Dog Gut Microbiome Study — Terms & Conditions

1. Recruitment & eligibility

Recruitment is scheduled to close on 7 October 2026, or earlier if Petsona receives enough responses.

Eligibility is assessed by Petsona against the study requirements, which may include:

• The owner’s and dog’s age
• Recent antibiotic use
• Relevant health information
• Ability to complete the required study procedures

Petsona will contact selected participants after screening.

2. Participation fee & what’s included

Selected participants who choose to proceed must pay the HK$360 participation fee. After payment, your dog receives:

• 2 dog gut microbiome tests (stated value HK$3,600)
• A HK$300 Petsona Credit
• A gut microbiome report (see below)
• Optional: an oral sample test (free of charge, no extra payment needed; see Section 9)

Reports. Every participating dog receives a gut microbiome report. When you receive it depends on your study group: some groups receive a report after Test 1 and a comparison report after Test 2, while others receive a report after both tests showing changes between the two results, with recommendations. Petsona will confirm which applies to you before you pay. The format, content and delivery method of reports are still being finalised and may change.

This offer is available only to selected participants.

3. Study groups & feeding

Petsona assigns selected dogs to study groups according to the study design. You may express interest in a group in the survey, but placement in that group is not guaranteed.

Depending on your group, the four weeks between the two tests may involve: a Petsona feeding plan (charged separately, with the price confirmed before payment; the HK$300 Petsona Credit can be used towards it; feeding instructions apply); adjustments you make yourself based on your first report; or continuing your dog’s usual diet.

4. Payment & confirmation of participation

No payment is required when submitting the survey. If selected, Petsona will send you the study information, your study group, payment instructions, sample collection and testing arrangements, and consent information. You can decide whether to proceed after receiving the full information.

You become a study participant only after payment and participation confirmation are complete.

5. Participation requirements

Participants must follow Petsona’s instructions, including:

• Providing the dog’s background and health information
• Collecting and returning stool samples (and an oral sample, if you opt in)
• Completing both required gut microbiome tests
• Completing the study questionnaires
• Following other reasonable study procedures

6. HK$300 Petsona Credit

The credit is added to your Petsona account once your HK$360 participation fee payment is confirmed. The credit:

• Is not exchangeable for cash, refundable as cash, or transferable
• Scope of use: can be used towards a Petsona subscription or the four-week study food
• Validity period: valid for one year from the date it is added to your account

7. Indicative timeline

All dates are for reference only and may change. Petsona will notify affected participants as soon as possible.

8. Voluntary participation & study changes

Participation is voluntary. If a sample cannot be used, Petsona will let you know and, where feasible, arrange a recollection.

Where reasonably necessary, Petsona may adjust the study schedule, recruitment deadline, places, participation requirements, and testing or sample collection arrangements, and will notify selected or participating owners of material changes affecting them.

9. About the gut microbiome test

The test analyses microorganisms in a stool sample to provide information about the dog’s gut microbiome. Reports are prepared by Petsona’s laboratory partner and may include indicative health-risk indicators and general nutrition suggestions. The test and report are for research, nutritional and informational purposes only. They are not a medical diagnosis and do not replace veterinary examination, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a qualified veterinarian about any health concerns.

Optional oral sample test. The test kit includes 1 green tube (for the stool sample) and 1 yellow/orange tube (for the oral sample). The oral sample test is optional. You choose whether to take part on the participant consent form, and opting out does not affect your participation in the gut test. The oral sample test kit is provided free of charge, with no extra payment needed. Petsona will tell you separately how oral results are reported. [To confirm with Novio: whether oral results appear in the report, and what to do with an unused tube]

10. Personal information & study data

Petsona will use the information you provide through the survey and the study for eligibility assessment, communicating with you, study administration, research analysis, and improving nutrition and research services.

Petsona may share study data and samples with its laboratory and research partners, including Novio, solely for this study. To prepare your report, your name, contact details and your dog’s details will also be shared with the laboratory partner. Any published or shared findings will be de-identified or aggregated.

Samples and associated materials may be kept in anonymised form for related research. All research data and samples will be securely destroyed within five years after the research project is completed, in line with applicable regulations and institutional requirements.

Information is handled under Petsona’s privacy practices and Hong Kong’s Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance. To access or correct your personal data, or for any questions, email care@petsona.com.