Dewclaw Collection Guidelines

Guidelines for Submitting Dewclaws for Genetic Testing

Paw Print Genetics accepts dried dewclaws for genetic screening if the following criteria are met:

  1. The dewclaw removal is performed in the first 2-7 days of life.
  2. The dewclaws are acquired through the use of easily sterilized tools such as a hemostat and scalpel blade, surgical scissors, or nail clippers.
  3. Steps are taken to ensure that the dewclaw used for genetic testing belongs to a specific puppy.
Note: These guidelines are intended for those who desire early genetic testing on their puppies using otherwise discarded dewclaws. This is not a guide on how or when to remove dewclaws and expert advice should be sought outside of this document.

Sample Collection:

  • Dewclaws should be removed in the first 2-7 days of life as normally done for your breed.
  • Performing one puppy's dewclaw removal at a time, lay the dewclaws on layers of paper towels and place or write a label next to them with the same unique puppy identifier or name that you will use for that puppy's genetic testing (for example, pink girl, blue boy, etc.).
  • The tools used should be cleaned between each dewclaw removal using an alcohol wipe or similar method such as alcohol and a clean wipe or clean cotton ball to eliminate any possible cross contamination of cells between dogs. This is important to ensure pure, uncontaminated DNA from each puppy.
  • Continue removing each puppy's dewclaws and labeling the paper towel on which the dewclaws are drying with each unique puppy identifier.
  • Allow the dewclaws to dry for at least a week.

Sample Submission:

  • Place one of the dried dewclaws it into a small, individual envelope, labeled with the puppy's unique identifying information (i.e. pink girl, blue boy, etc.) and Paw Print Genetics dog identification number which is obtained/assigned after placing your order.
  • Save the remaining dewclaw(s) in another, similarly labeled envelop as a backup or for additional testing in the future as desired.
  • Do not send all dewclaws on a puppy to the laboratory; always save a backup at home.
  • Place your genetic testing order on the Paw Print Genetics website.
  • Once your order has been completed on our website, print your requisition form, review and sign the bottom and send the form in a mailing envelope with your dried dewclaws.

  • If you order a kit from us, the return address labels and return packaging will be supplied. If you choose to source your own kits, they will need to be returned to the addresses below

    • For shipments via USPS
    • Paw Print Genetics c/o Neogen
    • 4131 N. 48th St.
    • Lincoln, NE 68504
    • USA
    • For overnight and 2 day shipments via (FedEx, UPS, USPS, etc.)
    • Paw Print Genetics c/o Neogen
    • 4131 N. 48th St.
    • Lincoln, NE 68504
    • USA

    • Canadian Shipments
    • Neogen
    • 7323 Roper Rd. NW
    • Edmonton, AB T6E 0W4
    • Canada
    • United Kingdom Shipments
    • Genomic Samples
    • Neogen Europe Ltd.
    • The Dairy School
    • Auchincruive, Ayr KA6 5HU
    • United Kingdom