Sending Dog Hair Samples to a Laboratory in the USA for Analysis

In our previous article, we discussed the case study of a dog with persistent allergies, mentioning hair analysis conducted in a laboratory in the USA. Here are the steps for sending the samples.

Send Dog Hair Samples to a Laboratory in the USA: Process and Precautions

Sending dog hair samples for allergen sensitivity testing, particularly when sending them to a laboratory in the USA, requires following a set of precise instructions.

Below is a summary of the steps and precautions to take in order to successfully send the hair sample while respecting customs rules and specific import requirements related to animal imports.

Several laboratories in the USA conduct these tests, but some only send collection kits and do not ship to France. The laboratory mentioned here does not send collection kits, so it is possible to send the sample yourself.

1. Preliminary Steps and Collection Instructions

Form and Shipping Invoice

First, it is imperative to complete the submission form and submit it online via the chosen laboratory’s website, such as My Pet Sensitivity. After submitting the form, a confirmation email will be sent with a shipping invoice to print. This document must be carefully cut to extract the upper-left corner containing the unique reference barcode.

Hair Sample Collection

To conduct the test, the laboratory requires a few strands of the dog's hair. The instructions specify that the sample should consist of 10 to 15 strands of hair, depending on their length:

• If the hair measures more than one inch (approximately 2.5 cm), 10 strands are sufficient.
• If the hair is shorter, it is advised to collect 10 to 15 strands. The hair should be cut as close as possible to the root and placed in a resealable bag to prevent it from getting wet or lost during transport. 

Sending the Sample

After placing the hair in the resealable bag and attaching the shipping invoice with the barcode to the bag, the sample should be placed in a secure envelope and shipped to the following address of the laboratory.

2. Adhering to Customs Rules for Importing Hair Samples

Importing animal materials, such as dog hair, to the USA is subject to strict regulations to avoid the introduction of exotic animal diseases.

According to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), dog hair can be shipped without an import permit if certain conditions are met.

The specific instructions for importing dog hair to the USA state that the sender must provide a written declaration confirming that the sample contains no other animal or poultry material, and that it has not been exposed to pathogens that could be harmful to agriculture.

Documents to Attach to the Package for Customs:

In addition to the shipping invoice, three written documents must be attached to the outside of the package to ensure smooth customs clearance in accordance with APHIS rules.

These documents must be clearly identifiable and should not be placed inside the package, but rather affixed visibly on the outside. The documents to provide are:

• A written declaration identifying the material and naming the animal species (dog, in this case).
• A declaration confirming that the material contains no other animal-derived material (other than dog hair).
• A declaration confirming that the material is not from animals exposed to harmful pathogens for U.S. agriculture.

These declarations should be clearly and concisely written in English, preferably on the sender’s letterhead (with your contact information), and should accompany the shipment to facilitate customs processing.

3. Choosing the Carrier

The dog owners chose to send the sample via UPS, as it is an American carrier. The shipping costs were also lower than with Chronopost or DHL, and the instructions are clear, which you can find here.

If you do not already have a UPS account, you will need to create one on the UPS website. Then, you can choose the shipping option that suits your needs (for example, international express or standard shipping). 

Filling Out the Commercial Invoice

A commercial invoice is required for international shipments. Here’s what to include:

• Detailed description of items: In the "Description" section, clearly indicate that it is "dog hair" and provide additional details if necessary (e.g., cleaned hair, untreated, for specific use, etc.).
• Value of goods: Declare the value of the hair. If the shipment is free or just a sample, list a symbolic value such as 1 USD or 0 USD, but specify that it is non-commercial goods.
• Origin of goods: Indicate the country of origin of the hair (e.g., France, Canada, etc.).
• Weight and quantity: Indicate the net weight of the hair and the exact quantity. This can be in grams, kilograms, or other relevant units.
• Special mentions: If needed, mention on the invoice that the hair has undergone sanitary treatment (if applicable) and specify that it does not pose any risk to public health.

4. Delivery Time for Results

Once the sample arrives at the laboratory, My Pet Sensitivity will confirm receipt of the sample via email. The results will be sent within 3 to 5 business days following the sample's arrival. You will be able to track the test process online via a dedicated portal, and you will receive the link by email.

Sending dog hair samples to a laboratory for allergen sensitivity testing in the USA requires careful preparation, both in terms of collection and the required documentation for customs.

By following the steps outlined above and providing the necessary documents, you ensure a compliant shipment with U.S. customs regulations and a swift processing of the sample to obtain reliable results on your dog’s allergic sensitivities.