Why register your dog with the AKC? It’s a question many people ask when they are bringing home a new puppy or grown dog. With the exception of those who have firmly set their sights on the conformation show ring and breeding the next generation of champions, the benefits of registration may not be obvious. But the benefits are plentiful – even for owners of adult dogs, including mixed breeds.
Perks for You and Your Dog
Some of the best benefits of registering your dog include complementary services and care to make sure your dog is healthy and happy. These include:
- A frameable AKC Registration Certificate and your dog’s name recorded in the AKC Registry.
- Optional registration packages that include an AKC collar tag with 24/7 lifetime recovery services, a three-generation AKC pedigree, a one-year subscription to AKC Family Dog magazine, and a dog care and training video.
- A Complimentary 30-Day Trial of AKC Pet Insurance, for newly registered puppies. Details about this special benefit will be sent to you shortly after registration.
- A certificate for a complimentary first veterinary office visit. Submit your email address when registering your new puppy and the AKC will email you a certificate for a complimentary first veterinary office visit along with a list of participating veterinarians.
Eligibility to Participate in Dog Sports
Registration opens up the world of AKC dog sports, from the wildly popular agility to lesser-known pursuits like lure coursing. Even if you don’t think you want to participate in sports now, registration will allow you to grab your show lead and your sensible shoes and head for the show ring with no delay if you change your mind in the future. Don’t forget that all dogs – including mixed breeds – can participate in dog sports (other than conformation.)
Eligibility to Earn Titles
To earn an AKC title – even Canine Good Citizen – your dog needs to be registered with the organization. Even if the idea of title has never crossed your mind, don’t rule it out. Your new puppy or dog is a blank slate, and it’s your responsibility to help him reach his full potential.
A Role in the Future of Dogs
Over the last seven years, AKC has allocated close to $30 million to fund invaluable programs for the betterment of dogs and communities. The not-for-profit AKC is the only purebred dog registry that offers these programs and services: kennel inspections, Canine Good Citizen program, public education, the Canine Health Foundation, Government Relations, among other programs. The AKC is the only purebred dog registry in the United States that maintains a systematic and sustained investigation and inspection effort. The AKC conducts thousands of inspections each year to ensure compliance with standards that support the health, safety, and welfare of dogs and the environments in which they live.
While these may not have a direct impact on your new puppy, today, they will influence health, laws, and other important factors that will play a role in your life with dogs for years to come.
To register your purebred dog, follow these step-by-step instructions.
To register your mixed-breed dog, fill out the form here.
Disclaimer
30 days of pet health insurance through AKC Pet Insurance* for newly registered puppies. Details about this special benefit will be sent to you shortly after registration.
*The AKC Pet Insurance Certificate is administered by PetPartners, Inc. and is underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company, 6100 4th Ave S., Seattle WA 98108, or Independence American Insurance Company. Activation is required. Not available in all states and only available to U.S. residents. Eligibility restrictions apply. Visit www.akcpetinsurance.com/certificate or call 1-866-725-2747 for more information or to review terms and conditions.