The American Kennel Club's main phone number is (919) 233-9767, and their customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a nonprofit organization that maintains a registry of purebred dogs and sets breed standards. If you own a registered dog, are thinking about registering one, or have questions about dog shows, breed information, or health testing, the AKC's phone line can direct you to the right department.

Before you call, it helps to know what you need. The AKC handles dog registration, breed standards, event information, and health and genetics resources. They also manage the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC), which tracks genetic testing results for breeding dogs. Having your dog's registration number or microchip number ready will speed up your call.

Key Takeaways

  • The AKC's main phone number is (919) 233-9767, open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time.
  • You can also reach the AKC through their website at www.akc.org, which has separate contact forms for different departments like registration, events, and health information.
  • If you need to register a dog or update registration information, having your dog's microchip number or existing registration number will make the process faster.
  • The AKC also maintains a searchable database of breed clubs and local chapters on their website, which may be able to answer breed-specific questions without requiring a phone call.

What the AKC can help you with over the phone

The AKC's phone line connects you to different departments depending on your question. If you want to register a purebred dog, transfer ownership of a registered dog, or get a duplicate registration certificate, the registration department handles those requests. They can also answer questions about what documents you need to register a dog and how long the process takes.

If you are interested in dog shows, agility trials, or other AKC events, the events department can tell you which shows are happening near you and what the entry requirements are. They can also explain the difference between conformation shows (where dogs are judged on how closely they match breed standards) and performance events like agility or obedience trials.

The health and genetics department can direct you to information about genetic testing for your breed, explain what CHIC testing means, and help you understand health screening results. This is especially useful if you are thinking about breeding a dog or buying a puppy from a breeder.

Using the AKC website instead of calling

The AKC's website at www.akc.org has contact forms for different departments, which can be faster than waiting on hold. The website also has a searchable database of registered breeders, a list of upcoming dog shows by state and date, and detailed breed information pages that answer common questions without requiring a phone call.

If you need to register a dog online, you can do that through the website without calling. The online registration process walks you through what documents you need (usually a pedigree from the breeder or proof of registration with another kennel club) and lets you pay by credit card. Online registration often takes less time than mailing in a paper form.

The website also has a "Find a Breed" tool where you can look up any AKC-recognized breed and read about its size, temperament, exercise needs, and common health concerns. This is useful if you are trying to decide whether a particular breed is right for your household.

What information to have ready before you call

If you are calling about an existing registered dog, have your dog's AKC registration number ready. You can find this on your registration certificate or on any AKC paperwork you received from the breeder. If you do not have the registration number, your dog's microchip number or the breeder's name can help the AKC locate your dog's record.

If you are calling to register a dog for the first time, have the breeder's name and the dog's pedigree information ready. You will also need to know your dog's date of birth and the names and registration numbers of both parents. If your dog came from a breeder outside the United States, you may need additional documentation.

If you are calling about a specific dog show or event, have the date and location of the event ready, or be prepared to tell the AKC what type of event you are interested in and what part of the country you live in. This helps them point you to the right shows or trials.

Regional AKC offices and breed clubs

The AKC's main office is in North Carolina, but they have regional offices and affiliated breed clubs across the country. If you want to find a local breed club or a regional contact, the AKC website has a searchable directory. Local breed clubs often have their own phone numbers and can answer questions specific to your breed or region faster than the main AKC line.

Breed clubs are run by people who specialize in a particular breed and can tell you about breeders in your area, upcoming breed-specific events, and health concerns that are common in that breed. They can also connect you with other dog owners who have experience with the breed.

Common reasons people contact the AKC

Dog owners call the AKC most often to register a new dog, transfer ownership when they buy a registered dog, or get a replacement certificate if they have lost theirs. Breeders call to register litters and to ask about health testing requirements for their breed. People interested in showing dogs call to find out about upcoming shows and what the entry process looks like.

People also call to ask about breed standards, which are the official descriptions of what each breed should look like and how it should behave. If you are curious about why your breed has certain physical traits or what the breed was originally developed to do, the AKC can explain that history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register my dog if I do not have papers from the breeder?

The AKC requires proof that your dog is purebred, usually in the form of a pedigree or registration papers from the breeder. If you do not have those documents, you may be able to register your dog through the AKC Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) program, which is for dogs of unknown or unregistered parentage. Call the AKC to ask whether your dog qualifies.

How long does it take to register a dog?

Online registration usually takes a few days to a week once the AKC receives and processes your information. Paper registration by mail can take two to four weeks. The AKC can tell you the current processing time when you call or check their website.

What is the difference between AKC registration and a pedigree?

AKC registration means your dog's name and parentage are recorded in the AKC database. A pedigree is a document showing your dog's ancestors, usually going back several generations. Registration is what you need to enter your dog in AKC events; a pedigree is what you need to register your dog in the first place.

Do I need to register my dog if I am not planning to show it?

Registration is not required if you just want to own a purebred dog as a pet. However, registration can be useful if you ever want to enter your dog in AKC events, sell your dog to someone else, or breed your dog. Some people register their pets for record-keeping purposes even if they never show.

Can I call the AKC on weekends?

The AKC's main phone line is open Monday through Friday only. If you need to reach them on a weekend, you can use the contact form on their website, and they will respond during business hours.