Kennel Club Introduces Online Registration for Imported Dogs

The Kennel Club has made it easier for owners wishing to register an imported dog, by launching an online application form on the Kennel Club website.

In order to show or compete with an imported dog in any discipline in the UK, the dog must be registered with the Kennel Club. It must also be registered before any progeny bred from it can be registered in the UK.

The new online form means that Kennel Club customers now have two options to register an imported dog, as they may still apply by post if they are unable to do so online.

In order to be eligible for registration, the imported dog would need to be registered with an appropriate overseas kennel club and in the ownership of the applicant, who must reside either within the UK, Republic of Ireland or Channel Islands.

The Kennel Club will normally accept registration for dogs from overseas countries only when the following applies:

  • The breed is recognised by the Kennel Club.
  • The Kennel Club has a reciprocal agreement with the overseas kennel club which has full membership, associate membership or contract partnership of the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale).
  • The owner and the dog are both resident at an address in the UK, Republic of Ireland or Channel Islands.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “By offering the means to register an imported dog online, we are streamlining the process and making things quicker and more convenient for owners.

“Those who are unable to apply online for whatever reason can still apply by post, but we are hoping that the new service will prove popular and far more suitable for owners, who are leading increasingly busy lives.”

In order to register an imported dog online, please visit the Kennel Club website.