Services & Fees
Specializing in the Cryopreservation of Canine Semen
Based in Gladstone, OR, ICSB is one of the most trusted providers of canine semen collection and freezing services to dog breeders worldwide. We attribute our success and longevity in the industry to our excellent customer care and through using the most advanced technology in the industry.
*All prices subject to change without notice
Semen Collection and Freeze
ICSB specializes in collecting and freezing canine semen at our office and through our mobile laboratory for dog shows and clinics (collections at these events are subject to an additional mobile lab fee). Please see our service guide as follows:
Form to fill out: 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.
Fees:
- New Dog Freeze- Collection, Evaluation Processing of stud not currently stored here
$350 Collection and Processing. Covers the first 4 vials, additional vials are $89 each
$68 File Preparation
$103 First Year of Storage
Total Base Fee: $521* (same for samples shipped in)
- Repeat Collection- Collection and Processing of stud currently stored here
$350 Collection and Processing. Covers the first 4 vials, additional vials are $89 each
Total Base Fee: $350* (same for samples shipped in)
- **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.
Registry Requirements: ICSB is required to have copies of all registration certificates the stud is registered to, this includes AKC, CKC, ASCA, FDSB, ADBA, etc. If AKC-registered the stud is also required to have an AKC DNA Profile Number in order to register litters produced from the frozen semen. Please see AKC's DNA Profile Program for more information. Please check with your specific registry to ensure you are completing all necessary steps to store and register litters resulting from frozen semen on your stud.
Epididymal Harvest Service
This exclusive technology was developed by ICSB and has been in use for more than 40 years. Epididymal Harvesting allows us to extract the sperm cells from your dog’s testes and freeze them for later use. Using this service, you can continue your breeding program from remote locations and ship your dog’s testes after neutering or an unforeseen event. Please see our service guide as follows:
Shipping testes to ICSB: Ship the testes to our office (430 West Arlington St. Gladstone, OR 97027) using the ICSB Epi kit for overnight delivery between 9am-12:30pm M-F. Please contact ICSB for weekend and holiday availability. Please always call our office ahead of the neuter to ensure we will be in the office to process the sample. NEVER FREEZE THE TESTES.
Form to fill out: 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.
Fees: $728 base fee (if successful):
$207 Epidydimal Harvest Processing
$350 Freezing fee. Covers the first 4 vials, additional vials are $89 each
$68 File Preparation
$103 First Year of Storage**If no sperm are found after 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.
Semen Evaluation
If you do not want to freeze your stud's sample and just want to know the quality of his semen, we can do an evaluation. This service is available in our office and dog shows/events (subject to additional mobile lab fee). Please see our service guide as follows:
Form to fill out: Canine Semen Evaluation Authorization Form
Fees:
$146 Full evaluation: a report will be emailed and mailed to you
$94 Cursory evaluation: if semen quality/quantity is too poor to perform full counts
Fresh-Chilled Semen Preparation and Shipping
We prepare fresh-collected semen in our office using our most advanced shipping media (PDV-06) and keep it chilled in our ICSB Puppy-Pak for shipping. We recommend overnight delivery and use within 24hrs after the collection. Please see our service guide as follows:
Form to fill out: Fresh-Chilled Semen Shipment Authorization Form (one per collection & shipment)
Fees: starting at $338.99 plus shipping:
Collection, Preparation of Shipment and Cursory Evaluation: $270 or Full Evaluation: $354
Puppy-Pak: $68.99
Overnight shipping: dependent on zip code, contact ICSB for an estimate
*Please note, we have received notification from our shippers that any delays, will not be covered by insurance, or be eligible for guaranteed service refunds.
