Introduction
USA Dog Registration LLC is an American company that provides registration services for purebred dogs in the United States. They offer registration papers and pedigrees for over 175 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
According to their website, USA Dog Registration has been providing registry services since 2000. They claim to maintain one of the largest dog breed databases in the country with over 2.5 million dogs registered.
The company states that their registration can be used for breeding, showing in conformation events, obtaining pet insurance, traveling with dogs, and more. However, it is important to note that USA Dog Registration is not affiliated with or endorsed by the AKC.
Background
USA Dog Registration was founded in 1984 as a dog registration organization based in the United States. According to their website, “USA Dog Registration provides professional registration services for all breeds of dogs in the United States” (Source). As a non-profit organization, they aim to maintain accurate dog registration records and support responsible dog ownership. Their services help connect breeders, owners, and dogs across the country.
USA Dog Registration has been around for over 35 years, longer than some other popular dog registries like the International Canine Association (ICA) which was founded in 1991. They pride themselves on their passion for dogs and commitment to reliable services. While not as large as the American Kennel Club (AKC), USA Dog Registration provides an alternative for breeders and owners seeking purebred registration in the US.
Registration Process
To register your dog with USA Dog Registration, you first need to fill out an online application or submit a paper application by mail. The application will ask for your contact information, your dog’s name, breed, gender, microchip number if applicable, and date of birth.
You’ll need to provide a copy of your dog’s pedigree if available or write “unknown” for mixed breed dogs. There is a fee to process the registration that can be paid online or mailed in with the paper application. Adult dogs can be registered if their pedigree is verifiable.
Once USA Dog Registration receives your completed application and payment, they will mail you the official registration certificate within 7-10 business days. Your dog will be issued a unique 9 digit registration number that can be used for identification.
Benefits
There are several potential benefits to registering your dog with USA Dog Registration according to their website (https://www.usadogregistration.com/Blog.aspx?PostId=10). Registration provides proof of ownership and identification for your dog. If your dog gets lost and is found, the registration tag will display your contact information so you can be reunited. Registration also allows you to get a pedigree certificate to verify your dog’s ancestry. Some homeowners insurance providers offer discounts if you can prove your dog is properly registered and identified. There are also certain legal benefits – registered emotional support and service dogs have enhanced access rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Additionally, some cities require dog registration, so registering through a national company like USA Dog Registration can simplify the process if you travel or move between different areas.
Cost
The cost to register a dog with USA Dog Registration is $35. This is a one-time fee that covers lifetime registration for that particular dog. Payment can be made online via credit card when submitting the registration application through their website. Alternatively, the registration form can be printed and mailed in along with a check or money order made payable to “USA Dog Registration.”
Compared to other dog registries, the $35 fee charged by USA Dog Registration is very reasonable. For example, the American Kennel Club charges $35 just for initial registration of a dog, plus additional fees for any events, titles, or pedigree services. So the single flat rate from USA Dog Registration for lifetime registration is quite affordable.
Here are the complete registration costs according to the USA Dog Registration website (https://www.germanshepherddog.com/individual-dog-registration-form/):
Individual Dog Registration Fee: $35
Legitimacy
USA Dog Registration is a legitimate company that provides registration services for purebred dogs in the United States. They are not affiliated with major kennel clubs like the AKC or UKC, but operate as an independent registry.
The company has been in business since 2000 and has registered over 500,000 dogs according to their website (https://www.usadogregistration.com/). They provide registration certificates and pedigrees for breeds recognized by major kennel clubs.
While USA Dog Registration is not as prestigious as AKC registration, they appear to be a valid registry option for breeders and owners looking for an affordable alternative. Their registration process includes verification of purebred status. Customers report receiving registration materials as advertised.
Some concerns have been raised about lack of oversight and verification compared to major registries. But USA Dog Registration maintains they follow high standards and have helped thousands of dog owners obtain valid documentation. Reviews are generally positive.
In summary, USA Dog Registration does provide a real service as an independent dog registry in the US. They are not a scam and offer a legitimate, if less rigorous, registration option compared to AKC and other prominent kennel clubs.
Reviews
Overall, customer reviews of USA Dog Registration are mixed. On sites like SiteJabber, many customers complain of poor customer service and long delays in receiving registration paperwork after payment. Some describe the service as a “scam” and warn others not to use it.
However, there are also some positive reviews from customers who say the registration process was smooth and they received their paperwork and ID tags in a timely manner. A few mention having good experiences working with customer service to fix any issues.
On the USA Dog Registration Facebook page, the company seems to respond promptly to complaints and resolve issues for dissatisfied customers. But the volume of negative reviews there indicates inconsistent service.
While some appear to have had no problems using USA Dog Registration, the prevalence of complaints suggests buyers should research carefully before purchasing. Checking alternate services and verifying promised timelines may be wise steps before registering a dog through this company.
Alternatives
While USA Dog Registration is one of the largest dog registries in the country, there are several other options dog owners can consider for registering their pets. Some popular alternatives include:
AKC Dog Registration – The American Kennel Club offers registration services for purebred dogs. The AKC maintains a searchable database of purebred dog pedigrees and offers various events and titles dogs can earn.
Local Municipal Registration – Many cities and counties require dog registration and licenses. These help reunite lost pets with owners and ensure rabies vaccinations are up to date.
International Kennel Clubs – For owners with purebred dogs, registering with breed-specific clubs can provide pedigree verification and entry into dog shows and trials.
Overall, dog owners should research their options to find the best fit based on their needs and priorities, whether that’s competitions, reunification services, verified pedigrees, etc.
Summary
In conclusion, USA Dog Registration seems to provide a legitimate service for dog owners looking to register their pets. The registration process is straightforward and allows you to get an official registration certificate and ID tags for your dog. The cost is reasonable compared to some alternatives. While there are some mixed reviews online, this appears to be a legitimate company that provides the benefits of registration at a fair price.
Overall, USA Dog Registration is a good option to consider if you want to get your dog registered. The registration can provide peace of mind in case your dog is ever lost and help prove you are the legal owner. Just be sure to closely review the package options to understand exactly what is included before registering.
Resources
Here are some useful links for further research on USA Dog Registration: