What do I need to know about Good Dog’s health testing levels?

What are Good Dog’s Minimum Health Testing Requirements?

In December 2019, Good Dog developed a three level system of recognition to differentiate between breeding programs based on their reported health testing practices. Programs that self-report to meet our entry-level health testing requirements for the breed are identified as “Good.”  Programs that self-report additional testing that exceeds these minimum requirements are identified as “Great” or “Excellent” as outlined in our Guide to Health Testing Levels. In addition, we award health testing recognition at the individual breeding dog level (i.e., sires and dams) for breeding dogs who meet the criteria above by providing verifiable health testing information.

For some breeds, the “Good” level (or entry level health testing requirement) has been conditional, meaning the designated level was contingent upon the breeder completing additional testing needed to meet our standards within 12 months. Due to the ongoing COVID pandemic and associated restricted access to veterinary care for many breeders, we will be extending the deadline for meeting the requirements of additional testing. We came to this decision, because Good Dog is here to support our Good Breeders!  We exist to make your lives easier, not harder. We hope this will allow all our Good Breeders the time and opportunity to complete all necessary testing when it is safe for them to do so. We will continue to monitor the course of the pandemic and the availability of veterinary care in order to reassess and update this policy moving forward.

What if I’ve performed the additional health testing requirements, but haven’t notified Good Dog yet?

That’s great news! We are so inspired that you have chosen to strengthen your program and improve the health of your dogs and, in turn, generations of dogs to come, and are so lucky to have you as a member of our community! 

If you have had any additional health testing clearances performed on your breeding dogs, please just send a copy of the results, or a link to the results to our Screening Team at screening@gooddog.com! If you would prefer to add them yourself, follow our detailed instructions on how to update health testing.

What if I would like to add more health testing to my breeding program?

As you’re planning your testing, we invite you to take advantage of the health testing discounts we offer our Good Breeders, including an $100 annual discount off any screening tests including x-rays, thyroid panel, cardiac, eye or patella exams, OFA registration or Holter monitor rental! This discount is in addition to our existing discounts for genetic testing that are available exclusively to our Good Breeders.

We’re always here to help -  if you have any questions around health testing please do not hesitate to contact us at screening@gooddog.com or 385-308-0373 anytime. We will work with you to obtain the needed testing, and to get your questions answered, because we are so much stronger together! 

Thank you!

We look forward to continuing to work together towards building a better world for our dogs and the people who love them! 

This Minimum Health Testing Requirements Policy is effective as of the date noted below. 

Last modified: June 7th, 2022