Transcervical Insemination (TCI)
TCI is a highly successful insemination method, facilitating the deposition of semen directly into the uterus. TCI is compatible with fresh-collected, fresh-chilled, or frozen semen. The TCI method permits the option of multiple inseminations performed, further increasing the potential success of conception. ICSB recommends at least two inseminations. This procedure does not require the use of anesthesia, nor does it involve any surgical intervention, thus eliminating the need for post-operative recovery time. Please see our service guide below for fees and forms:
Frozen Semen Stored at ICSB in Oregon:
Forms to Fill Out: Frozen Semen Release Authorization Form for AI & Authorization for TCI (one per insemination)
Fees:
Semen Prep (up to 4 vials/b.u.): $172*
First TCI: $500
Second TCI: $450
*If we are unable to enter the vaginal canal, the Semen Prep Fee will be discounted to 40% off
Frozen Semen Being Shipped In:
Forms to Fill Out: Authorization for TCI (one per insemination) & Authorization and Agreement for Semen Intake and Release for Artificial Insemination (AI)
Fees:
Semen Intake: $68
Storage: $13/month
Semen Prep (up to 4 vials/b.u.): $172*
First TCI: $500
Second TCI: $450
*If we are unable to enter the vaginal canal, the Semen Prep Fee will be discounted to 40% off
Fresh-Chilled Semen & Fresh-Collected Semen:
Forms to Fill Out: Authorization for TCI (one per insemination) & Stud Information Form for TCI (one per insemination)
Fees:
First TCI: $500
Second TCI: $450
*If we are unable to enter the vaginal canal, a Discounted Semen Prep Fee of $199 will be charged
Please note if you wish to do more than the recommended two inseminations, each additional one would be $450.
*Fees are subject to change and do not include stat fees, after hours fees or holiday fees.
Vaginal Insemination
ICSB provides vaginal artificial insemination (AI) services 24/7/365 in our office (after hours/weekend appointments have an additional fee and must be prearranged).
Please see our service guide as follows:
Types of Vaginal Artificial Inseminations:
-
- Fresh Collect (Side-By-Side) Vaginal Insemination- Manual collection of male and vaginal insemination of female with collected sample using an insemination rod (does not go past the cervix)
- Fresh Chilled Vaginal Insemination- Vaginal insemination of female with fresh chilled sample
- Frozen Vaginal Insemination- Vaginal insemination of female with frozen semen. ICSB strongly recommends Surgical or Transcervical insemination when using frozen semen
Form to fill out: Authorization for Vaginal Artificial Insemination (one per insemination), or if using frozen semen stored at our facility, you will also need the Frozen Semen Release Authorization Form for AI.
$365* with frozen semen ($172 semen prep + $193 insemination)
$230* with fresh collected semen
$193* with fresh chilled semen
**If unable to inseminate/enter vaginal canal a Discounted Fee of 40% off the fees for Fresh-Chilled and Fresh-Collected; 40% off Semen Prep fee for Frozen
Fees are subject to change and do not include stat fees, after hours fees or holiday fees.
Intaking Frozen Semen for Storage
For Frozen Semen Intake:
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 to accept deliveries; please notify us before shipping to ensure we are available. Ship to our physical address: 430 West Arlington St. Gladstone, OR 97027.
Form to fill out: Semen Intake Authorization and Agreement Form
Fees:
Semen Intake: $68*
Annual Storage: $103* (vials) or $122* (straws)Import fees may be charged to the recipient if they are not prepaid by the shipper: Price TBD
*Fees are per stud
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
- clear ownership paperwork (if needed, use our Transfer of Ownership Form)
- 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.
Progesterone Testing
This blood test is a highly reliable tool for determining the ideal time for breeding. ICSB recommends starting progesterone testing around day 7-9 after the onset of bleeding. In cases where the female dog has a known history of irregular cycles, we may advise conducting the testing at an earlier stage. In-house test results ready same day.
To maximize the chances of a successful AI, we highly recommend progesterone testing. This offers us the best "window of insemination" wherein the largest number of eggs are available for the semen to fertilize. Lack of testing is shown to significantly decrease your chances of success and, if successful, decrease your litter size, therefore we highly encourage testing.
Form: Authorization for Timing Services (valid for 30 days once signed)
Fees: In-house: 1st test $195*, follow-up tests $130*
*Fees are subject to change and do not include after-hours or holiday fees.
Worldwide Frozen Semen Shipping
We provide our frozen semen shipping services for domestic and international clients. Please see our service guide as follows:
For Export of Frozen Semen Shipping:
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.
For Domestic Frozen Semen Shipping:
Form to fill out: Frozen Semen Release Authorization Form The semen owner must complete and sign the form. The recipient and the person paying for the shipment will sign and complete their portion of the form as well.
Fees: starting at $292* plus shipping:
Semen Preparation: $172 per 4 vials (every additional group of up to 4 vials is $42)
One-Week Tank Rental: $120
Overnight or Two-Day Shipping: dependent on destination
Return Shipping: dependent on destination
*Please note this estimate does not include Stat Fees, a one-day notice Stat Fee is $110, a same-day notice Stat Fee is $141. Notice is given when we receive the completed Release Form. Everything must be confirmed before 11AM PST in order to ship out same day.
