Lisa Shaffer, founder and CEO of Genetic Veterinary Sciences, Inc. (DBA Paw Print Genetics) is advancing the health of canines, felines and birds through genetic DNA testing. Founded in 2012, Paw Print Genetics is a canine genetic testing company serving breeders, veterinarians and companion animal owners offering 300 tests for 350 dog breeds – the largest in the industry.
Please could you share a bit about your background, what inspired you to go into genetics and more specifically what led you to canine genetics?
When I was a sophomore in high school we had a single chapter about genetics in my biology class. After reading about various human genetic conditions, I became completely focused on how I could work in the field of genetics. After I obtained my undergraduate degree, I went to the Medical College of Virginia to get my PhD in Human Genetics, specifically in the field of cytogenetics genetics (the study of chromosomes). My first job was in the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. I am a board certified geneticist by the American Board of Medical Genetics and have published more than 300 peer-reviewed papers in human genetics, cytogenetics and now companion animal genetics. I was the director of the clinical cytogenetics laboratory at Baylor and also had a research program trying to understand the chromosomal basis of developmental disabilities in children. I was at Baylor for 12 years and during that time we used a relatively new technique in my research laboratory called microarrays to identify chromosomal gains and losses. I felt strongly that this was the best way to identify cytogenetic abnormalities, rather than looking through a microscope. I tried unsuccessfully to integrate this new technology into the clinical cytogenetics laboratory at Baylor and decided that the best way to do this was to start a company, so I started Signature Genomics Laboratories after moving to Spokane, WA.
Signature Genomics was the first clinical laboratory in the world to use microarray technology to identify chromosomal imbalances. We had a very successful service laboratory, provided training to other laboratories and provided software for interpreting the array data. We changed the way a child with developmental disabilities is diagnostically worked-up and now almost every cytogenetics laboratory in the world uses microarray technologies for diagnosing cytogenetic abnormalities. When Signature Genomics was acquired in 2010 I knew that I wanted to continue working in genetics but I wanted to do something different than human health. After doing extensive market research, I realized that there were gaps to fill in companion animal testing and decided to first focus on canine genetic testing and provide higher accuracy, better customer service, and the largest menu of tests available. So I started Paw Print Genetics in 2012.
We now have four brands, Paw Print Genetics (breed-specific tests for dogs), Canine HealthCheck (an all-in-one panel of 250 different diseases and traits for dogs), CatScan (an all-in-one panel of more than 85 different diseases and traits for cats), AvianDx with our EarlyBird Sex Identification test for monomorphic bird species.
What sets Paw Print Genetics aside from other genetic testing companies for dogs?
First, Paw Print Genetics is focused on accuracy. We provide the highest accuracy in the industry because we test each disease or trait region twice with two different, independent methods. The genotypes obtained from each method must agree or we will do a third independent test or we will contact the customer and obtain a new sample if we feel that it was compromised in some way. Accuracy and being able to trust the results to make breeding decisions or treatment decisions is of the utmost importance. Second, Paw Print Genetics wrote and published the Standards and Guidelines for clinical canine genetic testing. In this industry, there is no regulatory or other oversight and no standardization of testing or quality. By publishing these Standards, it is our hope that other laboratories will adopt these guidelines to improve their accuracy and overall clinical testing. Third, we provide genetic counseling to anyone who asks, not just our customers – free of charge so that they can make informed decisions about what tests to order or how to use their results to breed healthy pups or care for their dogs. We employ veterinarians and PhD geneticists who are onsite, in our offices, to help our customers. Fourth, we have the largest menu of tests in the world. Prior to Paw Print Genetics, breeders had to send samples to multiple laboratories to get all the testing that they needed. With our large menu of tests, we are one-stop-shopping and can provide all the testing needed in one convenient location. Finally, we provide outstanding customer service and actually answer our phones and return emails with a team of amazing and caring customer service members who are dedicated to helping our customers.
What are the potential benefits of doing genetic testing on dogs?
By understanding the genetics of breeding dogs through accurate genetic testing, dogs can be paired so that they do not produce pups with inherited conditions. Many of the genetic diseases of dogs (and cats) are recessive, meaning that a pup must inherit two copies of the mutation, one from each parent, to be at risk of having the disease or condition. By testing the potential parents, breeders can pair dogs that are clear of mutations or pair a carrier of one copy of the mutation with a dog that doesn’t have the mutation to produce pups free of that particular disease. In addition, many veterinarians use us because they see a dog (or cat) in their practice who has a disease and an inherited condition is part of their differential diagnosis. By doing the genetic testing, the veterinarian can confirm a diagnosis and then explore ways to treat the animal based on this genetic knowledge.
You currently offer 300 tests for more than 350 dog breeds, this may seem overwhelming to a general consumer without veterinary knowledge. How simple is it for consumers to purchase tests and is prior consultation with their veterinary practitioner required?
We have worked very hard to try to simplify the testing process. At Paw Print Genetics you can search your breed and go to your breed’s page where all the relevant genetic tests for your breed are displayed. You can order single tests or order a panel. For some breeds, such as the Labrador retriever, there are so many different diseases that have been identified that we have divided the tests into Essential, Supplementary or Additional. The Essential Tests have been grouped into an Essential Panel and these are the tests that every breeding Labrador should have because these are the most common mutations found in the breed. The next level are the Supplemental Panel tests and these are less common in the breed but can be ordered for those breeders that want to be as comprehensive as possible. Any additional tests listed are mainly for veterinarians who may see a dog with a rare condition and those are listed as Additional. Other breeds may have only one or two genetic diseases known and these are grouped into a breed panel for convenience, but can also be ordered as individual tests. For those customers and veterinarians that want to do a wide genetic screen, we recommend our Canine HealthCheck that will test a dog for 250 different diseases and traits or for cats, our CatScan that will test a cat for more than 85 different diseases and traits. With all of our products, we provide cheek swab kits within the US and a prepaid return mailer for sending the samples back to us. We get samples from all over the world and will assist our customers in any location to find the right cheek swabs to send to us. As I said, we want to make it as easy as possible for people to get their pets tested.
What kind of information can a pet owner expect to receive following a test?
All of our dog and cat services provide a report that shows the genotype result for each test ordered. Our AvianDx EarlyBird Sex Identification test provides a certificate showing that a bird is male or female. At Paw Print Genetics, the customer will also receive a comprehensive report that not only shows the genotype result, but also provides a detailed interpretation and recommendations. But our testing does not just stop when the results are uploaded to the customer’s account. We will provide genetic counseling to our customers to make sure that they understand the information and know how to use it in their breeding program and encourage them to share the information with their veterinarian so that their dog can get treatments when indicated and live a long, happy and healthy life.
Where do you see pet DNA testing headed in the future?
Genetic testing for pets is still in its infancy compared to human genetic testing. Discoveries will continue for dogs and cats that will lead to additional tests, many more for single gene conditions, but also for complex traits and diseases. We are just beginning to understand the dog and cat genomes and there are still many genetic discoveries to be made that will improve their lives in the future.
