Here we explain the general process of genetic research in dogs and cats, and what happens to your pet’s sample once it arrives at our lab.
The aim of our research is to advance One Health
One Health emphasizes that the health of humans, animals, and the environment are connected.
Our studies help improve diagnostics and develop better treatments. They also increase understanding of how genes work and how diseases develop. Research findings can be used to create genetic tests to support breeding decisions.
Our work benefits not only pets but also humans, as the genes behind many diseases are often the same.
We study a variety of inherited traits
In principle, genetic research can be conducted on any inherited traits, including diseases, behavior, and physical characteristics such as coat color.
Research often starts when a pet owner, breed club, or breeder contacts us with a research idea.
Our work focuses on identifying new gene variants, and we do not offer genetic testing for already known variants.
You can participate by donating a sample from your pet
We collect samples from dogs and cats with the owner’s consent. We do not keep any pets at the University of Helsinki for research purposes.
When studying diseases, we need samples from both healthy and affected pets.
For genetic research, we require blood samples. Blood provides a larger amount of higher-quality DNA than hair or cheek swabs. Large amounts of DNA are needed because the same sample is often used in multiple studies.
Owners cover the costs of sending their pet’s blood sample to us themselves.
We hold a permit for collecting samples for genetic research, issued by the Project Authorisation Board and processed by the Regional State Administrative Agency for Southern Finland (ESAVI/34996/2025). The permit is renewed every three years.
Samples remain usable for years in the biobank
Once a sample arrives, it is stored in our biobank, where it can remain usable for decades. The same sample can be used in multiple research projects over the years.
We do not perform routine analyses on incoming samples, and results are not reported immediately to owners.
Genetic research requires a lot of information
In addition to a blood sample, we need information about the pet and its health. This may include official health screening results, veterinary records, and pathology reports. We also collect data through behavior and health questionnaires.
It is important that we have up-to-date health information for the pet and the owner’s contact details. Information can be updated via our health update form.
Pet and owner data are stored in an encrypted database. Our Privacy Notice explains why, how, and for how long this information is collected and stored.
Required sample sizes vary
The number of samples needed depends on the inheritance pattern of the trait being studied. If a trait is caused by a single gene, a few dozen samples—or even a single family—may be enough.
Complex traits involve many genetic and environmental factors. Studying such traits may require hundreds of samples.
Collecting enough samples can be slow, sometimes taking years to reach the required number.
We compare the DNA of healthy and affected pets to identify the causative variants
Once enough samples are available, we move forward with the research.
Genetic studies are based on comparing the DNA of healthy and affected individuals using various methods.
Sometimes we may need additional information about participating pets, in which case we contact the owner by phone or email.
Genetic research is expensive, and we cover most of the research costs ourselves. We seek funding from different sources, and research progresses according to the resources available.
Research results support breeding and pet wellbeing
Finally, research results are published in scientific, peer-reviewed journals.
Owners of participating dogs and cats receive their pet’s results by email, so please keep your contact information up to date.
Our research group does not offer genetic testing. However, companies that provide genetic tests can use our findings to develop tests that may be used, for example, to support breeding decisions.