Basepaws

Basepaws operates as a petcare genetics company, concentrating on the development of early detection health risk tests derived from genetic and microbiome data. The company primarily serves pet owners and veterinarians by providing tools and information for proactive health management. Its business model revolves around selling direct-to-consumer, at-home testing kits and generating revenue from these sales.

The company was founded in 2017 by Anna Skaya, a serial entrepreneur who previously co-founded MyCityDeal, which was later acquired by Groupon. Inspired by the rise of human genetic testing and a notable lack of similar options for felines, Skaya launched Basepaws to cater to the underserved cat market, dubbing it the "23andMeow". A significant milestone was the company's appearance on "Shark Tank" in 2019, where Skaya secured a $250,000 joint investment from Kevin O’Leary and Robert Herjavec. This exposure dramatically increased sales and visibility. A pivotal moment in the company's history occurred in June 2022, when it was acquired by Zoetis, a global leader in animal health, for a sum reported to be over $50 million. Skaya has remained with the company post-acquisition to guide its integration and growth within Zoetis.

Basepaws offers a range of at-home test kits for both cats and, more recently, dogs. The process involves the pet owner collecting a simple cheek swab or fur sample, mailing it to the Basepaws lab, and receiving a detailed digital report within four to six weeks. The flagship "Breed + Health DNA Test" for cats provides a breed breakdown analysis against more than 21 breed types, screens for over 65 genetic health markers linked to potential diseases, and identifies over 50 genetic traits. The company also offers a specific "Oral Health Test" to identify markers for dental diseases like periodontal disease and tooth resorption. For a more in-depth analysis, a "Whole Genome Sequencing" (WGS) test is available. A key benefit is that the data contributes to one of the world's largest feline genomic and oral microbiome databases, which aids ongoing research and product development for the entire pet community.

Keywords: pet genetics, cat DNA test, dog DNA test, animal health, pet wellness, genetic screening for pets, microbiome testing, proactive pet care, Anna Skaya, Zoetis, Shark Tank, feline health, canine health, at-home pet testing, pet disease detection, breed identification, genetic health markers, veterinary diagnostics, pet technology, animal genetics research