KOKO Genetics Review : How good are this laboratory’s DNA kits for dogs and cats?

Are you considering purchasing a DNA test to learn more about the genetics or health of your dog or cat? KOKO Genetics offers tests to analyze your pet’s breed, health, and traits. But how good are they really? After using their kits, we give you our full opinion on their accuracy, reliability, and the information they provide.

The essentials about Koko Genetics

Criteria
📆Creation date	2018
🏢 Headquarters	Valencia, Spain
🧬 Types of services offered	Breed identification Screening for genetic diseases Analysis of physical traits
🌍Countries served	30
Type of sample	Saliva smear (oral swabs)
🕰️Sample processing time	4 to 6 weeks after receipt of the sample by the laboratory
☎️ Customer support	Email, online chat, contact form
🎁 Promotional code	5% discount with the code KOKOSTORY

Advantages and disadvantages of Koko Genetics

Koko Genetics DNA tests

DNA tests for dogs

KOKO Genetics, an expert in DNA testing for dogs and cats based in Valencia, Spain, offers two ranges of tests to meet your needs.

The Starter DNA kit

This entry-level kit focuses on the basics. It reveals your dog’s breed composition from among over 400 breeds and provides information on over 20 physical characteristics. You also get access to the DNA Connect feature and can download your raw data.

The Advanced DNA Kit

This advanced version of the Koko Genetics DNA kit offers more than 175 detailed reports on your dog’s genetics. You get a comprehensive health analysis, with screening for more than 150 common hereditary diseases.

The test includes breed identification from over 415 options and the study of more than 20 physical traits. You also get access to an accurate family tree and personalized veterinary recommendations. Free lifetime updates and the DNA Connect platform are also included in the offer.

DNA testing for cats

The Starter DNA Kit

This kit for cats offers the same basic features as the canine version. Your feline will benefit from an analysis of its breed, physical traits, and genetic temperament. The report includes information on possible coat colors in its offspring and behavioral predispositions. The DNA Connect feature is also included.

The Advanced DNA Kit for Cats from Koko Genetics

This DNA test for cats provides access to 146 reports on health, breed, and physical traits. It identifies your cat’s breed from over 40 breeds and analyzes over 55 specific genetic diseases.

You will find out if your cat is affected, a carrier, or free of the disease, so you can better anticipate its health. The test also includes DNA Connect and raw data download. Updates are free for life.

Information revealed by Koko Genetics animal DNA tests

Accurate breed identification

The Koko Genetics report reveals the exact racial composition of your dog or cat. For dogs, the analysis is based on a database of over 400 breeds and details the percentage of each. For cats, the identification covers 40 specific breeds.

Each report includes the average height, average weight, and a brief history of each breed detected. A complete family tree traces your pet back to its great-grandparents, with between one and four breeds per ancestor.

The report includes photos and descriptions that allow you to better visualize its genetic heritage.

Health and genetic disease screening

The health report reveals the genetic diseases detected in your pet after your DNA test for cats or dogs. Koko Genetics specifies whether your pet is affected, a carrier, or free of the disease. The report also indicates whether the risk level is low, moderate, or high.

This information is followed by personalized veterinary recommendations tailored to your pet’s health.

Physical and behavioral traits

This report lists the physical and behavioral traits encoded in your pet’s DNA. Each trait detected is accompanied by a clear description, such as “low probability” or “not expressed,” etc.

The report also explores temperament: energy level, sociability, intelligence, and tendencies toward aggression. For dogs, it goes further with a study of hunting, guarding, and obedience instincts.

After our DNA test for dogs, we discovered that our dog is a Labradoodle, a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. The reports revealed the origin of his gentle temperament, high intelligence, and hypoallergenic coat.

How does Koko Genetics’ DNA test work?

Step 1: Order the genetic test for your pet

Go to the Koko Genetics website and click on “Buy.” Choose the kit that suits you, then finalize your order. You can enter the promo code KOKOSTORY to get a 5% discount. Then enter your address to receive the kit at home free of charge.

