The aim of the Foundation Cohort study is to provide a foundation (hence the name) of genetic information about a wide range of dogs. The Dog Aging Project has funding to pay for low-pass sequencing of 10,000 dogs. Genome sequence data for canine participants will be integrated with health measures and behavioral traits to carry out comprehensive genome-wide association studies.
Once a participant consents to join the Foundation Cohort, they will go to their portal and request a free DNA Kit. They will use the kit to collect a saliva sample from their dog’s cheek and return it to our lab. Once we analyze this genetic material, participants will receive a personalized genomic report about their dog. Members of Foundation will continue to participate in annual surveys about their dog with the Dog Aging Project Pack.