Dogs and cats have been our loyal companions for ages, yet so much about them remains a mystery.

Dogs and cats have long been our loyal companions, and more and more pet owners want to learn about the unique aspects of their pets’ lives. (Credit: Shutterstock)

For centuries, people have tried to understand these furry friends through science. One notable example on the research front is Darwin’s Ark, a nonprofit community science project founded by researchers at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and UMass Chan Medical School. By inviting pet owners to participate, the team has turned curiosity into progress—collecting genetic samples and behavioral information from tens of thousands of household pets. Darwin’s Dogs, their first initiative, became the one of the world’s largest canine community science initiatives, and now Darwin’s Cats aims to do the same for our feline companions.

The goal of Darwin’s Ark goes beyond satisfying curiosity. By collecting and analyzing DNA from a large and diverse group of pets, researchers are uncovering hidden links between genetics, health, and behavior. These discoveries can have a significant impact—helping veterinarians develop better treatments, guiding breeders toward healthier choices, and even revealing the genetic roots of the quirky behaviors that make each pet unique.

While this large-scale research is shaping the landscape of animal science, many pet owners are hoping for a more immediate, personal way to connect with their pets. That’s where genetic testing providers like BGI Group step in, bridging the gap between cutting-edge science and everyday pet care.

For pet owners seeking answers about their own animals, BGI Group offers a comprehensive genetic testing solution that brings the power of genomics right to the doorstep. One of the key insights offered by BGI’s test is breed and ancestry analysis, covering a wide range of breeds—180 for dogs and 28 for cats. Whether a pet comes from a shelter, a breeder, or somewhere in between, this can help clarify their background and sometimes reveal unexpected details. Understanding a pet’s breed mix can offer new perspectives on their personality and potential health considerations, and may even help connect owners with others who share similar experiences.

The health component is another valuable aspect. The test screens for more than 130 known genetic conditions in dogs and nearly 50 in cats, including both single-gene and complex inherited disorders. This information can provide early insights into potential health risks, sometimes years before any symptoms appear. With this knowledge, owners—together with their veterinarians—can make more informed decisions about preventative care and monitoring.

BGI’s test can also help pet owners better understand their pets’ personalities and behavioral patterns. By combining insights from drug resistance gene testing and nutritional metabolism analysis, the test offers scientific guidance for daily care and health management. This approach helps to enhance the overall quality of life for both pets and their families. While genetics is just one part of what makes each animal unique, these insights can help owners tailor care routines and better understand their pets’ quirks.

All of these findings are summarized in a report that translates complex science into practical advice. Rather than just presenting raw data, the report is designed to be a useful reference, supporting a healthier, happier life for each pet.

BGI’s initial work in this field began as a way to address broader social issues like stray animal management, but today, the goal is simply to offer useful tools to pet owners who want to do more for their companions. What’s encouraging is how much more accessible this technology has become. Advances in gene sequencing have helped bring down costs, making these kinds of tests an option for more families.

As research projects like Darwin’s Ark continue to expand our collective understanding of animal genetics, services like BGI’s allow individuals to apply some of that knowledge in a practical way at home. It’s an evolving field, and while there’s still much to learn, each new insight can help strengthen the bond between people and their pets.