Step 2: Register the kit online

Once you receive your kit, create an account to register it. Scan the QR code in the instruction booklet or go to https://genportal.kokogenetics.com/welcome. Fill out the form and enter the registration code. Once your registration has been confirmed, you will receive an email with a link and instructions for sending your sample to the laboratory.

Step 3: Collecting the sample

Use the swabs provided to collect saliva from your pet. Rub the inside of its cheeks to collect as many cells as possible. Make sure it has not eaten, drunk or chewed anything in the 30 minutes prior to the test.

For the tube kit, check that the liquid covers the ends impregnated with saliva. For the drying bag kit, insert the white tip into the bag without touching any other surfaces. Make sure it remains in the area designated for drying.

Step 4: Send the sample to the laboratory

Once the kit has been registered and the saliva sample collected, send it to the laboratory.

For the tube and swab kit, print the label received by email after registration and stick it on the plastic bag in the kit.

Then place the tube in the cardboard box and insert the box into the shipping bag.

For the swab and drying bag kit, seal the bag with the barcode, then:

• With a cardboard envelope: insert the drying bag, place the envelope in the transparent bag with the label visible.
• With a box: insert the drying bag, place the box in the shipping bag and stick the label on.

In all cases, drop off the package at the courier office indicated in the email.

Step 5: Receiving the results

The average time to receive the results is 4 to 6 weeks. You will receive your reports by email and can view them in your secure account. You can hide certain information if you do not wish to see it.

Focus on the reliability of Koko Genetics DNA tests

The Koko Genetics laboratory uses Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Axiom™ HD Array technology, which can analyze more than 700,000 markers. This technology offers reproducibility of over 99% and limits any errors during analysis.

The analyses are carried out by Eurofins Genomics Denmark, a European reference laboratory certified to ISO 17025, ISO 13485, GLP, GCP, and cGMP standards. Affiliated with TellmeGen, the laboratory has benefited from the expertise of this European leader in human DNA testing for over 10 years.

The reports provided are reliable enough to be used by a veterinarian. We have compared the results with those of other laboratories and the data was consistent. Our veterinarian reviewed and validated the reports without hesitation.

Additional features of Koko Genetics

Beyond basic information on breed, health, and physical traits, Koko Genetics enriches its offering with additional features.

Automatic creation of a family tree

This feature allows you to view your pet’s genetic lineage over several generations. The tree is built automatically as other related animals are added to the database. You can explore family branches and discover distant cousins.

DNA Connect

DNA Connect is the free tool integrated into Koko Genetics DNA tests, designed to find your pet’s genetic family. Using approximately 700,000 genetic markers, the laboratory identifies relevant DNA fragments and compares them to its database.

The higher the percentage of shared DNA, the closer the relationship, ranging from 100% for identical twins to 6.25% for second cousins. Relationships are established up to the fourth degree, with a high level of reliability.

You can then contact the owners directly via secure messaging.

Downloading raw data

Koko Genetics offers free access to your pet’s raw genetic data. These files, in standard format, include information about their health, diseases, physical traits, and family tree.

You can send them to a veterinarian, geneticist, or specialized platforms for further analysis.

Koko Genetics pricing

DNA kit for dogs and cats	Price
DNA Starter Kit	104,99 €
Advanced DNA Kit	139,98 €

We wondered whether spending between €100 and €150 on a Koko Genetics DNA test was really reasonable. However, a quick look at competing offers quickly reassured us.

In fact, Koko Genetics kits are in line with the market average and are sometimes even more affordable. And considering the quality and depth of the analyses provided, we can say that the investment is well worth it.

Data security and confidentiality at Koko Genetics

At Koko Genetics, we take the confidentiality and security of your pets’ DNA data seriously in accordance with the GDPR. Only information that is strictly necessary to provide the service is collected, and it is never shared without your consent or legal obligation.

You retain full control over your data and can withdraw your consent at any time. All connections are protected by SSL encryption and secure servers with regular backups.

Genetic information is also stored in encrypted form to prevent unauthorized identification.

For those of us who are demanding when it comes to genetic data protection, Koko Genetics inspires confidence and clearly deserves its place among our favorite laboratories.

Koko Genetics customer service: is it effective?

