Being a responsible pet owner requires many responsibilities, including registering your dog. This is important to ensure that if he gets lost, you can get him back without any issues, especially with the law.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a well-known organization for registering your dog. Below are some critical points about why you need to register and how to contact your furry friend.
The importance of registering your dog.
- Registration is not proof of breed quality. If you have a purebred, registering him will ensure that his bloodline remains intact from one generation to the next. Your purebred dog will also maintain his birth records.
- If your dog is not purebred, you may register it through the Dog Registry of America and the National Hybrid Registry.
- If you want to register your dog for proof of ownership, getting an Identichip/microchip implanted in your dog is advisable. This is helpful when unfortunate events happen, like accidentally losing your dog. The chip is a big part of helping the shelter of bringing him back to you.
Determine where you want to register your dog.
- As mentioned, AKC is one of North America’s three most reputable and well-known all-breed registries. However, other registries are available for both purebred and non-purebred dogs. This website can help you look up what you are looking for: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/dogregistry/dogclubsregistries.htm.
- If you have a service dog, consider registering him with a service dog registry—the United States Service Dog Registry is an example.
- Be wary of non-reputable dog registries. Be suspicious of dog registries that do not require valid proof of pedigree, especially if they only need a photo of your dog as proof of his pedigree.
- You may also ask for recommendations from your veterinarian, other dog owners, or a reputable breeder.
Registration Process
- First, you need to fill out and submit the application. Provide your contact information and important information about your dog, such as his breed, name, sex, and date of birth.
- Others may require your dog’s breeder, photos of your dog, and a three-generation pedigree certificate.
- To register through AKC, you must get the application from the breeder you purchased your dog.
- There is a fee collected when registering your dog, and it may be non-refundable.
- Registration application forms are available from the registry website. You can download one, fill it out, and send it back to the dog registry, or, if you prefer, find out which dog registries allow applications to be made online.
- Once you have sent all the required documentation, wait for your registration certificate. For AKC, the registration process usually takes about three weeks; however, this may vary between dog registries. You may always contact the registry where you registered your dog to find out when you can expect to receive the registration certification after submitting your application.
- Once you receive your registration certificate, it is essential to check its accuracy. Carefully read your dog’s registration certificate information and contact the registry immediately if you notice any errors or inaccurate information.