What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm Thursday 8am - 4:30pm Friday 8am - 4:30pm

OFA

The OFA is a not-for-profit foundation with the world's largest database of health screening results, publicly accessible online.

Please email all OFA questions and inquiries to [email protected] so that we can assist you in a timely manner.

12/18/2025

The OFA would like to share that the AKC is hosting a series of breeder oriented webinars focused on health. Join Eddie Dziuk, Chief Operating Officer of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, as he offers information on the ins and outs of testing and improving the health of our dogs. Learn how by participating in screenings with the OFA, breeders can do their best to ensure that their breeding practices yield healthy puppies.

The webinar will be hosted on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 7:00 pm (EST)

Register now: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7160560031452533340

12/12/2025

Ever hear this myth?
In reality, every new submission is first evaluated by one of our in house radiologists to ensure the image is of minimal diagnostic quality and to provide an initial grade. The case is then randomly assigned for additional readings from our consulting group of board certified veterinary radiologists. When complete, the independent evaluations are pooled to develop a final consensus grade.

12/10/2025

The Schipperke is a small, thickset, cobby, black, tailless dog, with a fox-like face. They are known to be curious & interested in everything around them. The breed earned its fame as shipboard exterminators on the canals of Belgium as they were given the nickname “schipperke,” Flemish for “little captain.”

Are you interested in this breed? The OFA, working with the Schipperke Club of America, recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock:
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
- Patellar Luxation
- Hip Dysplasia
- ACVO Eye Exam
Optional but recommended:
- Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB
- Cardiac (Basic, congenital, or advanced via a cardiologist)

Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements are issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.

For more information about the Schipperke, please visit the parent club website: https://schipperkeclubofamerica.org/
For more information about the CHIC program, check out the OFA: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/

12/08/2025

Looking to get some health clearances completed? Check out our Health Clinic Calendar to find upcoming OFA health clinics near you!

Calendar: https://ofa.org/health-clinics

12/04/2025

A dog known for its striking white coat and friendly disposition, the Samoyed traces its roots to the Samoyede peoples of Northern Siberia, where Samoyeds were bred to assist with pulling and herding and were tightly integrated into human society. They are inquisitive, quick-witted, and mischievous, remaining playful through old age.

Are you interested in this breed? The OFA, working with the Samoyed Club of America, recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock:
- Hip Dysplasia (OFA or PennHip)
- ACVO Eye Exam (Minimum of 12 months)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy DNA
- Cardiac (Basic or advanced via a cardiologist)
- Familial Enamel Hypoplasia
- RD/OSD
Optional but recommended:
- Patellar Luxation
- Elbow Dysplasia

Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements are issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.

For more information about the Samoyed, please visit the parent club website: https://www.samoyedclubofamerica.org/
For more information about the CHIC program, check out the OFA: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/

11/27/2025

This Thanksgiving, we’re thankful for all of you! Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving from the OFA🦃🍂

11/26/2025

With Hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is not making enough of a hormone called thyroxine that controls metabolism (the process of turning food into fuel). Hypothyroidism causes a wide variety of symptoms, but is often suspected in dogs that have trouble with weight gain or obesity and suffer from hair loss and skin problems. The good news is this disease isn’t life-threatening, it’s easy to diagnose with a blood test, and it’s fairly easy and inexpensive to treat.

Autoimmune thyroiditis is the most common cause of primary hypothyroidism in dogs. The marker for autoimmune thyroiditis, thyroglobulin autoantibody formation, usually occurs prior to the occurrence of clinical signs. Therefore, periodic retesting is recommended.

Check out our website for more information on hypothyroidism: https://ofa.org/diseases/thyroid/

11/13/2025

The foundation's scope continues to expand while its core mission remains the same: to improve the health of all dogs.

Check out this recent article written by Sue M. Copeland that was published in the Canine Chronicle:https://ofa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/OFA-Hips-Elbows-and-Beyond.pdf

11/12/2025

The Weimaraner is a medium-sized gray dog, with fine aristocratic features. The original Weimar Pointers appeared in the 19th century and were prized for their versatile hunting skills and remarkable character. Weimaraners should be friendly, fearless, alert and obedient.

Are you interested in this breed? The OFA, working with the Weimaraner Club of America, recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock:
- Hip Dysplasia (OFA or PennHip)
- ACVO Eye Exam
- Autoimmune thyroiditis (Minimum of 24 months)
- Hyperuricosuria
- Hypomyelination
- Spinal Dysraphism
Optional but recommended:
- Cardiac (Advanced cardiac exam)
- Elbow Dysplasia
- DNA Repository

Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements are issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.

For more information about the Weimaraner, please visit the parent club website: https://weimaranerclubofamerica.org/index.php
For more information about the CHIC program, check out the OFA: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/

11/04/2025

What is the RFGS?
The Royal Kennel Club and the University of Cambridge have devised the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS) designed to advise owners if their dog is affected by BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) and give guidance to breeders on how to lower the risk of producing affected puppies. The program has been licensed by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, and RFGS screening is available in North America.

There are a select number of veterinarians that have been approved as OFA RFGS examiners. The list will continue to grow in numbers and by geography over time, but the roll out is slow as all approved examiners must shadow under an approved examiner in a clinical setting in order to gain familiarity with the exam protocol and gain experience and proficiency in the grading scheme before becoming approved.

Learn more about the RFGS here: https://ofa.org/diseases/rfgs/

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween🎃👻

Address

2300 E Nifong
Columbia, MO
65201

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8am - 4:30pm
Friday	8am - 4:30pm

Website

http://www.ofa.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when OFA posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to OFA:

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Pet Store/pet Service in Columbia?

The Canine Health Information Center

Founded in 1966, our mission is to promote the health and welfare of companion animals through a reduction in the incidence of genetic disease through research and testing. Our website and databases provide the tools, whether you are a veterinarian, breeder, or prospective owner.

Veterinarians can help educate their clients as to best breeding practices or what health screens to look for as a prospective owner. Vets can also use OFA information to educate themselves on new clients, to understand the background of a new puppy client, for example, so as to know what health risks are possible.

Breeders can share information about their own dogs and research potential breeding mates.

Prospective owners can research breeds and common health risks, as well as potential parents, in order to pursue the healthiest offspring possible.