FAQ
Questions and Answers:
Are all ICSB Centers the same?
We are the main office of ICSB located in Oregon which has developed and been the sole owner of the proprietary technology of ICSB's unique semen freezing and media. We have licensed centers across the country and internationally as well. All ICSB centers are trained by ICSB and required to use ICSB media, freezing technology and products exclusively. However, it is important to know that there are other veterinarians and technicians in facilities with the ICSB-trained representatives. Please always ask to make sure they are using ICSB products and methods on your dog to ensure that you get the optimal semen quality with your stud dog. Each ICSB center is independent in its billing, client, and facility setup. You will need to contact the center that you had your dog collected at in order to access your records.
Please refer to our ICSB Centers tab for their contact information.
Do you sell canine semen?
We do not sell the semen we have stored here unless the stud/semen owner has enrolled in our Stud Dog Database and has agreed to advertise their stud services. ICSB greatly values our client's privacy and confidentiality and will never give out personal information or advertise semen that has not enrolled in the database.
If you do not find what you're looking for on our database, others that wish to sell their canine semen typically do so through their own breeding websites, Facebook groups or by word-of-mouth at dog shows. AKC's Club List is another good resource for connecting with other breeders.
Interested in enrolling in our database to advertise your stud services? Please see Add Listing on the Stud Dog Database page for more information.
What are the advantages of frozen semen?
Frozen semen allows domestic and international distribution of genetics and is far more economical and convenient than shipping the dogs themselves. This has valid application for all breeds where in-breeding coefficients are high in certain countries. Canine owners prefer the convenience of frozen semen over the necessity of always being on call for fresh or chilled semen collections or live breedings, especially if their canine has a competitive career or experienced collection facilities are not available close to their home. Many canine owners simply use frozen semen as an insurance policy in case their canine dies or is injured such that he can’t be collected for fresh or chilled semen or do a live cover. Since the frozen semen is shipped in dry shippers that can maintain temperature for 7-10 days, canine owners like the advantage of being able to order the frozen semen ahead of schedule so it is on hand and readily available at the time of ovulation.
How much does it cost to have my dog's semen frozen?
The base fee is $521* for up to 4 vials stored. The way the charges breakdown is as follows: $68 file set up for a new dog, $103 for the first-year storage, and $350 for the collection and processing. If the dog produces more than 4 vials, each additional vial is $89 per vial if you choose to keep.
If you do not want to pay for the additional vials, they will be absorbed into the collection as part of the 4 vials. Once it has been decided that you only want 4 vials, it is important to know that they cannot be divided back out.
The yearly storage fee covers up to 30 vials, if an additional canister is needed, the fee is an additional $90/year for 30 more vials.
The storage fee is billed annually, and you will receive an invoice via mail and email.
Discounted Freeze Attempt - 40% Off Collection and Processing Fee**. If the sample does not meet the requirements for freezing, we will cease processing which incurs a fee of $146. If the sample shows potential for yielding a viable breeding unit, we will proceed with the freezing process. However, if the semen does not meet the requirements necessary for storing a breeding unit, the Collection and Processing Fee will be discounted 40% and charged. Please note that ICSB cannot guarantee the outcome of processing any sample.
Please see our Service Guide under Semen Collection and Freeze for more information.
How do you collect the dog?
Manual collecting is painless and most of the time enjoyable for the dog. Most studs do not need a teaser bitch to collect and we use scent rags from bitches that come into the office during their heat cycle. If you have a teaser bitch you'd like to bring, we would place her in front of the male being collected to promote a more “natural” breeding environment. This can help focus the stud and he may be more willing to collect and be more comfortable in the situation.
You may be asked to hold your stud and protect our technician if necessary. Please disclose any behavior issues or bring a muzzle if you know your dog has any anxiety or issues with strangers, veterinarians, being touched in various areas, or with other dogs. The collection is a manual collection. The bulbus glandis is stimulated and the ejaculate is generally obtained within minutes. The penis is never stimulated. The manual collection is intended to simulate a natural tie.
