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How do I order Fluffy 2.0’s DNA preservation services?
Please contact us to order a DNA Collection Kit at phone number 404-585-4858 or click here.
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What is DNA?
Deoxyribonucleic Acid, or DNA for short, contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all living things. The main role of DNA molecules is the long-term storage of information. DNA is often compared to a set of blueprints, or a code, since it contains the instructions needed to construct other components of cells.
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How does the Fluffy 2.0 System work?
The kit contains the materials necessary to take two different cell samples from your pet. First, a buccal swab is used to collect cells from the inside of the cheek. Second, a number of hairs are collected that include the DNA rich follicle. Once the samples are returned to our lab we process the DNA into a long term storage medium and store it in a climate and humidity controlled area.
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How much does it cost?
Unlike other tissue based DNA banking services, which can cost in excess of $2000, Fluffy 2.0 is priced to be accessible to the average pet owner. The price for the standard sample kit is $49.99 and includes lab processing of the sample and 1 free year of storage. Additional years of storage are also affordably priced at $10 per year.
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How easy it to use a buccal swab?
Very easy. Anyone can successfully take a cheek swab from their pet and send it in. It is quick, easy and, most importantly, stress and pain free for your pet. Compare that with a blood or tissue sample, where you must take the time to drive your pet to the Veterinarian. When you get there, your now stressed pet must be taken in by a technician, have a needle stuck into a vain and blood or tissue sampled. What is worse, the vet will normally charge you for the privilege of sticking them with a needle!
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How long can DNA be preserved?
Viable DNA samples can be preserved for decades.
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Who owns my DNA cell line after it has been preserved?
You maintain complete ownership of your pet’s DNA sample after it has been processed.
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What if I wish to discontinue storing my pet’s DNA?
You have complete control of your pet’s DNA and you may direct us to continue storing, to dispose of, or to transport your sample. If at any time you need your sample just contact us and supply us with your storage number, and we will mail it to you or your designated agent.
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Will DNA collection cause my pet pain?
Unlike tissue or blood collection, our DNA sampling method is painless to your pet.
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For what species does Fluffy 2.0 preserve DNA?
Although the vast majority of our clients are dog and cat owners, we have the ability to collect and store DNA from any mammal.
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Can cloning be accomplished from any cellular material?
Not every part of an animal can be used for cloning, which is why Fluffy 2.0 collects the samples that we do. For example, teeth, bones, nails and so forth can not be used.
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When is the best time for collecting tissue?
The best time to collect tissue is today! It is best to establish a viable DNA cell line while your pet is healthy, strong, and alive! Waiting can be risky, and certain studies have shown that the younger your pet is when cells are collected, the better the chance that the cells will be viable.
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What is a clone?
A clone is an identical twin. Clones have the identical genetic makeup (DNA) of their genetic donors.
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Why clone pets?
Cloning is the ultimate reproduction and breeding technology. Pet owners routinely attempt to transfer desired traits from their exceptional pets through selective breeding. With luck their new puppy or kitten will exhibit desired genetic traits, and be of the preferred sex. Cloning removes the luck factor: clones are genetic duplicates, and of the same sex, as the donor pet!
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How is cloning accomplished?
Cloning is accomplished through a process called nuclear transfer. Scientists remove the nucleus of a female oocyte (egg cell) and replace its nucleus with DNA from the genetic donor’s cells. The new cell is activated in the laboratory, begins to divide and forms an embryo. The embryo is then implanted into a surrogate mother for normal gestation and delivery.
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How long will it take to clone my pet?
No one knows for certain when pet cloning will be commercially possible. What is known is that since a sheep, Dolly, was cloned in Scotland in 1996, scientists have successfully cloned cattle, mice, goats, pigs, horses, cats and dogs.
The productivity of DNA sequencing technologies has increased more than 20,000-fold over the past 15 years. At this rate of improvement, productivity has doubled approximately every twelve months or improved by nearly six percent per month. Over the same time period, costs of sequencing have fallen 10,000-fold, halving approximately every 13 months. At the same time, the accuracy of gene synthesis technologies has improved significantly.
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Why not delay tissue collection until pet cloning becomes more common?
Many animal owners cannot, or are not willing to risk the loss of their pet before cloning becomes a reality. Furthermore, some experts believe that cells taken from young animals may be more responsive to cloning.
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