KOKO Genetics review
Our genealogists’ opinion on KOKO Genetics
KOKO Genetics combines scientific rigor with affordable prices and analyzes more than 700,000 genetic markers to determine your pet’s origin, physical characteristics, and predisposition to genetic diseases. The results are available within four weeks in PDF format and are updated regularly, free of charge and for life. They can be downloaded at any time and easily sent to your veterinarian to help with the care and monitoring of your pet.
With an average rating of 3.7/5 on Trustpilot, Koko Genetics promises to identify your dog or cat’s breed, disease risks, and genetic characteristics through its DNA test. We tested our dog for you, and here is our detailed opinion on the accuracy, reliability, and richness of the information provided.
The essentials you need to know about Koko Genetics
| Features |  |
|---|---|
| Website | |
| Promotional code | 5% discount with the code KOKOSTORY |
| Year of creation | 2018 |
| Number of breeds analyzed | 415 breeds (dogs) 40 breeds (cats) |
| Type of sample | Saliva swab (oral swab) |
| Average time for results to be delivered | 4 weeks |
This page contains affiliate links, but this does not affect our independent opinion.
Why choose a Koko Genetics DNA test for your dog or cat?
- DNA sample analysis using Axiom Koko Array technology
- Comprehensive reports: breed, health, physical traits and genetic predispositions, etc.
- Free lifetime updates to results, with no need for a new sample
- Option to upgrade from the Starter kit to the Advanced kit without a new DNA analysis
- Free download of raw data for veterinary consultation
- Matching tool to help the animal find its genetic cousins and chat with their owners via integrated chat
- Reconstruction of the animal’s family tree back to its great-grandparents
- DNA results in your language and customer support available 24 hours a day on weekdays
- Return shipping included in the price of the kits
- Processing times can sometimes be long (up to 6 weeks)
- Feline database less comprehensive than for dogs
- Starter version limited to breeds and physical traits (no health information)
- Less suitable for professional breeders
Our opinion on Koko Genetics in video
Koko Genetics: the laboratory specializing in animal genetics
Based in Spain, KOKO Genetics is a subsidiary of TellMeGen, a recognized specialist in human DNA analysis. The analyses are carried out by Eurofins Genomics (Denmark), a laboratory certified to ISO 17025 and ISO 13485 and the only one in Europe capable of handling the high volume of samples analyzed by Koko Genetics.
The laboratory uses Axiom™ HD Array from Thermo Fisher Scientific, a microarray technology (DNA chips) already used by other laboratories such as Orivet, Embark, and Basepaws. This chip analyzes more than 710,000 genetic markers in a single reading with 99% reliability.
The interpreted genetic probes are duplicated to reduce technical errors and improve the quality of the results. In other words, if the same sample is tested several times, the results will be identical. Koko Genetics ensures complete traceability, from receipt of the kit to consultation of the results, in accordance with security protocols.
DNA tests designed for owners who care about their pet’s health and origin
The Koko Genetics DNA test is ideal for the following profiles:
- Adopters of shelter animals: to discover their companion’s origins and better understand some of their behaviors
- Owners of mixed-breed animals: to identify their precise breed composition, access a complete family tree, and tailor their diet and exercise
- Professional breeders: to perfect breeding programs, prevent the risks of inbreeding, and detect healthy carriers of hereditary diseases
A complete range of DNA tests for animals, from simple diagnosis to advanced analysis
DNA tests for dogs
The Starter Kit to identify genetic origins
This is Koko Genetics’ entry-level kit, which determines your dog’s breed composition from among 415 breeds. It provides an overview of more than 20 physical characteristics of the animal (coat color, morphology, estimated adult size). You can access the DNA Connect feature to find other dogs that share the same genetic heritage and download the raw analysis data.
The Advanced Kit to incorporate health and prevention
The Advanced kit adds a medical dimension with screening formore than 150 genetic diseases and testing for the MDR1 gene. You will have access to more than 175 detailed reports on your pet’s genetic profile.
This DNA test for dogs allows you to find out if your dog carries mutations linked to various conditions (cardiac, neurological, or ocular) or if it has a drug sensitivity to certain molecules such as ivermectin.
| Features | Starter Kit | Advanced Kit |
| Breed identification (415+) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Family tree (3 generations) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Physical trait analysis (+20) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Genetic disease screening | ❌ | ✅ |
| MDR1 gene analysis | ❌ | ✅ |
| DNA Connect | ✅ | ✅ |
| Free updates | ✅ | ✅ |
| Raw data download | ✅ | ✅ |
DNA testing for cats
The Cat Starter Kit to understand your feline’s origins
The Feline Starter test identifies your cat’s breeds from a database of 40 breeds. It analyzes more than 45 traits (coat color, ear shape, tail shape, AB blood type). This DNA test also gives you access to your cat’s family tree and the DNA Connect feature.
The Advanced Cat Kit for more in-depth health and genetics information
This DNA test for cats goes beyond simple breed identification. It analyzes more than 55 genetic diseases and generates 146 detailed reports covering the animal’s health, breed, and physical traits. You will also receive information on kidney, heart, and blood conditions specific to certain breeds.
| Features | Cat Starter Kit | Advanced cat Kit |
| Breed identification (40+) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Physical traits (45+) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Health and diseases (+55) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Free updates | ✅ | ✅ |
| Family tree | ✅ | ✅ |
| Raw data download | ✅ | ✅ |
- In-depth knowledge of the animal’s breed
- Understanding of physical and behavioral traits
- Anticipation of health risks
- Optimization of veterinary care
- Improvement of diet and lifestyle
Upgrade from Starter to Advanced analysis possible
Koko Genetics allows you to upgrade from the Starter kit to the Advanced version by paying only the difference in price between the two packages. This means you can start with an analysis of your origins and then go into more depth according to your needs, without having to take another sample.
