The Kennel Club

I have qualified to show my dog at Crufts but live overseas, how can I enter?
In order to show your dog in the UK (and at Crufts), your dog must be already registered with the Kennel Club or you must have obtained an Authority to Compete (ATC) number from the Kennel Club.

Full details about applying for an ATC

Import - FAQs

How do I register my imported dog?
To import a dog a photocopy of a certified Export Pedigree should be sent in, unless it is a country which does not issue Export Pedigrees in which case a Three Generation Pedigree is sufficient, with the Import Application Form 4.
If the Export Pedigree or the 3 Generation Pedigree do not show the current registered owner, a copy of the Owner Registration Certificate issued by the overseas Kennel Club, showing the current owner, needs to be submitted as well.

For a dog coming from Germany an owner needs to submit a photocopy of the Ahnentafel issued by the breed club accompanied by the Annerkennung Fur Das Ausland (Export Document issued by the VDH)

I have applied to register my imported dog, can I enter any competitions while it is being processed?
If at the closing date for entries, you have applied for but not received the Kennel Club document, the dog can be entered and the name should be followed by the letters 'N.A.F' (Name Applied For).

I am importing a bitch in whelp how do I register the litter?
Bitches imported in whelp should be registered with the Kennel Club if the bitch is remaining in the UK. The litter may then be registered on a Form 1 accompanied by a certified three generation pedigree issued by the country of origin for the sire. If the bitch is returned to the country of origin without leaving quarantine after whelping, then it does not need to be registered with the Kennel Club. The Form 1 to register the litter should be accompanied by certified 3 generation pedigrees of both dam and sire from the country of origin.

Export - FAQs

I am moving overseas, and would like to register my KC registered dog with the overseas Kennel Club. What do I do?
The majority of overseas KCs with which the Kennel Club has a reciprocal agreement, require a three generation certified export pedigree and transfer of ownership certificate. However, you are advised to check with the relevant KC to find out their requirements for an imported dog. You can obtain a list of clubs with which the Kennel Club has full reciprocal agreements from the Kennel Club year book, available to buy online.

In order to obtain an export pedigree, you will need to complete an Export Application Form 13.

I am travelling to overseas and would like to take my dog with me. Please can you send me further information on travel requirements?
For further help and assistance, you will need to contact the Animal Health department within Defra. They will be able to advise you of the countries eligible for the Pet Travel Scheme. The web page address is www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm or contact via email quarantine@defra.gsi.gov.uk.

Re-Imports - FAQs

What documents do I need to include when re-importing my dog?
To re-import a dog from an overseas Kennel Club please submit a completed Re-Importation of a Dog/Bitch Form 17.
Also include the following:

• Original Export Pedigree if available
• Copy of the Owner Registration Document, issued by the overseas Kennel Club, confirming the ownership of the dog in the UK

If you have any further queries please contact us at import.export@thekennelclub.org.uk or call 0844 4633 980

Other FAQs

My bitch is registered with the Kennel Club but her litter was born in Ireland. What do I do?
If the puppies are born outside of the UK or in the Channel Islands then the litter would be considered to be outside of the Kennel Club's jurisdiction and as such should be registered with the registry body of the country where they were born.

Can I register my dog with the Kennel Club if it is living in another country (other than Ireland/Channel Islands)?
A dog can only be registered with the Kennel Club if it is resident in the UK (an ATC dog is recorded not registered). However, if a dog is living in a country where the Pet Travel Scheme is operational and is coming to the UK to take part in KC events, an Authority To Compete (ATC) number is required.

If you have any further questions on importing or exporting dogs please email import.export@thekennelclub.org.uk.