Getting Started at OFA

Welcome to OFA! We are so glad that you are interested in learning about the services we offer and hope you will join us on our mission to reduce the incidence of genetic diseases in companion animals! 

We are a database for canine genetic diseases, we work with veterinarians, breeders, and dog owners around the world to collect health testing information and process it into our database. These health tests include radiographic hip and elbow dysplasia screening, DNA based genetic test results, soft tissue examinations for cardiac, eyes, patellar luxation, and more.

Here is an overview of our processes: 

• Companion animals are examined by a veterinary professional and those results are submitted via an application form to us. 
• OFA will assign a certification code based on the screening results and issue a certificate to the owner. 
• All normal health results that are submitted to OFA are available to the general public in the OFA database on our website. OFA recommends that abnormal results be available in the public database as well, but depending on the type of test being submitted the owner can decide if they would like to do this or not. 
• Dogs that have undergone all screenings that are recommended by their parent breed club, with all the test results made publicly available, will be provided a Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) number and certificate. 

Access to OFA data can improve pet health whether you’re a vet, a breeder, or a prospective owner.  The testing methodology and the criteria for evaluating the test results for each database have been independently established by veterinary scientists from their respective specialty areas, and the standards used are generally accepted throughout the world. 

Veterinarians can help educate their clients on the best breeding practices or what health tests to look for as a prospective dog owner. Veterinarians can also use OFA information to educate themselves on new clients. Statistics are available for the prevalence of certain diseases.

Breeders can share information about their own dogs and research potential breeding mates. 

Prospective owners can research breeds and common health risks, as well as potential parents, in order to pursue the healthiest offspring possible. 

Browse our list of FAQs or email us at ofa@offa.org with any questions!