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Trusted by Vets

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Pain-Free Testing

Trusted by Vets

Certified by National & International Boards

Pain-Free Testing

Our Tests

Health Info

General

Our Tests

What is Urban Animal?

Urban Animal Pvt. Ltd. launched in 2021 with a mission to improve the quality of a pet’s life through early detection of genetic ailments in dogs. We’re India’s 1st company to provide predictive test for proactive care for dogs. Our tests & support enable pet owners to take better care of their pets.

How does the testing process work?

After placing the order, a kit with the swab test and instructions for the DIY testing will be delivered to your doorstep. Once you have collected the sample, you can simply schedule a pick up and our representative will pick up the sample and take it to the lab to process the sample and share the results with you.

How long does it take for the report to be delivered?

Our typical turn-around time is between 4 and 6 weeks.

How much does it cost?

We currently offer two tests. You can review their prices and offerings here.

Which health conditions and disorders do you test for?

We test for over 130 genetic health risks and 20 physical traits. You can find a list here. for reference.

How does Urban Animal save me money?

Results from Urban Animal’s DNA test can help you prepare for and prevent potential genetic health conditions, hence reducing expenditure on expensive treatments once the symptoms have progressed too far and are harder to treat.

How will my dog’s results be given to me?

Your dog’s results will be delivered via email in the form of a printable / downloadable / shareable PDF.

What happens if I don’t get enough DNA on the swab, or the sample sits at home once the swab is done?

If our lab technicians discover that there is not enough DNA on the swab, we’ll send you a replacement swab test at no additional cost. Once the collection vial is shut tightly, your pet’s sample remains safe for months as the buffer liquid inside stabilises the saliva sample.

Can you diagnose diseases in my dog?

While Urban Animal can screen for over 130 genetic markers associated with genetic disorders, we cannot provide a medical prognosis. We provide a free vet consultation with our in-house veterinarian to help you understand the report better once you have recieved the report.

What if I find out my dog has an incurable genetic disease?

Urban Animal aims to detect the presence of genetic anomalies in your pet’s DNA. There is a possibility that our test will discover that your pet is at risk of developing an incurable disease. Unfortunately, we cannot help cure them but the early detection can help your pet avoid misdiagnoses or unnecessary, stressful invasive testing later. We recommend working with your vet to come up with a treatment plan to minimise the symptoms and help them lead a life of comfort.

What happens to my dog’s data? Will you share my dog’s information with anyone?

Urban Animal values both privacy and scientific openness. Your information and your pet’s information will never be shared with anyone without your explicit permission. However we do work with other scientists and researchers and use aggregated, non-identifying information to drive scientific discoveries forward. If you do not want your dog to be a part of that research you can reach out to us here and let us know.

Will you provide customer service?

Yes. You will be able to get help interpreting your results from Urban Animal’s team of vets and genetics experts. We offer one complimentary consultation with our experts. We also provide assistance in case of operational difficulties – please visit our contact page to get access to all modes to communicate with our team.

How is Urban Animal improving the lives of dogs?

While we provide you with the latest and greatest in genetics-driven dog care, your dog’s sample and data can provide scientists across the world with the data necessary to make the next breakthroughs for better canine health and wellness. We are also looking to expand our shelter partnerships to give back to animals in need.

Is Urban Animal interested in working with veterinarians?

Yes! If you are a vet interested in learning more about Us, please email us at support@urbananimal.co.in or call us at +919611976568

I am a researcher interested in collaborating with Urban Animal on a study

We would love to hear from you! Please email us at support@urbananimal.co.in

I am interested in mating my dog and wanted to learn what Urban Animal can do for me and my breed. How can I get more information?

Our offering is only limited to checking mating compatibility. We do not provide executional support, at the moment.

I am a member of the press interested in speaking with the founders of Urban Animal. How can I reach you?

Please email us at support@urbananimal.co.in with your request

I am a veterinarian, and I would like to discuss a patient’s results. How do I set up a consultation?

Urban Animal offers complimentary genetic counseling and support for veterinarians and owners alike. Ask us anything before, during, and after results are available. Please email us at support@urbananimal.co.in or call +91 96119 76568

I am a veterinarian and want to know how accurate a patient’s results are.

Each of our 130+ genetic health conditions undergoes stringent quality control and analysis to ensure the accuracy of results, leading to a greater than 99.99% accuracy for most tests. Our genetic testing provides an assessment of risk and not a medical diagnosis.

Is the test pan-india?

Yes, we we offer our services pan-India with a DIY swab test. You can prepare the swab sample of your dog in the comfort of your home without having to go to a lab or hospital. Once done, follow the instructions in the test provided to arrange a pick up and our delivery partners will collect it from your doorstep for our lab to process your sample.

How do I get the genetic test?

You can know all about it here.

What diseases are screened in the test?

We test for over 130 genetic diseases. The list can be found here.