We collect the first and second fraction of the ejaculate. The third fraction is a clear prostatic fluid that the dog will continue to ejaculate for a few minutes after the collection has finished. It is normal for the dog to continue ejaculating and the penis to be engorged for a period of time. Eventually, sometimes within seconds, sometimes extended minutes, the bulbus and penis will soften and retract back up into the sheath.
What do I need to bring to my freeze appointment?
- Appropriate Form: New Dog Authorization and Agreement Form for a first-time collection or if stud is not currently at our facility. Repeat Authorization Form if the stud’s semen has been collected and is currently stored at our facility.
- A copy of your stud’s registration certificate (if registered)
- AKC DNA profile number if applicable (all registered AKC dogs must have DNA done in order to register litters produced from frozen semen)
- See AKC's DNA Profile Program
- The DNA profile number does not have to be provided for the stud to be collected but you will need to have it before you register a litter with the frozen semen
- (optional) ICSB takes swabs from in-season females that come into the office for AI's to be used as a scent swab for studs during collection appointments but if you have access to a live teaser, you are more than welcomed to bring her.
In the days leading up to a collection for freeze appointment it is important to ensure the stud is well hydrated and rested. The stud should not be bred or collected at least 24 hours before the appointment.
What if I have other dogs stored with you?
If you have other dogs with us, you will receive a multi-dog discount on your bill at the time of the freeze collection. Also, your cost for storage will be prorated so that you will receive all of your dogs' storage in one billing.
If you have six or more studs stored in your account, the 6th dog's storage is free.
What can be done if my stud passes unexpectedly?
Epididymal Harvesting allows us to extract the sperm cells from your dog’s testes and freeze them for later use. By using this exclusive technology, you can continue your breeding program from remote locations and ship your dog’s testes after neutering or an unforeseen event.
Always call ICSB at 503-663-7031 before the neuter to ensure we are available to process. See our Epi Kit Instructions for sending the testes over to us and the appropriate Authorization and Agreement Form (New Dog or Repeat) needed to process the testes. If need be, you can send the form via email. We recommend sending the testes to us for overnight delivery between 9am-12:30pm Monday-Friday* right after the stud has been neutered. In case of emergency, never freeze the testes nor stud, keep refrigerated if possible.
We always recommend purchasing our Epi Kit but if there is not enough time, we recommend sending testes in a Styrofoam cooler encased in cardboard (for protection during shipping). Inside that Styrofoam cooler, place a frozen ice pack at the bottom. On top of the ice pack, place a layer of 1/2-inch of (news)paper so that the testes cannot touch the ice pack. Place the testes inside a Ziploc bag and place the bag on the layer of paper. Stuff the rest of the space in that box with crumpled paper so that the layers do not mix. It is crucial that the testes do not touch the ice pack; if they do, the semen will die, and we will be unable to successfully freeze from it.
A breakdown of the costs for an epididymal harvest and freeze are as follows:
Epididymal Harvest and Processing: $207
Processing (for up to 4 vials): $350
(each additional vial at a one-time processing fee of $89 per vial)
File Preparation: $68
First Year of Storage: $103
Total Base Freeze Fee: $728***If no sperm are found during the harvest, only the $207 Epididymal Harvest Processing fee will apply. If sperm are harvested, but the freezing process is unsuccessful, the $207 Epididymal Harvest Processing fee will apply, and the $350 Freezing Fee will be discounted by 40%.** Please note that ICSB cannot guarantee the outcome of processing or freezing any sample.
If you would like us to return the specimen/testes, we kindly ask for advance notice and either a provided return label or authorization/payment for us to generate one. Please note that we are unable to retrieve the specimen from our biohazard waste, so advance notification is necessary if you wish to keep it. Prompt handling and return of the specimen is crucial to prevent decomposition.
*Weekend availability is sometimes possible, but please inquire before the neuter!
How many vials per insemination?
One vial is one insemination/breeding unit. Each vial is packaged with enough live, motile, normal sperm cells for one insemination. It is important to know that additional vials does not necessarily increase your chance of success. ICSB is very careful to do a test thaw before the semen is put into deep storage. This test thaw is to see how the semen recovered AFTER the freezing process. This information is what aids us in packaging each vial optimally.
