What Is OFA Certification? Understanding Health Testing for Dogs

By Furpi Editorial · via Soro · 8 min read

What Is the OFA?

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is an independent, non-profit organization that maintains a registry of health screenings for dogs and other animals. It was founded in 1966 and has become the gold standard for genetic and structural health testing in the dog breeding world.

Here's the key thing to understand: the OFA doesn't do the testing. Your breeder's veterinarian does. The OFA evaluates the results, assigns ratings where applicable, and — critically — publishes them in a public database .

That public database is what makes OFA powerful. When a breeder says "my dogs are OFA-tested," you don't have to take their word for it. You can go to ofa.org , search the dog's registered name or number, and see the results yourself. It's independent, third-party verification — the kind of thing that separates reputable breeders from everyone else.

What Does OFA Test For?

The OFA maintains registries for several different health screenings. Here's what each one means:

Hips

OFA hip evaluation is the most common screening. X-rays of the hip joints are submitted to the OFA, where three independent veterinary radiologists evaluate them. The hips are rated as:



• Excellent — the best conformation

• Good — normal, healthy hips

• Fair — acceptable, but borderline

• Borderline — unclear, often recommended not to breed

• Mild / Moderate / Severe Dysplasia — hip dysplasia is present

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't fit properly, leading to arthritis and pain. It's common in large breeds but affects small breeds too. Dogs with dysplasia may need expensive surgery or lifelong pain management.

Elbows

Similar to hips, but for the elbow joints. Elbow dysplasia is actually more common than many people realize in breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds. OFA rates elbows as:



• Normal

• Grade 1 / Grade 2 / Grade 3 Dysplasia

Even Grade 1 dysplasia can cause lameness and arthritis over time. Responsible breeders only breed dogs with Normal elbows.

Patellar Luxation

The kneecap (patella) slips out of its groove. Common in small breeds — Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Pomeranians, and others. OFA rates this as:



• Normal

• Grade 1 / Grade 2 / Grade 3 / Grade 4 (increasing severity)

A dog with patellar luxation may need surgery to correct it. Responsible breeders screen for this.

Cardiac

A heart evaluation, ideally performed by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist. The OFA registers the results as:



• Normal

• Equine / Congenital / Adult-onset disease (with specifics noted)

Certain breeds are prone to inherited heart conditions — subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS) in Golden Retrievers, for example. A general vet listening with a stethoscope is not equivalent to a cardiologist evaluation.

Thyroid

Some breeds are prone to autoimmune thyroiditis, which leads to hypothyroidism. OFA registers thyroid testing results. This is less commonly discussed but is part of a thorough screening program for certain breeds.

CAER Eye Certification

Formerly known as CERF, CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) is maintained through the OFA. Eye exams are performed by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and registered with the OFA. These should be done annually on breeding dogs, as some inherited eye conditions can develop over time.

OFA vs. PennHIP — What's the Difference?

You may see some breeders mention PennHIP in addition to or instead of OFA. PennHIP is a different hip screening method, developed at the University of Pennsylvania.

Here's the difference:



• OFA evaluates the shape and conformation of the hip joint — how well the ball fits in the socket. It's a subjective evaluation by three radiologists.

• PennHIP measures hip laxity — how loose the joint is. Looser joints are more likely to develop dysplasia. PennHIP uses a specific, standardized X-ray technique and a numerical measurement called the distraction index.

Neither is "better." They're different tools that provide different information. Some breeders use both for a more complete picture. The important thing is: has hip screening been done, and can you see the results?

DNA Testing vs. OFA — How They Fit Together

OFA handles structural and physical screenings (hips, elbows, heart, eyes, patellas). DNA testing handles genetic conditions — inherited diseases that specific DNA mutations cause.

These are complementary, not alternatives. A fully health-tested breeding dog should have both:



• OFA screenings for structural conditions (hips, elbows, cardiac, eyes, patellas)

• DNA tests for breed-specific genetic diseases (PRA, EIC, CNM, DM, Ichthyosis, etc.)

The OFA itself doesn't run DNA tests — those are done through labs like Embark, Wisdom Panel, Paw Print Genetics, or breed-specific DNA testing services. But OFA does maintain a DNA database where breeders can register their dogs' DNA test results, making them publicly verifiable alongside OFA structural screenings.