When is the best time in the day to collect a DNA sample?

You can collect the sample at any time in the day. You just need to make sure the dog does not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes before the sample collection.

How will I know if I collect enough DNA?

Please ensure that you swab the inside of the dog’s cheek for 30-60 seconds in circular motion. Please repeat the process with the second swab, break the swabs to fit them in the liquid provided. This will ensure you have collected enough DNA and preserved it.

How long will my report result be valid?

For the 130 genetic conditions we screen for, the report will be valid for the entirety of the dog’s life. However, a negative result does not imply that the dog cannot get that particular disease. It only implies that the dog is not genetically predisposed to the markers we are able to currently screen for as genomic care is an evolving area of medicine and there is room for new discoveries everyday. There is also a chance of acquiring a certain illness non-genetically due to other factors.

How long can I keep the kit before testing?

You can keep the kit at room temperature for up to eight weeks before collecting the dog’s sample.

How long does the sample remain usable for after collection?

The sample is usable for up to 45 days after collection.

What certifications does UAPL have?

Our lab has been certified by the National Accreditations Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and the process has also been certified and validated by the International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG), CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention), EQAS (External Quality Assurance Scheme).

How should I store the sample after collection?

The sample should be kept in the refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees celsius after collection. The sample can be refrigerated up until collection by the delivery partner.

How does Urban Animal help vets?

Urban Animal is committed to helping vets by helping them screen potential genetic conditions early and providing them and the pet a better shot at combatting the symptoms via more personalised care management. Our team is equipped to answer technical queries about various diseases so as to enable vets to provide the best possible care to pets. To work with us, please email us at support@urbananimal.co.in

How does Urban Animal help research in pet care?

Urban Animal is working closely with top research institutes around the world to further the R&D efforts in the industry. We work with other scientists and researchers to use aggregated, non-identifying information to drive scientific discoveries.

What is the recommended age for this test?

The test is applicable for all ages and breeds as it helps in the early detection of a possible health condition.

Is the test applicable for Indies?

Yes, the test is just as relevant for Indie dogs as for any other breed. The results are based on the dog’s DNA and are hence specific to the dog and not the breed.

Health Info

Which health conditions and disorders do you test for?

We test for over 130 genetic health risks and 20 physical traits. Explore them all here.

Can you diagnose diseases in my dog?

While Urban Animal can screen for over 130 genetic variants associated with increased disease risk, we cannot provide medical diagnoses. We provide a free vet consultation with our in-house vet to help you understand the report better.

What if I find out my dog has an incurable genetic disease?

Urban Animal aims to detect the presence of genetic diseases in your pet. There is a possibility that our test will discover that your pet is at risk of developing an incurable disease. Unfortunately, we cannot help cure these diseases but the knowledge can help your pet avoid costly misdiagnoses or unnecessary, expensive, possibly life threatening invasive testing later. We recommended working with your vet to come up with a plan to minimise / mitigate the effects of disease in your pet.

What happens to my dog’s data? Will you share my dog’s information with anyone?

Urban Animal values both privacy and scientific openness. Your information and your pet’s information will never be shared with anyone without your explicit permission. We do work with other scientists and researchers to use aggregated, non-identifying information to drive scientific discoveries. If you do not want your dog to be a part of that research you can reach out to us here and inform us

Will you provide customer service?

Yes. You will be able to get help interpreting your results from Urban Animal’s team of vets and genetics experts. We offer one complimentary consultation with our experts. Please visit our contact page to get access to all modes to communicate with our team.

General

How does the testing process work?

After placing an order, a kit with the swab and instructions for testing will be delivered to your doorstep. Once you have collected the sample, kindly schedule a pick up and our representative will pick up the sample and we will process the sample in our lab.

How long does it take for the report to be delivered?

Our typical turnaround time is 4-6 weeks.

How will my dog’s results be given to me?

Your dog’s results will be delivered via email in the form of a printable / downloadable / shareable PDF.

Do you ship internationally?

Our services are currently focused on India. For international shipments, please contact +91 9611976568.

What happens if I don’t get enough DNA on the swab, or the sample sits at home once the swab is done?

If our lab technicians discover that there is not enough DNA on the swab, we’ll send you a replacement swab at no additional cost.
The test remains safe for months once the DNA collection tube is shut. Once the collection tube is shut, your pet’s sample remains safe for months as the liquid inside stabilises the saliva.

Will you provide customer service?

Yes. You will be able to get help interpreting your results from Urban Animal’s team of vets and genetics experts. We offer one complimentary consultation with our experts. Please visit our contact page to get access to all modes to communicate with our team.

How long will my report result be valid?

For the 130+ genetic conditions we screen for, the report will be valid for the entirety of the dog’s life. However, a negative result does not imply that the dog cannot get that particular disease. It only implies that the dog is not genetically predisposed to the markers UA has screened for. He/she can still get the disease due to other factors.