How many vials do you get from a collection?
In general, we are able to obtain 2-4 vials/breeding units from one collection, but it varies greatly from stud to stud. We can get anywhere from nothing to as high as 8-10 vials.
There is no way to tell how much a collection will yield during the collection process, a full analysis and evaluation needs to be done to account for abnormalities, count/concentration and post-thaw motility.
How long can frozen semen last?
Frozen semen can last indefinitely shown by research done in the bovine industry that suggests frozen bull semen can last more than 10,000 years. Frozen canine semen is presumed to have the same storage expectancy. ICSB has had many litters from 30+ year old semen and we're the first in the industry to produce a litter from frozen semen over 50 years ago.
The semen is carefully stored in liquid nitrogen tanks at -196°C/-321°F. At that temperature, all biological activity is significantly slowed down, essentially allowing the sperm cells to last indefinitely. ICSB consistently monitors the liquid nitrogen levels in our storage tanks to ensure semen is stored at the correct temperature. Since the tanks do not require electricity, there is no fear of tank failure due to power outages.
It is important to note that semen is a living organism that, even when frozen, deteriorates over time. Sperm cells will eventually cease living, but no one knows or can predict when this will occur, and it can vary from dog to dog. Due to this scientific fact, the quality of frozen semen may not stay the same over time. In most cases the quality will remain the same at the time of freeze and when it is thawed later on for an insemination. However, it is possible for the semen quality to degrade over time.
If you would like to know the current quality of the semen, we suggest running a post thaw retest to check the current post-thaw motility rate. ICSB only needs a small amount of the semen and can pull out the necessary amount without thawing the entire vial in most cases. If it is lower than original post-thaw motility rate, we would recommend repackaging the vials to account for the decrease in quality. To run this test, complete and return the Post-Thaw Retest Authorization Form .
Is the semen frozen right away?
The collection typically take 10-15 minutes and then you are free to go after your stud retracts his penis. The evaluating and freezing process of the semen is done on-site at our office and at shows. The complete process generally takes about one hour. Results will be emailed to you within 1-3 business days.
Do you freeze if the semen is not good?
If the sample does not meet the required quality for freezing, we will cease processing at the evaluation stage, which incurs a fee of $146. If the sample shows potential for yielding a viable breeding unit, we will proceed with the freezing process. However, if the post-thaw quality does not meet the standards necessary for storing a breeding unit, the Collection, Evaluation, and Processing Fee will be discounted 40% and charged. Please note that ICSB cannot guarantee the outcome of processing any sample.
ICSB prides itself in offering our clients the best quality service that is backed by utilized research. If we don’t feel the semen is good enough to represent our 50 years of quality, we will let you know.
If the semen is low quality, we can make recommendations on how to improve the quality or recommend additional testing.
Why would you not freeze the semen?
If the initial motility is too low, high abnormalities, presence of white blood cells, unusual or high amounts of debris that inhibit the semen, and low count.
If ICSB sees these issues, we can make recommendations on how to improve the stud's quality or offer additional testing.
Will you charge me if my stud's semen is not good enough to freeze?
We will collect your dog and evaluate the semen. If there is no sperm present or it is an extremely small amount, and a full analysis is not done the fee is $94 for the collection.
If there is enough sperm present, but if the sample does not meet the required quality for freezing, we will cease processing at the evaluation stage, which incurs a fee of $146. If the sample shows potential for yielding a viable breeding unit, we will proceed with the freezing process. However, if the post-thaw quality does not meet the standards necessary for storing a breeding unit, the Collection, Evaluation, and Processing Fee will be discounted 40% and charged. Please note that ICSB cannot guarantee the outcome of processing any sample.
Why would my dog produce bad quality semen?
There are many variables involved in semen quality. It can range from age, diet, environment, health, genetics, injuries, infections, mental health, breed, medications, and physiology…and on and on. There is often a way to improve and correct semen quality issues, we will guide you to discuss these issues with you to provide recommendations.
What if my stud has failed to sire a litter?
If his semen quantity and quality is good, the bitches are healthy and proven, but breeding with the semen still misses we may recommend running an Acrosome Integrity test on the semen. We collect the sample and send it off for testing. The test determines if the acrosome on the sperm cap is functioning normally, by releasing the enzyme Hyaluronidase to dissolve the zona pellucida that surrounds the egg. If the acrosome is not functioning correctly, then the sperm cell is infertile. The cost for this test is $392.
Make and in-office appointment and fill out our Service Authorization Form.
Do you know of any supplements for my male or female?
We offer our supplement line named CF-Plus which includes our CF-Plus Advanced Small Breed, CF-Plus Advanced Large Breed, and CF-Plus Prenatal.
These supplements cannot correct any issues that need to be addressed by a veterinarian, such as infections in the reproductive tract.
- 450 tablets, dosed at 1 tablet per 15lbs daily
- formulated to help facilitate the proximal, or distal, droplets of immature sperm cells, an abnormal morphology of sperm
- 270 tablets, dosed at 1 tablet per 30lbs daily
- formulated to help facilitate the proximal, or distal, droplets of immature sperm cells, an abnormal morphology of sperm
- 90 tablets, dosed at 1 tablet per 40lbs daily
- support for gestation, delivery, and weaning
Orders can be placed here.
What is the difference between a Release and a Transfer?
A Transfer of Ownership Form transfers full ownership of the semen. This form must be signed and dated by an owner of the frozen semen. This makes the recipient the legal owner of the semen and they will be the one to sign off on the litter application when a litter is produced from the semen. We will set up an account for the new owner, and each Transfer (per stud) incurs a $89 transfer fee and their own annual storage fee ($103 vials or $122 straws). The new semen owner will then need to complete a Release Form to send or use the semen.
A Frozen Semen Release Authorization Form is mainly used for shipping. This keeps the current semen owner as the legal owner of the semen and requires one semen owner to sign off. They are releasing the semen for the desired breeding as listed on the release to a recipient/bitch owner. When a litter is produced, the semen owner will have to sign off on the litter registration, not the recipient/bitch owner.
What is the difference between the Puppy Pak and Cryo Kit?
Our Puppy Pak is our fresh-chilled shipping kit intended for insemination. The Puppy Pak comes with our PDV-06 media/extender, a disposable collection kit to collect the stud and all the packing materials you'll need. Our Puppy Pak is easy to use at home or at your veterinarian's office. ICSB Puppy Paks are reusable. No need to buy an entire new kit each time, all you need to order is the replacement media and disposable collection kit.
Our Cryo Kit is our fresh-chilled shipping kit intended to be shipped back to us for freezing. The Cryo Kit comes with our extender/media (different than the PDV-06), a disposable collection kit and all the packing material you'll need. You or your veterinarian can do the collection and ship the sample back to us for arrival Monday through Friday and we can freeze the sample from there. For best success the collection should be collected and shipped the same day for overnight delivery (est. arrival time before 12:30pm but no earlier than 9am). Always ship to our physical address, NEVER TO THE PO BOX and please call us before the collection to ensure we will be in the office to process the kit. For most studs we are able to obtain the same amount of vials using our Cryo Kit and an in-office appointment.
Orders can be placed here, please note that both medias are egg-based and must be shipped to you for either overnight or 2-day delivery to remain viable. The medias must be stored and placed in the freezer upon receival, recommend use within 6 months of ship date.
What type of artificial insemination methods are there?
There are three different types of artificial insemination methods: vaginal, transcervial and surgical insemination.
Vaginal Insemination: the semen is deposited inside the vaginal canal with an insemination rod. Vaginal inseminations are most frequently used with fresh collected or fresh-chilled semen. Vaginal inseminations with frozen semen have a lower success rate than TCI or surgical, however some clients still choose to use their semen this way. The female's hindquarters are normally elevated for 5-10 minutes after insemination to allow the semen to pass through the cervix.
Transcervical Insemination (TCI): an endoscope is used to travel through the vaginal canal and visualize the cervix. A flexible catheter is used to penetrate the cervix and deposit the semen directly into the uterus. This method can be used with fresh-collected, fresh-chilled, or frozen semen. TCI can be less taxing on the bitch than a surgical insemination, and studies show no significant difference in success rates compared to a surgical insemination. Progesterone testing is typically recommended with this procedure.
