How Long Do OFA Results Last? Expiration Dates for Every Test

One of the most common mistakes breeders make is assuming that passing an OFA health test once means a dog is certified for life. The reality is more nuanced — some tests are indeed permanent once passed at the qualifying age, while others expire annually and must be repeated to remain current. Knowing which is which is essential for maintaining a current health profile on your stud dog.

Tests That Are Permanent (Once Passed at Qualifying Age)

Hip Dysplasia (OFA hip evaluation): Once a dog is evaluated and passes at age 24 months or older, the result is permanent. A Labrador that received OFA Excellent hips at age 2 is considered OFA hip-certified for life. Older evaluations can be submitted, but the 24-month threshold is when certification becomes permanent.

Elbow Dysplasia: Same as hips — permanent once evaluated at 24 months+.

Cardiac (OFA cardiac exam): A passing cardiac evaluation at 12 months+ is permanent for most purposes, though some breed clubs require re-evaluation at later ages.

DNA-based tests (DM, PRA, MDR1, etc.): Permanent. A dog's DNA does not change. One test is sufficient for life.

OFA PennHIP: Permanent once submitted.

Tests That Expire Annually

CAER eye exam: Expires 12 months from the date of examination. A stud dog listed as "CAER certified" should have a certificate dated within the past year. If the certificate is more than 12 months old, the certification is lapsed.

OFA Thyroid (thyroid panel with TgAA): OFA recommends annual thyroid testing for breeds at elevated risk of autoimmune thyroiditis. A single clear result does not guarantee future thyroid health.

Brucellosis test: Not technically an OFA certification, but critical for every breeding. Must be dated within 30 days of the breeding appointment. This is required fresh for every breeding event.

Age Requirements for Permanent Certification

Most structural tests (hips, elbows, cardiac) require the dog to be at least 24 months old for the result to count as the official permanent certification. Results from younger dogs may be submitted as preliminary but are not the final certification.

How to Check if Results Are Current

Visit ofa.org and search the dog's registered name. Results show the date of evaluation. For eye exams, check that the CAER date is within the past 12 months. For hips and elbows, confirm the dog was at least 24 months at the time of evaluation.