You can contact customer service through the following channels 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday

• 📧Email: info@kokogenetics.com
• 📄Contact form
• 🗣️ Online chat
• ☎️ Phone call: +34 960 09 05 96

In our opinion, Koko Genetics’ customer service is up to par: responsive, available, and able to respond in 13 languages.

During our test, we received a response in just 2 minutes via live chat and within 48 hours by email. On the phone, our representative was polite and attentive, taking the time to answer all of our questions clearly.

On this point, Koko Genetics scores another point with our team.

User reviews of Koko Genetics

On Trustpilot, Koko Genetics has a solid rating of 4.5/5 based on 68 reviews, indicating overall satisfaction. But we didn’t stop there. We continued our investigation on Reddit forums, where users share their experiences without filters.

Positive reviews of Koko Genetics

Customers appreciate the speed of delivery of results, sometimes even ahead of schedule, and their consistency with the physical appearance or character of their pet. Others appreciate the clarity of the explanations and the simplicity of the sample collection, even for dogs with complex profiles.

Negative reviews about Koko Genetics

Some owners of rare breeds report incomplete analyses or sometimes inaccurate identifications. Others point to an online interface that is less intuitive than that offered by some American competitors. In addition, there have been a few reports of connection problems with DNA Connect and reports that are considered difficult to interpret.

Our final verdict on Koko Genetics

A simple, accessible but lengthy animal DNA test

Koko Genetics has developed a clear and easy-to-use home testing process. Taking the mouth swab sample from our pet was very straightforward.

However, we found the processing time to be a little long compared to some of its competitors.

For breeders who want to identify a dog’s breed quickly, this waiting time can be a real drawback.

A decent database and genetic coverage, but room for improvement

With coverage of 350 to 400 breeds, Koko Genetics is in line with the European market average. However, we found its database to be somewhat limited, particularly for complex breeds, which are better covered by some American laboratories.

The health reports are also accurate, but less detailed. For us, Koko Genetics is not the best choice if you are looking for particularly in-depth analysis.

DNA Connect and family tree creation: the real strengths of Koko Genetics

Koko Genetics may not have the largest database on the market, but it more than makes up for this with two major strengths: DNA Connect and its automatic family tree generator. This is a common approach in human DNA testing, but still rare in animal testing.

For these features alone, we believe Koko Genetics deserves the attention of pet owners, veterinarians, and breeders.

Koko Genetics vs Orivet

Orivet focuses on veterinary accuracy with reports that can be used directly by animal health professionals. In terms of pricing, Koko offers more attractive prices, but Orivet offers more extensive breed coverage and more advanced disease analysis. Choose Orivet for its extensive database and Koko Genetics for its all-in-one approach with DNA Connect and family tree included.

Koko Genetics vs Embark

Embark remains the technical benchmark in the market with the largest global database and unmatched accuracy, but its high prices (€180+) and limited availability in Europe favor Koko Genetics for the French market.

Koko compensates with features such as a feline family tree and free updates. For a controlled budget without sacrificing quality, Koko is a relevant alternative to Embark, particularly for European owners.

Koko Genetics vs Wisdom Panel

Wisdom Panel offers a middle-of-the-road approach with solid analysis and moderate pricing ($140), but without Koko’s social innovations such as DNA Connect or family tree creation.

Koko Genetics wins on additional features and price, while Wisdom Panel excels in service stability and historical reliability.

Koko Genetics vs Quick DNA

Quick DNA focuses on fast processing (72 hours vs. 3-5 for Koko) and offers detailed reports and broad genetic coverage (650 breeds and 2,538 diseases). Koko Genetics compensates for the longer turnaround times with its features.

For busy owners who prioritize speed, Quick DNA may be a good fit. Those looking for more genealogy features will find more value with Koko Genetics, despite the additional wait.

Koko Genetics vs Easy DNA

EasyDNA offers a wide range of DNA tests for dogs and cats, including breed identification, allergies, and genetic diseases. Results times vary from 2-3 weeks for some tests to 8-10 weeks for others.

In addition, EasyDNA extends its testing to other breeds such as horses and birds. This is the ideal option if you want access to a wide range of pet DNA tests.

FAQ: Answers to your questions about Koko Genetics