Pet DNA Banking
FAQ
Pets / Animals FAQ
1. Can DNA profiling for identity testing in animals
be definitive and as accurate as for humans?
A. Yes the testing process is very similar and even two animals from a highly inbred pedigree will have a different DNA signature. The test works equally well on cats, dogs and horses.
2. What situations could identity testing of pet DNA be used?
A. When a pet has gone missing and is finally found it may be necessary to confirm identity by DNA profile, especially if other physical forms of identification have been removed, or if an animal physically resembles your own but you cannot positively identify it. Similarly if the pet has died, testing can be used to confirm or exclude identity. If a pet has been stolen or an animal retrieved following police enquiries, it can be used to confirm ownership through DNA testing. Knowledge that a DNA sample has been previously banked on an animal also acts as a deterrent to theives - all our packages include a "i've been bio-tagged" Identitiy Disk for your animal. This ID includes a 24-hour contact number that will allow your animal to be returned to you as quickly as possible should it be found.
3. What does DNA identity testing offer above micro chipping and tattooing?
A. Both chips and tattoos can be removed whereas it is impossible to change the DNA profile of the animal. Bio-tag's ID is also an instant reference should your animal be found that allows it to be returned to you more quickly.
4. Will the DNA sample and information provided remain confidential?
A. Yes. Information regarding you or your pet will never be passed onto a third party. Should an identity test be required this information will only be conveyed back to the owner or owner-nominated individuals.
5. What happens at the end of the agreed archiving period?
A. We will contact you and see if you would like to extend the period of sample archiving. If we have no reply three months after this contact, the sample and information will be destroyed.
6. What happens if the address changes?
A. You can change the personal details registered with bio-tag by logging in to your account online.
7. Who are bio-tag and do they have links with other companies?
A. Bio-tag is a specialist DNA archiving and genotyping company. The founder members of bio-tag are experts in the area of DNA banking and genetic profiling. Bio-tag is partnered by, a DNA testing company, Family Genetics in order to make testing more accessible to their clients. Any samples stored with bio-tag are not accessible to and cannot be tested by Family Genetics without your consent.
8. How does bio-tag differ from other companies offering DNA sample collection kits for identity testing?
A. We keep the sample securely in our fireproof vaults rather than you keeping it at home as in the case with some companies who send you a DNA testing kit. Bio-tag also differs from other companies in that it checks the quality of the DNA sample taken and will only archive those which can be used for DNA identity profiling. Should your sample not meet our stringent quality checks we will send you another collection kit free of charge. Bio-tag's unique identity solutions packages also include "i've been bio-tagged" identity disk with access to 24-hour support.
9. How long can a DNA sample be stored and still be used for identification matching?
A. At present it has been validated that DNA stored by this system can be used in identity matching for 14 years. However given the great stability of dried DNA and the experience of forensic and archaeological studies of ancient DNA it is likely that samples will be useable for as long as practically needed.
A. Yes the testing process is very similar and even two animals from a highly inbred pedigree will have a different DNA signature. The test works equally well on cats, dogs and horses.
2. What situations could identity testing of pet DNA be used?
A. When a pet has gone missing and is finally found it may be necessary to confirm identity by DNA profile, especially if other physical forms of identification have been removed, or if an animal physically resembles your own but you cannot positively identify it. Similarly if the pet has died, testing can be used to confirm or exclude identity. If a pet has been stolen or an animal retrieved following police enquiries, it can be used to confirm ownership through DNA testing. Knowledge that a DNA sample has been previously banked on an animal also acts as a deterrent to theives - all our packages include a "i've been bio-tagged" Identitiy Disk for your animal. This ID includes a 24-hour contact number that will allow your animal to be returned to you as quickly as possible should it be found.
3. What does DNA identity testing offer above micro chipping and tattooing?
A. Both chips and tattoos can be removed whereas it is impossible to change the DNA profile of the animal. Bio-tag's ID is also an instant reference should your animal be found that allows it to be returned to you more quickly.
4. Will the DNA sample and information provided remain confidential?
A. Yes. Information regarding you or your pet will never be passed onto a third party. Should an identity test be required this information will only be conveyed back to the owner or owner-nominated individuals.
5. What happens at the end of the agreed archiving period?
A. We will contact you and see if you would like to extend the period of sample archiving. If we have no reply three months after this contact, the sample and information will be destroyed.
6. What happens if the address changes?
A. You can change the personal details registered with bio-tag by logging in to your account online.
7. Who are bio-tag and do they have links with other companies?
A. Bio-tag is a specialist DNA archiving and genotyping company. The founder members of bio-tag are experts in the area of DNA banking and genetic profiling. Bio-tag is partnered by, a DNA testing company, Family Genetics in order to make testing more accessible to their clients. Any samples stored with bio-tag are not accessible to and cannot be tested by Family Genetics without your consent.
8. How does bio-tag differ from other companies offering DNA sample collection kits for identity testing?
A. We keep the sample securely in our fireproof vaults rather than you keeping it at home as in the case with some companies who send you a DNA testing kit. Bio-tag also differs from other companies in that it checks the quality of the DNA sample taken and will only archive those which can be used for DNA identity profiling. Should your sample not meet our stringent quality checks we will send you another collection kit free of charge. Bio-tag's unique identity solutions packages also include "i've been bio-tagged" identity disk with access to 24-hour support.
9. How long can a DNA sample be stored and still be used for identification matching?
A. At present it has been validated that DNA stored by this system can be used in identity matching for 14 years. However given the great stability of dried DNA and the experience of forensic and archaeological studies of ancient DNA it is likely that samples will be useable for as long as practically needed.