Wisdom Panel

Wisdom Panel is a company that provides at-home DNA testing services for dogs and cats. Their tests are designed to give pet owners insights into their pet's genetic background, health, and physical traits. The company has tested over 5 million pets and has a large database of dog breeds, as well as a cat breed reference panel.

Here's a breakdown of what Wisdom Panel offers:

Services and Products:

Wisdom Panel offers several tiers of DNA tests, primarily for dogs, with a cat test also available. The dog tests typically involve a simple cheek swab that you perform at home and then mail back to the lab. Results are usually available within a few weeks and are delivered in a detailed online report. The tests can include:

• Breed Identification: They screen for a large number of dog breeds, types, and varieties (365+ for their dog tests). The results can identify your dog's breed mix down to 1% and trace their ancestry back to their great-grandparents.
• Health and Wellness: Depending on the test tier, they screen for a number of genetic health conditions and risks. This can include issues like drug sensitivities (such as MDR1), mobility problems, and vision disorders. The premium test for dogs screens for over 265 health conditions.
• Traits and Behavior: The tests provide information on physical traits like coat color and type, eye color, and ideal adult weight. They also offer insights into behavioral tendencies.
• Relatives: By using their large database, Wisdom Panel can connect your dog with its genetic relatives, allowing you to message other owners, compare results, and view photos.

Key Features:

• Ease of use: The process is straightforward: swab your pet's cheek, activate the kit online, and send the sample back in a prepaid mailer.
• Comprehensive reports: The results are presented in a detailed online report that is easy to understand.
• Veterinarian consultation: Some of the premium packages include a phone consultation with a veterinarian to discuss any "at-risk" health findings.
• Accuracy: Wisdom Panel states that its breed detection system is highly accurate and that the health test results are very reliable.

Wisdom Panel is often compared to other dog DNA tests, such as Embark, with reviews noting that both are accurate but may differ in the number of health screenings offered or the user interface. Many customers find the tests to be a valuable tool for understanding their pets better and for proactive health planning with their veterinarians.