Dogs typically live 6 to 15 years—far shorter than humans. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many pet owners yearn for more time with their companions. U.S. startup Embark Veterinary offers a science-backed solution to potentially add years to a dog's life.
Dog lifespans average 6 to 15 years, varying by breed, with rare exceptions like the world's oldest dog, which reached 29 in Australia. While human longevity has advanced dramatically over the past century—despite a pandemic dip—canine lifespans have stagnated.
As reported by Bloomberg on July 26, 2021, Embark Veterinary, founded in 2015 by brothers with expertise in veterinary medicine and biology, is leading the charge in dog longevity. The company recently secured $75 million from SoftBank, the Japanese powerhouse behind Boston Dynamics.
No magic pills here: Their flagship product is a $199 DNA test kit that reveals breed origins and screens for over 200 health risks.
Knowledge is power. Armed with genetic risk insights from the test, owners can tailor diets, avoid risky medications, and even make informed breeding decisions to sidestep allergies and hereditary diseases.
While the health crisis hurt many businesses, Embark thrived. CEO Ryan Boyko notes the pandemic heightened families' desire to maximize time with their dogs—fueling demand.
Scaling rapidly since 2019, Embark aims to analyze a million genomes for even more precise recommendations and expand globally.
