“The mission of the OFA is to promote the health and welfare of companion animals through a reduction in the incidence of genetic disease.”

Objectives

• To collate and disseminate information concerning orthopedic and genetic diseases of animals.

• To advise, encourage and establish control programs to lower the incidence of orthopedic and genetic diseases.

• To encourage and finance research in orthopedic and genetic disease in animals.

• To receive funds and make grants to carry out these objectives.

The OFA Databases

The OFA databases are central to the organization’s objective of establishing control programs to lower the incidence of inherited disease. They serve all breeds of dogs and cats, and provide breeders a means to respond to the challenge of improving the genetic health of their breed through better breeding practices. The OFA databases are expanded as more tests become available.

The CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) database is a tool that collects health information on individual animals from multiple sources. This centralized pool of data is maintained to assist breeders in making more informed breeding choices, and for scientists in conducting research. The CHIC program is breed-specific. In order to be in this database, a dog must be CHIC Certified.

Canine Health Information Center

The OFA created the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) by partnering with participating parent clubs to research and maintain information on the health issues prevalent in specific breeds. We’ve established a recommended protocol for breed-specific health screenings. Dogs tested in accordance with that protocol are recognized with a CHIC number and certification.