Focus on Koko Genetics’ prices
| DNA kit for dogs and cats | Price |
|---|---|
| Kit Starter | 84,99 € |
| Kit Advanced | 129,99 € |
Koko Genetics offers a single price for its DNA tests for dogs and cats, including shipping and return costs to the laboratory. In addition, promotional codes are regularly available to obtain discounts on purchases.
In our opinion, the value for money is competitive compared to Embark, Wisdom Panel, or Easy DNA, especially when you consider the quality of the analysis and the comprehensive genetic reports provided.
Here is an overview of competitors’ prices for comparison purposes:
| Laboratories | Price | Number of breeds studied | Number of physical traits studied | Number of diseases tested |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embark breed + health test | $125 (€105) | +400 | +55 | 270 |
| Wisdom Panel Premium | $127.99 (€108) | 365 for dogs and over 70 cat breeds | +50 | 265 |
| EasyDNA | €53-€239 | + 400 dogs and 39 cats | +50 | +175 |
A simple analysis process, from sample collection to receiving results
Step 1: Order the genetic test online
Go to the Koko Genetics website and click on “Buy.” Choose the kit that suits you, enter the promo code KOKOSTORY to get a 5% discount. Enter your address to receive the kit at home for free and confirm your order.
Step 2: Register and activate the kit online
Upon receipt, create an account to register your kit. Scan the QR code in the instruction booklet or visit https://genportal.kokogenetics.com/welcome. Fill out the form and enter the registration code. Once your registration has been validated, you will receive an email with a link and instructions for shipping the sample to the laboratory.
Step 3: Sample collection
Make sure that the animal has not eaten, drunk, or chewed anything in the 30 minutes prior to the test. Use the swabs provided to collect saliva by rubbing the inside of the animal’s cheeks.
If you have received a kit with a tube, check that the liquid completely covers the ends impregnated with saliva. For the kit with a drying bag, insert the white tip into the bag without touching any other surfaces. Make sure it remains in the area designated for drying.
Step 4: Sending the sample to the laboratory
For the kit containing the tube and swabs, start by printing the label you received by email after registering. Stick it onto the plastic bag in the kit. Then place the tube in the cardboard box and insert this box into the shipping bag.
If a drying bag is provided, add it before closing the package. Then slip the envelope into the transparent bag, making sure the label is clearly visible. Drop your package off at your nearest post office. You will receive an email notifying you when your results are available in your personal online account.
Koko Genetics pet DNA test results and features
DNA Connect to find your pet’s “genetic cousins”
DNA Connect is an optional service associated with genetic testing for animals. It compares more than 700,000 genetic markers to its database to identify other animals that share the same DNA as your pet.
Matches are reliably establishedup to the fourth generation. You can then contact the other owners in complete confidentiality to exchange information. And who knows? Maybe you can introduce your dog or cat to a member of their family! For example, we were able to exchange information with an owner following our genetic analysis.
Accurate breed identification and family tree construction
Koko Genetics reveals the exact breed composition of your dog or cat. Each report provides in-depth information (traits, common diseases, height, weight, brief history) on each breed detected.
In addition to this data, you can access an interactive family tree to explore family branches and discover distant cousins of your companion animal. The tree is automatically constructed as other related animals are added to the database.
Screening for genetic diseases and preventive reading
The genetic assessment details all of the conditions analyzed and reveals your pet’s precise genetic status for each condition.
For each identified disease, you will find a comprehensive fact sheet including:
- Clinical signs to monitor on a daily basis
- Scientific explanation of the mutation and how it is transmitted
- Statistics on the lines most at risk
- Treatment options and preventive measures
Analysis of physical traits and hereditary characteristics
The report provides a comprehensive inventory of the morphological characteristics and behavioral tendencies encoded in your pet’s genetic code. Each result is accompanied by a clear probability rating (e.g., “High probability,” “Carrier but not expressed,” “Absence of trait”).
These indicators are accompanied by an educational explanation to help you better understand how these genes influence your pet’s daily life.
Data that can be fully utilized by a veterinarian
Koko Genetics allows you to download your complete reports in PDF format, as well as your raw data. Your veterinarian can incorporate this information into your pet’s medical records to personalize treatments. This allows for proactive rather than reactive medical care, which can limit the need for emergency interventions.
Our Verdict on Koko Genetics
Popular DNA testing for animals and delivery in 4 weeks
Koko Genetics has designed a smooth testing process that is suitable for home use. From receiving the animal DNA kit to viewing the reports online, the user experience is intuitive and hassle-free.
Although delivery times are respected, the laboratory analysis phase of approximately 4 to 6 weeks seems a little long to us. While this delay is acceptable for an individual, we believe it may be a hindrance for a professional breeder who needs to quickly confirm a lineage or genetic status before a sale or mating.
Extensive DNA test reports for animals
Koko Genetics provides in-depth DNA test reports, enriched with free updates, family trees, and DNA Connect, features that are rare in DNA testing for animals. The laboratory is one of the most comprehensive on the market for classic breeds recognized by the FCI (International Cynological Federation), as well as for some less common or unofficially classified breeds, such as the Lacy dog and the American Bulldog.
On the feline side, rarer breeds such as the Khao Manee and Japanese Bobtail are also included. For us, Koko Genetics rivals both its European competitors and the American giants.
Genetic analysis to anticipate health problems
By screening for more than 150 genetic diseases, Koko Genetics is a real asset in preventive animal health. In our opinion, it is a reliable solution for owners who are concerned about the long-term well-being of their pets.