ACA Frequently Asked Questions

1) How do I register a dog from a different registry?

You will need to send in a COPY of the front and back of your current registration certification showing your name as the owner along with a 3 generation pedigree and the processing fee. If you are transferring ownership from the previous owner listed on the registration certificate you will also need to fill in the transfer section on the back of the certificate.

2) What is a Worldwide Lost and Found Pet Tag?

It is a plastic tag for the collar of your dog with a unique number that is attached to your dog’s registration number. If someone finds your dog, they can call the 1-800 number on the tag and we can provide your contact information so they can return your dog. This service is free of charge for the life of your dog.

3) How can I get a Worldwide Lost and Found Pet Tag?

The Pet Tag is one of the benefits your dog receives as part of the registration. Once you receive your certificate you will need to contact ACA at 1-800-651-8332 to request your tag free of charge. You will receive it back in the mail within 7-10 business days.

4) What are the benefits of registering my dog with ACA?

Lifetime genetic health tracking, 24/7 Lifetime Lost & Found monitoring services with USA based live operators, Lifetime Worldwide Lost and Found Pet Tag replacements, ASK-A-TRAINER, ASK-A-VET, Dog Shows and trials, Educational Seminars, pedigree services, registration services, National Toll Free customer friendly customer support services, Star Breeder qualification and tracking, and much more.

5) How can I replace a Worldwide Lost and Found Pet Tag?

ACA registered dogs a free lifetime tag replacements if you tag is damaged or lost. You can either; call, fax or mail a request with your dog’s registration number and your contact information and address along with a payment of $3.99 for shipping and handling.

6) What is a Pedigree?

A pedigree is the family tree of your dog.  It is available in 3, 4 or 5 generations.

7) How can I order a Pedigree?

It can be ordered at the time of registration or later by phone or mail

8) How can I register my litter (new born puppies)?

You will need to fill out a Litter application and submit that to us by mail, fax or email.  You can download a litter application here.

9) How can I register a dog that has no papers?

Dogs that do not have papers cannot be registered with the ACA because we are a pure-breed only registry and require documented lineage.  However, dogs that do not have documented lineage can be registered with the International Canine Association (ICA) at www.icapets.com

10) What is the difference between ACA and ICA?

ACA certifies the pureness of the dog’s breed; ICA does not.

11) If I have an ICA pure-breed dog can it also be registered with ACA?

Only if pictures and professional evaluations have been conducted for 3 or more generation illustrating the purity of the linage.

12) What is the difference between ACA and other registries?

ACA is a service registry.  We provide different service -such as the Worldwide Lost and Found Pet Tag- during the life of your dog to help your dog and you.  ACA also tracks the genetic health of the blood lines.  ACA sanctions conformation shows, hunting events, Schutzhund trials, French Ring Trials, Drug and Bomb dog certification trials, search and rescue trials, and many more.

13) Can I register the litter and the parents at the same time?

Yes, you will need to include a copy of the completed ACA Canine Registration Form.

14) What forms of payment does ACA accept?

ACA accepts Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express, faxed checks, money orders (by mail only) and checks.

15) How do I register a litter if one or both parents are not ACA registered but are registered with a different pure-breed registry?

To register the litter, the parents do not need to be ACA registered, but do need to be registered in a pure-breed registry approved by ACA. You will need to include a copy of the current certificate and a certified 3 generation pedigree on any parent not registered with ACA. You can request to dual register your dog with ACA by checking the box on your litter application marked “Please register my non-ACA registered dog with ACA

16) How long will it take to receive my papers back?

ACA processes all requests within 48 to 72 business hours after receiving the request, and mails to you by USPS First Class Mail.  Expedited orders are also available.  For all expedited options please fee free to call ACA’s friendly customer service representatives at 1-800-651-8332.  Please Note: Some pedigrees need more research than others and may take longer to process and mail.

17) How can I acquire a duplicate of my certificate?

Yes, you can call, fax or mail a request with your dog’s registration number and your contact information along with a payment of $10.00.

18) How can I change my address in your files?

You will need to mail or fax your request on an Address Change Request Form including your old and new address and your signature along with a copy of your photo identification ie: Driver’s license, Current Military ID or Passport.  You can download the form here!

19) Can I change my dog’s registered name?

Yes, you can change the registered name of your dog.  If you want to change the name of your dog after you have received its Official Registration Certificate you will need to mark the change on the Certificate and mail it to us.  To print the form click here. A $10 processing fee will be charged for the update and a new certificate will be issued to you.  If you wish to change your dog’s name at the same time you are transferring him into your name from a previous owner, you will need to mark the change on the Certificate before submitting it to us for transfer.  There is no additional fee for this name change.

20) Which ownership section do I fill out on the registration form?

Fill out the first available section after the one the seller filled out.

21) Where can I find the Dog Show Rules?

You can find ACA Dog Show Rules at www.acarules.com

22) Is there any time limit for registering my dog or litter?

ACA has no time limit or penalty for delayed registration of your dog or litter.

23) If one of the parents is ICA can I register the litter with ACA?

ACA is a pure breed registry for canines that are proven to have 3 or more generations of lineage that have been certified by another sanctioned registry.

24) What is a star breeder?

A star breeder is a breeder that has achieved an award for completing education hours and other requirements.  For more detailed information please go to www.starbreeder.org

25) How does the microchip work?

The microchip is a passive transceiver has a unique number that is read by a microchip scanner.  That number is searched for on a database to find the contact information of the person that registered the microchip to return the dog back to that person.  The microchip is not a GPS unit so it is not possible to find the dog by searching by the microchip number only; However when your dog is turned into the Humane Society or Animal Control they will be scanned for a microchip.  If a microchip is found and you have registered your dog with ACA & the microchip company, we will be able to find the dog by searching by the microchip number.

26) How can I send my papers?

A.  You can send your papers by mail, fax or by scanning & emailing them.  You may also register your canine online if you have an ACA Canine Registration Form with a Registration Application # and Internet Access #.

          -by mail: American Canine Assocation, Inc.  PO Box 121107  Clermont, FL 34712

          -by fax: 1-800-400-1864, 352-432-5956, or 352-432-5953

          -On-line registration: http://www.acareg.com/

          -by email: registrations@acadogs.com

27) How can I contact my dog’s breeder?

Once you have registered your canine into your name in our ACA database, you can: Write a letter, addressed to the breeder, including your contact information and your canine’s registration number, and mail it to ACA.  ACA will then forward your letter to the breeder along with a letter from us requesting the breeder contact you.

28) What is a Pet ID Card?

The Pet ID Card is a type of certificate that is the size of and printed on material similar to a credit card.  You may also send us a picture of your dog to be printed on your ID Card.  The picture cannot be returned to you.  If you order the Pet ID Card when you register your canine or within 30 days of registering the price is discounted to only $5.99.  After that it may be ordered at the regular price of $8.99.

29) What does genetic health tracking mean?

Genetic health tracking means that ACA tracks the genetic health strengths and problems of ACA dogs.  If we receive veterinary documentation of a genetic defect we alert the breeder so they are aware of the problem.