Surgical Insemination (Implant): this method is performed under general anesthesia. A small incision is made in the abdominal wall, and the uterine body and horns are then exposed and pulled forward. A small needle/catheter is placed, and the semen is then directly deposited into each uterine horn. This method can be used with fresh-collected, fresh-chilled or frozen semen. When used in combination with progesterone timing, the success rate of conception is very high.
To maximize the chances of a successful AI, we highly recommend progesterone testing combined with vaginal cytology testing. This offers us the best "window of insemination" wherein the largest number of eggs are available for the semen to fertilize. This can help to estimate the optimal insemination day(s), thereby increasing your chances of success and saving you time and money. ICSB offers progesterone testing and vaginal exfoliative cytology testing in our facility. Lack of testing is shown to significantly decrease your chances of success and, if successful, it may still decrease your litter size, therefore we highly encourage testing before insemination.
What type of insemination method should I use?
| Type of Semen | Vaginal | TCI | Surgical |
| Fresh-collected | X | X | X |
| Fresh-chilled | X | X | X |
| Frozen | X | X |
Frozen semen does not last as long as fresh-collected or fresh-chilled semen once thawed. The semen is deposited outside of the cervix, in the vaginal canal with vaginal inseminations, so the sperm cells must travel farther than with the other two insemination methods. For that reason, we do not recommend frozen semen with vaginal inseminations.
Vaginal inseminations are recommended to be used with fresh-collected or fresh-chilled semen. We recommend two vaginal inseminations, the first one being 1-2 days post-ovulation and the second being 3 days post-ovulation.
A surgical insemination requires one vial/breeding unit and is typically performed 3-4 days post ovulation.
For transcervical inseminations (TCI) we recommend two inseminations 2-4 days post ovulation dependent on their individual progesterone level and the type of semen. For TCI’s performed at our office in Gladstone, we require progesterone testing to schedule the most accurate insemination days.
To maximize the chances of a successful AI, we highly recommend progesterone testing combined with vaginal cytology testing. This offers us the best "window of insemination" wherein the largest number of eggs are available for the semen to fertilize. This can help to estimate the optimal insemination day(s), thereby increasing your chances of success and saving you time and money. ICSB offers progesterone testing and vaginal exfoliative cytology testing in our facility. Lack of testing is shown to significantly decrease your chances of success and, if successful, it may still decrease your litter size, therefore we highly encourage testing before insemination.
Do you have a list of recommended inseminators?
Please email us at contact@icsb.com or write us a message under our Contact tab and we can provide you with a list of inseminators that have been recommended to us.
The Society for Theriogenology is also a great resource.
How do I check on how much I have stored?
Please email us at contact@icsb.com with the name on the account and the name of the stud(s) you want inventoried. Your inventory will be emailed to you within 1-3 business days.
How old does my dog have to be to have him collected?
AKC states that a dog needs to be 7 months to 12 years. Most studs are ready by one years old.
How do you ship frozen semen?
The semen is shipped in a liquid nitrogen charged dry shipper. The semen is kept in a deep freeze of -196ºC. There is no alternative to shipping in this container. We ship though FedEx or UPS and do not use personal or business shipping accounts, as it does not allow us to have access to the information we need if the shipment is lost or delayed.
We ship our tanks for either overnight or 2-day delivery (ground delivery is offered if estimated delivery time is no longer than 2 days). The tank rental for domestic shipments is for 1 week and non-refundable.
The dry shipper is charged to last 7-10 days before needing to be re-filled with liquid nitrogen.
Proper tank handling instructions are included with every semen shipment for the recipient. It is important to keep the tank upright and capped in a temperature-moderated room away from heat sources.
How do I use or release my dog's semen?
See our Procedures For Utilizing Frozen Semen for a step-by-step list. In order to release semen, the account must be current with no balance. Before semen can be released, you will need to fill out the Frozen Semen Release Authorization Form . Please ensure you are filling out the most current form as we have updated it over the years.
