Every pet is unique. But unless you know what’s written in their DNA, you might be missing the full picture of who they are and what they need to stay healthy. That’s why every Pickles membership includes a comprehensive DNA test for your dog or cat — completely free as part of your annual membership.

It’s not a gimmick. It’s the foundation of how we deliver better, more personalised veterinary care.

Pet DNA testing analyses your animal’s genetic code to reveal two things: who they are and what they’re predisposed to. A single test can uncover your pet’s breed heritage, screen for hundreds of genetic health conditions, and identify traits that make them uniquely them.

For dogs, our DNA test screens for over 200 genetic health markers across neurological, metabolic, cardiac, musculoskeletal, hematological, and renal conditions. You’ll also discover your dog’s full breed breakdown, right down to the percentage.

For cats, the test maps your feline’s genetics across four major breed groups — Western, Eastern, Persian, and Exotic — covering 21 reference breeds. It also includes a full oral health report (periodontal disease, tooth resorption, and bad breath risk scores), health markers for over 40 genetic conditions, and trait markers that reveal your cat’s likely physical characteristics.

At Pickles, we believe the best veterinary care starts with understanding your pet as an individual — not just treating symptoms when they appear. DNA testing makes that possible.

If we know your Labrador carries markers for exercise-induced collapse syndrome, we can advise you before there’s a problem. If your cat’s genetics flag a higher risk of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, we can monitor for it early. DNA results let our vets build a personalised care plan around your pet’s actual genetic profile, not just breed generalisations.

It’s fun to find out your rescue is part Staffie, part Whippet, part mystery. But breed insights are more than a conversation starter. Different breeds have different nutritional needs, exercise requirements, behavioural tendencies, and health risks. Understanding the mix means understanding what your pet actually needs.

Your DNA results live in your pet’s Pickles health record. Every time you visit us, our team has your pet’s genetic profile to hand. That means more informed consultations, better drug choices (some breeds react badly to common medications), and a genuinely tailored approach to your pet’s wellbeing.

• Full breed breakdown — discover exactly which breeds make up your dog, with percentages for each.

• 200+ health condition screening — covering neurological, metabolic, cardiac, renal, musculoskeletal, hematological, and other systems. Each condition is tested at the gene level and reported as clear, carrier, or at risk.

• Drug sensitivity check — including MDR1 (multiple drug sensitivity), which affects how your dog processes common medications. This is critical information for any vet treating your pet.

• Detailed condition reports — for any flagged conditions, you’ll receive an explanation of what it means, how it’s inherited, signs to watch for, and what your vet can do.

• Breed group analysis — your cat’s genome is compared against 21 purebred reference breeds across four groups: Western (Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Siberian and more), Eastern (Siamese, Burmese, Birman), Persian, and Exotic (Bengal, Savannah, Egyptian Mau).

• 40+ health markers — each reported as clear, carrier, at risk, or high risk so you and your vet know exactly where you stand.

• Oral health report — risk scores for periodontal disease, tooth resorption (FORL), and bad breath. Dental disease is the most common health issue in cats, so this is genuinely useful.

• Trait markers — discover which physical traits your cat is likely to have, from coat type to blood type.

• Breed personality profiles — based on their genetic breed mix, learn about your cat’s likely temperament, energy levels, and behavioural quirks.

Getting your pet’s DNA tested at Pickles couldn’t be easier. There’s nothing to order, nothing to post, and nothing to figure out on your own.

The DNA test doesn’t just tell you what breed your pet is. It screens for real, clinically significant genetic conditions. Here are some examples of what’s covered:

This is just a small sample. The full test covers hundreds of markers across all major body systems.

This isn’t about collecting data for the sake of it. Here are real examples of how DNA testing changes the care your pet receives:

• Medication safety: Dogs with the MDR1 gene variant can have severe, even fatal reactions to common drugs like ivermectin. Knowing this before treatment could save your dog’s life.

• Early heart monitoring: If your cat’s DNA shows risk markers for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, we can begin regular heart checks before any symptoms appear — catching problems when they’re still manageable.

• Exercise guidance: A dog flagged for exercise-induced collapse needs different activity advice than other dogs. We can help you keep them active and safe.

• Dental care plans: If your cat’s oral health risk score is high, we can put a dental care plan in place early — before painful and expensive treatment is needed.

• Breeding decisions: If you’re considering breeding, knowing your pet’s carrier status for genetic conditions is essential for responsible breeding.

• Surgery preparation: Conditions like Canine Scott syndrome (a blood clotting disorder) are critical to know about before any surgical procedure. DNA testing flags these risks in advance.

Not at all. It’s a gentle rub on the inside of the cheek — quicker than taking their temperature and far less dramatic. Most pets don’t even notice.

Results typically come back in around two to three weeks. We’ll notify you as soon as they’re ready, and our vet team will walk you through everything.

Yes. Your annual membership includes a full DNA test for one pet. No extra charge, no catch. The same test would cost you £140 if you bought it independently.

That’s exactly why we do it. If a risk is flagged, our vets will explain what it means in plain English, how likely it is to affect your pet, and what steps we can take. In many cases, “at risk” means your pet carries a gene variant but may never develop the condition — especially with the right preventive care.

Yes — and we’d recommend it to save time. Just head to the Genetics tab in your Pickles account at my.pickles.co and follow the steps. It only takes a moment, and means we can go straight to the swab when you arrive.

Absolutely. In fact, testing early is ideal — it means we can build the right care plan from the start rather than playing catch-up later.

Ready to Know Your Pet Inside Out?

Join Pickles today and get your pet’s DNA test included.

Breed insights. Health screening. Personalised care. All from your first visit.

Join Pickles → pickles.co/join

Or pop into our practice at 899–901 Fulham Road, London.