Before your visit tips:
  • print off and fill out your information on forms prior to getting to your Vet's office, when you can. This helps your appointment run smoothly and is appreciated by the busy staff. 
  • don't wait until the last minute. Some vets are booked out months in advance for these tests. 
  • Make use of OFA clinics! They are generally cheaper than going through a vets office. 
Hip Dysplasia: 
  • Recognized Foreign Hip Registry-contact OFA in order to register results
  • OFA Evaluation (this can be done by any licensed vet, but make sure to do your research to find a vet that is experienced) Final results can not be given until 24 months of age. 
  • PennHIP Evaluation must be done by a certified PennHIP vet
Elbow Dysplasia:
  • ​OFA Evaluation. Final results can not be given until 24 months of age. ​ 
Degenerative Myelopathy:
  • OFA/University of Missouri
  • Embark (Embark results can be printed and submitted with OFA) 
  • AKC DNA + Health 
Pituitary Dwarfism:
  • Michigan State University in USA
  • Genomia in Czech Republic
  • AKC DNA + Health in USA
ACVO Eye Exam:
  • Eye Examination by a boarded ACVO Ophthalmologist​
Your Ophthalmologist will have the form. 
Dentition:
  • ​​dental exam by licensed vet
Cardiac Evaluation:
  • Basic Cardiac Exam. Auscultation Preformed by a licensed Veterinarian 
DNA Repository:
  • ​Participation in the OFA/Chic DNA Repository
DNA Banking with an ISAG Compliant Laboratory:
From UC Davis: The test for a DNA profile is called Genetic Markers. Please find instructions on ordering the test below.To order a test, you will first create an account on our website:
To order the test:
  • Login to your account/create an account 
  • Select “Dog” under the “Order Tests” drop-down menu
  • Select "Dog Parentage/Genetic Markers Forms" at the top of the Dog Diagnostic / Coat Color Test Form
  • Select "Dog Genetic Markers Permanent File Test Form" at the top of the Dog Parentage Verification Form
  • Fill in the dog’s information 
  • Select either Sample Choice A or B
    • “Sample Choice B” is our laboratory’s default and preferred choice, as our cytology brushes have proven to produce more viable samples
  • Read and Select “Terms and Conditions”
  • Read and Select the checkbox that acknowledges our current turnaround time
  • Select “Save” 
    • If ordering for more than one dog, click on “Order test(s) for new animal” before checking out and repeat the previous steps for the next animal
  • Select “Proceed to Checkout” 
  • Pay online
CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) requirements:
  • screened for every disease recommended by the parent club for that breed
  • results are publicly available in the database
CHIC numbers are auto generated 1-2 weeks after all health test have been completed.

All breeding dogs in the US should have a CHIC number prior to being bred. This is a number that should be proudly displayed/made available by a breeder. However, keep in mind that a CHIC number is not a guarantee that a dog is suitable for breeding, health wise. It just means all health tests have been completed and submitted. Remember to take the time to search OFA to look at dogs health scores for your self. 

Also, keep in mind that all passing scores are automatically published to OFA, failing scores/abnormal results are only posted with the consent on the owner. 
Helpful tips for after your visit:
  • for x-rays always look at the images prior to them being sent and ask to have a copy sent to you
  • keep a copy of the forms for yourself and put the certificate with it. A 3 ring binder works great. 
  • make a spread sheet to mark off when you complete a test and then when you get your OFA certificate. This will help you keep track and remind you to reach out to OFA if it's been more that 4 weeks since you submitted a test/results to them.
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