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Registering your dog enables you to provide evidence of their pure lineage. It also grants them access to compete in prestigious events and exhibitions hosted by respected organizations such as the American Kennel Club. If your dog lacks official documentation or is not of purebred descent, you may be curious if registration is still possible. Fortunately, numerous organizations offer registration programs tailored to these specific scenarios. This article aims to guide you through the registration process with both the American Kennel Club and the Continental Kennel Club, whether your dog is purebred but lacks paperwork or is a mixed breed.
Registration Process Overview
Enrolling a Dog in the American Kennel Club PAL Program
Verify that your dog belongs to a breed eligible for registration on the AKC website. To enroll in this program, your dog must be of pure lineage. Visit https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/ to confirm if your dog's breed qualifies for registration with the American Kennel Club.
Ensure your dog is spayed or neutered and at least 6 months old. Meeting these criteria is necessary for AKC compliance. There are numerous advantages to having your dog spayed or neutered, one being eligibility for the PAL program. If your dog isn't, consulting your veterinarian for the procedure is advisable.
Capture images highlighting your dog's facial and bodily features. Provide 1 photograph displaying a clear frontal view of your dog's face and another showing a full side profile while standing on a flat surface (avoid grass). Submit these images along with your application. Only images adhering to these specified guidelines will be accepted.
Download and complete the PAL program application. Begin by accessing the official PAL Program application via this link: https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/PAL-revised-10.8.21.pdf
. Alternatively, request the application to be sent by mail by contacting [email protected]. Complete all sections of the application accurately, including your signature and payment details if opting to pay the $35 fee using a credit or debit card.
Submit the application, photos, and fee to AKC. Payment can be made via check or money order payable to the American Kennel Club. If using a credit or debit card, the AKC will process the payment using the details provided in your application. Mail your payment, photographs, and completed application to: The American Kennel Club/PAL, PO Box 900059, Raleigh, NC 27675-9059. Upon acceptance, your dog will qualify for AKC Companion and Performance Events, along with receiving a certificate, a subscription to AKC Family Dog magazine, a complimentary veterinary visit, and 30 days of pet insurance.
Enrolling a Dog in the CKC PAW Program
Ensure your dog meets the criteria of being an eligible breed and is at least 1 year old. To qualify for the Continental Kennel Club PAW Program, your dog must come from purebred lineage. Visit https://ckcusa.com/paweligiblebreeds/ to confirm your dog's eligibility.
Obtain signatures from 2 witnesses to verify your dog's purebred status. Without official papers, you'll require the signatures of two individuals aged 18 or above to attest to your dog's purebred status. These witnesses must provide their contact details and signatures on the registration form.
Capture 5 photographs of your dog adhering to registration standards. These images serve as proof of your dog's purebred lineage in lieu of official papers. Include a close-up profile of your dog's head, left and right side profiles, a frontal view, and a rear view. Ensure your dog occupies 75% of each photo and that they are unaltered. For detailed photo requirements, visit https://ckcusa.com/registration/canine-registration/paw-registration/.
Download and complete the PAW Program application form. Access the application at ckcusa.com/media/148652/paw-registration-application-web.pdf and furnish all requisite details, including your personal information, witness signatures, and payment details if opting to pay the $50 registration fee via credit or debit card.
Submit the application, photos, and fee to CKC. Make the payment via check or money order payable to the Continental Kennel Club and attach it to your application. Alternatively, if paying by card, the CKC will process the payment using the details provided. Mail your registration materials to: Continental Kennel Club, Inc. P.O. BOX 1628 Walker, LA 70785. Expect processing to take approximately 30 days. Upon acceptance, you'll receive a certificate of ownership, exclusive discounts from the Continental Kennel Club, and complimentary access to training resources tailored to your dog's lifecycle.
Enrolling a Dog in the AKC Canine Partners Program
Ensure your dog is a mixed breed and has been spayed/neutered. The AKC Canine Partners Program is specifically designed for mixed breed dogs. Purebred dogs may be eligible for other AKC programs such as Purebred Registration or the PAL Program. A mixed breed dog is defined as one with ancestry from two or more breeds, including intentionally bred hybrids like a Yorkipoo. However, wolf hybrids are not eligible for this program.
Complete the AKC application process. Access the online application at https://www.akc.org/register/information/canine-partners/enroll/ and fill in all required details including your and your dog's information. Alternatively, print the application from https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/CP-Listing-App.pdf and fill it manually.
Submit the application form along with the $35 fee to the AKC. Payment can be made via check or money order payable to the American Kennel Club, or through the provided debit or credit card information. Mail the application and payment to: The American Kennel Club/PAL PO Box 900059 Raleigh, NC 27675-9059. Upon acceptance, your dog will gain access to certain AKC sports and events, along with 30-day pet insurance, a complimentary veterinary visit, and enrollment in the AKC lost pet recovery program.
