How to get papers for my dog?

There are a number of reasons a purebred dog would be ineligible for registration or the owner might choose to apply for a PAL/ILP instead of registering the dog. To list a few of the more common ones: Dog is from a rescue group or shelter. Owner never received papers from the breeder. read more

If you are the new owner of the dog and there is no PIN on the registration application, you must mail in the completed paper dog registration application in order to register your dog. When the process is complete, AKC will mail the registration certificate to the owner. read more

Purebred dog papers should also include a pedigree, which is a family tree for your dog. It shows his bloodline going back four or more generations with the registered names of all the dogs. It may also record titles the dogs have won and other information such as color and special honors. read more

If your dog has already been registered then you will need to either contact the breed registry for a copy of the papers or to transfer the papers into your name. If you do not have your dog's specific papers or registration information, you will need to contact the original breeder and have him request new paperwork from the registry for your dog. read more