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How do I return my dog's sample?

Valeria A.
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If you are located in the US, we highly recommend using the enclosed envelope and prepaid return label to ship your sample back to us.

To ensure accurate processing, please refrain from combining DNA samples with Gut or Oral Health samples, as they are handled and processed separately in different laboratories. Additionally, please avoid mailing the swabs to Genotek, our swab supplier, as this may cause delays in the processing of your samples.

Most genotyping results will be completed in 2-4 weeks from the time we scan your swab at our lab. Completion times may vary for other Embark products. 

Mailing Your Sample

All samples should be sent to:

Illumina (ILS)

Embark Lab Sample Processing Center

Building 2 Dock 2

5200 Illumina Way

San Diego, CA 92122-4616

 

BEFORE MAILING YOUR SWAB(S):  Activate them first! Non-activated swabs will cause processing delays

 

Test Type Your Location Instructions
  • DNA / Genotyping & Age Test
 United States

Use the provided, prepaid return label. 

Tracking: Your dog's swab should arrive within 5-10 business days, depending on the shipping address location.

If it has been longer than 10 business days and your package has not arrived please contact us.

Outside of the United States

 

(Amazon Canada and Amazon UK purchases, see below)

International customers are responsible for the cost of returning their swab to us. 


Please return the swab using your local post office as the Embark prepaid return label will not work for most international shipments. 

 

Samples should be sent to:

Illumina (ILS)

Embark Lab Sample Processing Center

Building 2 Dock 2

5200 Illumina Way

San Diego, CA 92122-4616

 

Tracking: Your dog's swab should arrive within 15-20 business days, depending on the shipping address location.

If it has been longer than 20 business days and your package has not arrived please contact us , and we will be more than happy to help.

Customs Help

When shipping the sample back to our lab, please fill out our customs form (attached) to avoid any unnecessary delays at the U.S. border. 

The value that you declare on your shipment's U.S. Customs form should not total more than $15 USD. This is the value of the swabs themselves, not the price of your order. This will make it easier to get your shipment through customs, and there should not be any duties or taxes applied. Any duties, fees, or taxes are the responsibility of the customer. Unfortunately, sample processing will be delayed until all outstanding balances are paid.

If you need to provide an HS code, it is 3822005090.

In order to facilitate the correct identification of the shipment and to ensure timely delivery, USDA, APHIS, and VS recommend that the following documentation accompany each shipment:

  1. A written statement identifying the material and naming the animal species.
  2. A written statement confirming that the material does not contain any other animal-derived material (i.e., does not contain any livestock or poultry origin material).
  3. A written statement confirming that the material was not derived from feline or canine species that were inoculated with or exposed to any infectious agents of USDA agricultural concern.

Canada (purchased from Amazon Canada)

Your return envelope includes 5 Canada Post stamps, which will cover the cost of mailing the sample to our lab.

UK (purchased from Amazon UK)

Use the provided, prepaid return label. 

After it is delivered to our UK facility, it will then be routed to our lab in the US. You will be notified once it’s received and scanned at our lab.
  • Microbiome (Gut or Oral Health)

 		United States

Use the provided, prepaid return label.

Outside of the United States

These products are currently not available to customers outside of the US.

Important Information

We recommend using the enclosed envelope with your kit.

  • Please note: If the return label has a Boston address, it will be forwarded directly to our lab. The Boston address is where our administrative headquarters is located and samples are not processed there.

If you are mailing swabs in your own packaging:

  • Please make sure that the swabs are shipped to the correct address: 

    • Illumina (ILS)

      Embark Lab Sample Processing Center

      Building 2 Dock 2

      5200 Illumina Way

      San Diego, CA 92122-4616

  • Do not mail the swabs to Genotek (our swab supplier). 

Do not combine DNA samples with Gut or Oral Health samples as they are processed at different labs.

Next Steps

Once your swab arrives at the testing facility and is scanned by our team, you will be notified via email, and before you know it you will have your results!

If you have any questions about the status of your sample, please see How long does it take to receive test results? 

Have questions? Your MyEmbark account includes information about your dog's sample status, your dog's results, and many other helpful resources. Log in to your account here! 

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