How to Register Your Dog

Co-authored by Beverly Ulbrich

Last Updated: October 26, 2024 References

Registering your dog is an important aspect of responsible pet ownership. There are many registries from which to choose, the most well-known being the American Kennel Club (AKC). Registering your dog with one of these esteemed organizations grants you access to educational and informational services, and allows your dog to participate in dog events and competitions.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Choosing Where to Register Your Dog

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Learn why you should register your dog. Regardless of which dog registry you are considering, it is important for you to understand the benefits of dog registration. For example, registering your dog provides valid proof that you are his owner.^{[1]
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Research source} Obtaining this proof is one of the first steps towards becoming a responsible pet owner.^{[2]
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- If your dog is purebred, registering him helps ensure that his pedigree remains intact from one generation to the next.^{[3]
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- Purebred dog registries provide other benefits, such as maintenance of birth records.^{[4]
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- You can still enjoy the benefits of dog registration even if your dog is not purebred. Registries such as the Dog Registry of America and the National Hybrid Registry accept non-purebred dogs.^{[5]
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- Remember that registration is not proof of breed quality.^{[6]
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  Research source} This is more applicable if you are looking to purchase a purebred dog, rather than registering your own.
- If you are only interested in registering your dog for proof of ownership, then getting an Identichip/microchip implanted in your dog is best. If your dog gets lost and is picked up by a rescue, the shelter will scan the chip, pick up the unique number, and be able to reunite the two of you.^{[7]
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  Beverly Ulbrich
  Certified Dog Trainer
  
  Expert Interview. 30 January 2020.}
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Determine where you want to register your dog. The three most reputable and well-known all-breed registries in North America are the AKC, the United Kennel Club, and the Canadian Kennel Club.^{[8]
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Research source} It may be helpful to start your search with these registries to determine if your dog is eligible for registration.
- The website http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/dogregistry/dogclubsregistries.htm provides a comprehensive list of dog registries for both purebred and non-purebred dogs.
- If you have a service dog, consider registering him with a service dog registry, such as the United States Service Dog Registry.^{[9]
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- Some dog breeds are so rare that they are not listed on the more common dog registries. The American Rare Breed Association has a registry for rare dog breeds (e.g., wirehaired Vizsla, miniature American shepherd).
- There are also breed-specific registries, such as the registry associated with the Australian Shepherd Club of America.^{[10]
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Avoid suspicious or non-reputable dog registries. Not all dog registries are created equal. Dog registries that primarily cater to puppy mills are not reputable and should be avoided. Also, be suspicious of dog registries that do not require a valid proof of pedigree.
- Do not use dog registries that require only a photo of your dog as proof of his pedigree.
- Reputable dog registries are non-profit organizations. Be wary of dog registries that are for-profit companies.
- Avoid dog registries that do not have a code of ethics or set of standards that registrants must follow.
- Some online registries may be especially unscrupulous by charging unreasonably high fees or disappearing after receiving your payment.^{[11]
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- Consider speaking with your veterinarian, other dog owners, or a reputable breeder for recommendations on respectable registries.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Registering Your Dog

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1
Fill out and submit the application. Although the application format itself will vary from one dog registry to another, the required information is generally the same. For example, you will need to provide your contact information and specific information about your dog (breed, name, sex, date of birth).^{[12]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

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- Other registration requirements may include information about your dog’s breeder, ^{[13]
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- Requesting the three-generation pedigree certificate will probably require additional payment.^{[15]
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  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  
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- To register your dog through the AKC, you will need to obtain the registration application from the breeder from whom you purchased your dog.^{[16]
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  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  
  Go to source}
- If you are registering your service dog, you will likely need to provide valid proof of your disability.^{[17]
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- If payment is required, be aware that your payment may be nonrefundable.
- Some dog registries will have applications that you can fill out and submit online. For others, you may have to download the application from their website and fill it out by hand.
The length of time between submitting your application and receiving your dog’s official registration certificate will vary between dog registries. For example, the registration process usually takes about three weeks for the AKC. Consider contacting the registry if its website does not provide information on when you can expect to receive the registration certification following submission of the application.
It is important to carefully read through the information on your dog’s registration certificate. Contact the registry if you notice any errors or inaccuracies on the certificate.

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Question

Can I register a pet that was a gift and came with no papers?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Yes, although consider why you wish to register the dog. If it is because you want to be able to prove ownership or be reunited if the dog is lost, then consider getting them microchipped. An ID chip is a permanent means of ID, and your contact details are logged on a central database.

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Question

Does my dog need to be neutered if I want to register him?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

No. Registration is more about proving ownership and hopefully settling any disputes should he be stolen or get lost. As such, neutering status is irrelevant.

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Question

What if you don't have information about the dog's parents?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

This will prevent you from registering a purebred dog with the AKC or UKC, but not with any number of hybrid dog registers. However, you should ask yourself: what is your motivation for registering the dog? If it is to prove ownership, then implanting an ID chip and registering the number is a legal and binding way to show that you own the dog.

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The AKC offers an alternative program called the Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) for purebred dogs who are not eligible for AKC certification.^{[18]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

Go to source} The PAL allows purebred dogs to participate in AKC events, such as agility trials and hunt tests.

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If you are interested in registering your service dog, be mindful that he should be certified as a service dog before he is registered. Oftentimes, certification is more important to a service dog’s qualifications than registration.^{[19]
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Be aware that there are no legally recognized registries for service dogs in the US. Any that claim to be an official registry are a scam.

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