This Release Form is critical in order to start the process. NO SEMEN LEAVES OUR FACILITY WITHOUT A SIGNED SEMEN RELEASE FORM by the semen owner. We recommend sending in the Release Form as soon as the female comes into heat, please fill it out and send it to the contact information at the top of the form.
It is always best to ship earlier in the week in case of shipping delays, Saturday delivery is not available to all locations. Please note that we do not ship over the weekend, nor are available to schedule shipments on the weekend. We ship through FedEx and UPS.
Please note there will be Stat Fees issued to releases that are received and needing to be released without proper notice. Same day notice is an additional $141; 1 business day notice is $110. Notice is given when we receive the completed Release Form, we can ship 2 business days after we receive the Release Form without a Stat Fee.
How much does it cost to ship frozen semen domestically?
Semen Preparation (for up to 4 vials per stud, every additional group of up to 4 vials additional $30): $172
One Week Non-Refundable Tank Rental: $120
Total $292*+ plus delivery and return shipping
The shipping costs are dependent on where it is shipping to and how quickly it needs to be there, you can contact us for an estimate with the destination zip code. The total for a typical shipment within the United States ranges between $500 - $1800. This includes the outgoing shipping cost, a return label to have the tank sent back to us, the tank rental fee and semen preparation fee.
The fees will be charged to the credit card on the Frozen Semen Release Authorization Form. The semen owner or the bitch owner can pay for these fees. These shipping costs are subject to change on a daily basis as UPS and FedEx are constantly updating their rates.
*Does not include Stat Fees
Do you ship internationally?
Many countries have specific and sometimes complex requirements for the import of canine semen, including import permits, health certificates, and occasionally additional testing or documentation. Gathering this information can take time, as not all countries make their requirements readily available.
To move forward with reviewing your request, please complete our linked Export Request Authorization Form. This allows us to collect the details needed to begin the research and coordination process. We're unable to proceed with feasibility review or provide estimates until the form has been submitted.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to reviewing your request once we receive the completed form.
Can I import semen and store it with you?
Thank you for your inquiry to import frozen canine semen into the U.S.
Import requirements have changed recently. The USDA now treats semen as a live animal, which means documentation requirements are stricter and enforcement can vary by port of entry. In some cases, shipments without proper paperwork may be immediately returned or require additional USDA forms (such as Guideline Statement 1120). Requirements can shift as USDA processes evolve, so it’s best to verify details in advance.
You can use this USDA site to check the specific requirements for imports by country and commodity: https://efile.aphis.usda.gov/s/vs-permitting-assistant?appId=a61SJ00000VHlgcYAD
We've noticed that it helps to ensure the exporter includes the following information:
- The species and use, such as: "frozen canine semen to be used for canine artificial inseminations for breeding purposes"
- The name and complete address of the place that collected the specimen for export
Please note, import delays have been reported, as it seems that customs processing times are taking longer than usual. This may be partly due to recent changes in U.S. import policies and tariffs, which have created additional bottlenecks in the customs process, especially with perishable and regulated shipments. If possible, we strongly recommend submitting the shipment documents to the courier in advance to facilitate pre-clearance.
We are here Monday through Friday for intakes. Please have the semen storage facility ship to:
ICSB
430 West Arlington Street
Gladstone, OR 97027
503-663-7031
To store with us, we will need the following:
- Commercial invoice and import documents ahead of shipment for ICSB to review
- Also send to the courier ahead for pre-clearance
- Notice when the semen is to arrive, preferably with the tracking number
- Prepaid return label and customs documents to return the tank.
- Signed Semen Intake Authorization and Agreement Form (attached & linked)
- Clear ownership paperwork (if needed, attached & linked is our Transfer of Ownership)
- Thawing instructions
- Thaw media
- Semen quality report
- The stud's registration certificate
- The stud's third generation pedigree (optional, but recommended, as this is required for many Registries to register litters produced)
- The stud's DNA profile (optional, but recommended, as this is required for many registries to register litters produced)
These may all be sent by email or with the semen when it arrives. Part of our intake process is assessing the paperwork to see what other information we may need and we will notify you of this after the semen intake is complete.
