submit form.” The information will then be sent to us electronically, and you will receive a copy of the form by email. Even though the information is submitted electronically, the form must be printed so that both the veterinarian and the owner can sign it. The signed form should be placed in the same mailing envelope as the sample.
If you prefer to print a paper form and fill it in by hand, please select the PDF form at the bottom of this page. This option is also acceptable to us, but we recommend using the electronic form.
The research group's privacy notice explains why, how, and for how long this information is collected and stored.
2. We need a blood sample for genetic research
Sample is taken to 1-3ml purple-capped EDTA tube. The tube should be labeled with the pet’s official name or registration number, or both.
A blood sample can be given at a veterinary clinic, for example during another visit. We recommend checking your clinic’s procedures and pricing in advance.
Your pet does not need to be fasted before sample collection.
3. Check whether any attachments or additional information are required for research
Some studies may require additional information beyond the sample form. You can check which attachments are needed from research topics pages.
For example, from dogs with epilepsy or dyskinesia, we need a response to Epilepsy and Dyskinesia survey, and for those participating in eye disease projects, we hope to get copies of any official eye examination reports.
The Epilepsy and Dyskinesia survey is also available in languages other than English, including German, through this link: https://dogepilepsyresearch.org/
Include a copy of the dog’s pedigree to the sample submission.
4. Pack your sample carefully
Wrap the EDTA tube with paper towel for cushioning and place it in a Minigrip or other plastic bag. The bag must be sealed and leak-proof.
Pack the blood sample bag and the sample form together in the same package for mailing. You can download and print our address label here.
Include a proforma to the sample shipment. Please add sample information and sender’s contact.
If the shipment is sent from outside of the EU, please include an import permit. No import permit is needed if the sample is send from the EU countries. The import permit has been granted specifically for our research purposes by the Finnish Food and Safety authority Evira and it is for Finnish Customs. If the import permit is not included to the sample shipment arriving outside of the EU, the shipment may get stuck to the customs.
Proforma and import permit must be placed on the outside of the package in a plastic sleeve so they can be read if needed.
5. Sample shipment
Two to three day delivery services are the best. However, schedule the shipment so that it will NOT arrive during a weekend or holiday period. If the samples were collected at the end of the week, please store them in refrigerator over the weekend (do not freeze the samples). The samples can be shipped in room temperature.
The samples can be shipped to us by express mail or you can use a courier company e.g FedEx. If asked in the shipping form, place a value of 1€ for the samples to help them get through customs. In the shipping form, define the shipment as “canine/feline samples for research purposes”.
The sender is responsible for postage costs. Send the sample along with the sample form and other attachments to the following address:
Lohi research group
Biomedicum Helsinki, room B310a
Haartmaninkatu 8
00290 Helsinki,
Finland
6. Complete the Dog Behaviour Questionnaire
We ask owners of all dogs participating in the genetic study to complete the Dog Behaviour and Personality Questionnaire. This is important, as it allows us to use the sample in behavioural genetics studies as well. Behavioural information also helps us better understand the background of other traits and diseases.
7. Keep us updated: update your pet’s health information and your contact details
If there are any changes in your pet’s health, please inform us via the electronic health information form:
Your pet’s sample is stored in our biobank for years and may be used in our genetic research even more than ten years after it was donated.
Updated health information is essential for the success of our research.
It is also important for us to know if your pet is still healthy. Samples from healthy senior pets, in particular, can be used as healthy controls in multiple studies.
Please also inform us if your pet has passed away.
You can also use the form to notify us of any changes to your contact information. For example, the results of genetic studies are sent to the email address you provide, so it’s important to keep your information up to date.
Dog sample forms
We recommend electronic sample form.
Blankett för hundar på svenska. Vi hoppas att du kan fylla i blanketten på dator före utskrift.
English dog sample form. We hope that you can fill in the PDF form on a computer before printing.
Cat sample forms
For cat samples, use our electronic sample form.