When a breeder says "fully health-tested," they should mean both OFA and DNA. Ask for both. Verify both.

How to Verify OFA Results

This is the part most people don't know about — and it's the most powerful tool you have as a buyer.



• Get the dog's registered name or registration number from the breeder.

• Go to ofa.org and click "Search."

• Enter the dog's name or number.

• Review the results. You'll see every OFA screening the dog has had, with dates and ratings.

If a breeder claims OFA testing but the results aren't in the database, ask why. Honest mistakes happen — a form wasn't submitted, or the dog was evaluated but not registered. But a pattern of missing results is a serious warning sign.

A reputable breeder will give you their dogs' registered names and encourage you to verify. They want you to check, because they have nothing to hide.

Why OFA Matters for Your Puppy

Here's the honest truth: health testing doesn't guarantee a healthy puppy. Genetics are complex, and some conditions can skip generations or develop despite testing.

But health testing dramatically reduces the risk of inherited disease. A breeder who tests their dogs and breeds only from dogs with good results is stacking the odds in your favor. A breeder who doesn't test is rolling the dice — and you're the one who pays, both financially and emotionally, when the dice land wrong.

The difference between a well-bred puppy and a poorly-bred one might not show up for years. But when it does — hip dysplasia at age 3, progressive blindness at age 5, a fatal heart condition at age 7 — you'll know exactly which breeder you wish you'd chosen.

How Furpi Uses OFA

At Furpi, OFA verification is a core part of our breeder review process. When a breeder joins the platform, they must submit health testing documentation. We cross-reference OFA results against the public OFA database to confirm they're real and current.

No listing goes live until verification is complete. Zero unverified listings. That's not a marketing claim — it's an enforced policy.

We do this because the OFA database exists, it's public, and there's no excuse for a breeder not to use it. If a breeder claims health testing but their results aren't verifiable, they don't get on Furpi. Period.

If you want to understand the full standard we hold breeders to, our Code of Ethics is at furpi.app/code-of-ethics .

What does OFA certified mean?

It means a dog has been evaluated by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for one or more health conditions (hips, elbows, cardiac, eyes, patellas, thyroid) and the results are registered in the OFA's public database. You can verify any dog's OFA results at ofa.org.

Is OFA testing required for breeding?

Legally, no. There are no laws requiring health testing for dog breeding in most of the United States. Ethically, yes — responsible breeders health test their dogs before breeding. The absence of a legal requirement is exactly why it's so important for buyers to demand it.

How much does OFA testing cost?

For the breeder, OFA evaluations typically cost $40–$100 per screening (hips, elbows, etc.), plus the cost of the X-rays and vet visits. DNA panels add $150–$300. For a fully health-tested breeding dog, the total can be $500–$1,500+. This is part of why well-bred puppies cost what they do.

Can a dog pass OFA and still produce puppies with health problems?

Yes. Health testing reduces risk; it doesn't eliminate it. Some conditions are polygenic (involving multiple genes), and others can develop despite clear parent testing. But a breeder who tests is doing everything currently possible to stack the odds in your favor. A breeder who doesn't test isn't even trying.

What's the difference between OFA and AKC?

The AKC (American Kennel Club) is a registry that records dog pedigrees and runs events like conformation shows. The OFA is a separate organization that registers health testing results. AKC registration says "this dog's parents are who we say they are." OFA testing says "this dog has been screened for these health conditions." They're completely different things — and AKC registration without OFA testing means very little from a health perspective.

How does Furpi use OFA?

We require breeders to submit health testing documentation, and we cross-reference OFA results against the public OFA database. If the results aren't verifiable, the breeder doesn't get listed. See our Code of Ethics at furpi.app/code-of-ethics .


Related guides: How to Find a Reputable Dog Breeder | How to Spot a Puppy Mill

Breed-specific guides: Dachshund Breeders in North Carolina | Golden Retriever Breeders in Texas | Golden Retriever Breeders in Pennsylvania | Labrador Retriever Breeders in Michigan | Labrador Retriever Breeders in Ohio | French Bulldog Breeders in Texas

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By Furpi Editorial · via Soro · 8 min read