Estimated fees for intake and storage (per stud) are:
Semen Intake Fee: $68
Yearly Storage: $103* (vials) - $122* (straws)
*storage waived if all semen used/shipped back out within 30 days
Import fees may be charged to the recipient if they are not prepaid by the shipper: Price TBD
Do you do group shipments?
Yes, whenever possible we can organize a group shipment to domestic and international locations. If two or more clients are interested in shipping to the same location we will attempt to arrange a group shipment if timing allows. In general, the tank rental and round trip shipping cost would be split between each party. Each party is still responsible for the individual semen preparation fee per stud.
Depending on demand we arrange group shipments to Germany 1-3 times a year. Please email us at contact@icsb.com for more details.
Can Genetic/DNA Testing be performed on Frozen Semen?
It is possible to do genetic/DNA testing off of frozen semen. That is not a service we offer in house as it must be performed at a genetics lab, but we can prepare and ship the semen to them. Typically, labs that can do the testing you are interested in with cheek swabs, can also do the test off frozen semen. You would need to find a genetic testing lab that offers the testing you are interested in then contact them to see if they can run the test off of frozen semen.
If they can, they will have instructions on the amount of semen they need and how they want it packaged and shipped to them. They will also have sample submission paperwork for you to fill out. Complete all that paperwork. Submit it to them, then send us the instructions on the amount of semen need, packing instructions, and any paperwork/submission forms that must go with the sample. Generally, only a small amount of semen is needed, and we can pull out the specified amount of semen without using an entire vial.
You will also need to fill out our Frozen Semen Release Authorization Form. For the 'Ship To', you would put the laboratory information, and for the 'Bitch Owner/Bitch Information' you would simply write "genetic testing or DNA testing". The cost is $172 for the Semen Preparation Fee plus shipping to the destination, typically overnight shipping is required but it does not need to be sent in a tank, often a Styrofoam container with ice packs is all that's needed.
AKC DNA Profile Numbers can also be generated from frozen semen, please contact AKC's Frozen Department for more information.
What are the different requirements for AKC/different registries?
ICSB is required to have copies of all registration certificates the stud is registered to, this includes AKC, CKC, ASCA, FDSB, ADBA, etc.
If the stud is AKC-registered, only listed owners on the stud's registration certificate can be owners of the semen without needing a Transfer of Ownership Form; being listed as the breeder does not count as being an owner. AKC has recently changed their rules regarding ownership of frozen semen, on our Authorization Form, only list the name(s) of the owners of the stud that you would like this semen collection to be owned by; if you wish to be the sole owner, only list yourself. The listed owners will be on the collection report provided to AKC.
Per most other registries, all listed owners on the stud's registration certificate at the time of collection are also owners of the semen. If you wish to remove a co-owner or want to be the sole owner, all owners at the time of collection must sign off on a Transfer of Ownership Form.
AKC also requires all stud's with frozen semen to have an AKC DNA Profile number in order to register litters produced from the frozen semen. This is usually obtained by a cheek swab and the kit can be ordered directly from AKC. This is required for all studs with frozen semen after October 1st 1998. If you did not complete this requirement when the stud was alive the DNA Profile number can be generated from the frozen semen.
Please inquire with your specific registry on the requirements they have for frozen semen to ensure you will be able to register the litter(s) produced from the frozen semen.
ICSB follows the rules of each registry and any exception to these rules must be discussed and authorized by said registry.
Who does the semen go to when I pass/am incapacitated?
In the event of your death/incapacitation the semen would go to any other co-owner(s) of the semen. If you are the sole owner, the executor of your estate or your power of attorney will have authority over the semen. We are required to have a copy of the owner's death certificate and proof of executorship or power of attorney documentation. In most states a marriage license will suffice. These documents are required in order for ICSB to release any information about the account and to report the change of ownership to the appropriate registry.
Since frozen semen is considered an asset, it is always best to indicate in your Will to whom you want the semen to go to.
ICSB follows the rules of each registry and any exception to these rules must be discussed and authorized by said registry.