If local to our facility, curbside pick-ups are available upon request.
Reproductive Culture & Additional Semen Testing
Reproductive Culture: $565- If an infection in the reproductive tract is suspected we can send the sample to culture for common reproductive infections. The MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory will test for Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, and Aerobic Bacteria*, which are some of the most common infections in a dog's reproductive tract. Testing typically takes 2-3 weeks.
Some infections that may not be identified in this test include prostate, urinary tract, and other infections present in other parts of the body. If no infections were found in the culture, we would recommend seeing your vet to see if any of these infections may be present.
*If you'd like to complete these tests with your local vet, we recommend that they culture the stud's ejaculate for these infections.
Alkaline Phosphatase: $282- If the stud ejaculates but produces no sperm, we will recommend this test to determine if blockages exist in the epididymis.
Acrosome Integrity: $392- If semen quality is normal, but the stud still fails to produce pregnancies. This tests whether or not the enzyme cap on the sperm is functional.
Form To Fill Out: Service Authorization Form
Vaginal Exfoliative Cytology
ICSB offers a vaginal cytology (swab and staining of vaginal cells) to estimate the best time to breed by examining the morphology of the vaginal cells.
Form: Authorization for Timing Services (valid for 30 days once signed)
Fee: $86
Request an in-office appointment
To maximize the chances of a successful AI, we highly recommend progesterone testing. This offers us the best "window of insemination" wherein the largest number of eggs are available for the semen to fertilize. Vaginal exfoliative cytology is the next best method to estimate the optimal insemination day(s). Lack of testing is shown to significantly decrease your chances of success and, if successful, decrease your litter size, therefore we highly encourage testing.
Semen Survival Testing
ICSB can administer a Canine Sperm Survival Test in our office to determine how long your stud’s semen can survive in our fresh-chilled media (PDV-06) after collection. The purpose of this test is to give the owner an idea of how long the sperm cells remain motile prior to the purchase of a canine fresh semen shipping kit.
Form: Service Authorization Form
Fee: $312
Request an in-office appointment: Please make your appointment earlier in the week since we are closed on the weekend and cannot monitor the sample.
Frozen Semen Post-Thaw Testing
ICSB can provide post-thaw analysis of semen that has been frozen to determine the current quality of the sample. A report will be emailed to you once completed and typically takes 2-5 business days to complete depending on lab availability.
Form: Post-Thaw Retest Authorization Form
Fee: $99 per collection date
Pregnancy Ultrasound
ICSB offers Ultrasound to confirm pregnancy, this is a great non-invasive diagnostic tool to verify pregnancy. We recommend scheduling a Pregnancy Ultrasound 35 days after breeding. ICSB can only determine if the Bitch is pregnant or not at the time of the ultrasound. ICSB cannot confirm the number of puppies, health of puppies or Bitch, gestational length, etc. ICSB will provide you with Ultrasound photo(s).
Form: Pregnancy Ultrasound Authorization Form
Fee: $178
Utilizing Advanced Methods of Cryopreservation
We utilize the most advanced pelleting method in the semen freezing industry, which was developed by Prof. Platz over 50 years of research. It has been proven to be the most effective method of freezing semen for long-term storage, holding the record for the oldest sample successfully used for insemination, which was stored for more than four decades.
In 1971, ICSB was the first to successfully inseminate and produce a litter using frozen canine semen in pellet form. Since then, we have remained one of the industry leaders in the field of canine semen cryopreservation.
Pelleting Method Versus the Straw Method
There are currently two technologies that can be used to freeze canine semen, the pelleting method and straw method. When freezing canine semen, the pelleting method allows changes in temperature to occur very quickly when compared to the .5mL straws, as pellets are only 1/16 of the volume. An eight-year study supported by the American Kennel Club concluded that the pellet form has a higher number of viable sperm cells during the freezing process and more cells were recovered with a high motility.
When comparing both methods, pelletized semen was 20-60% higher depending on the size of the straws that were used. The pellet method also boasts a higher conception rate of 93% when compared to the 73-85% of the straw method. Additionally, the litter size using pelleting averages a normal size while the straw method often produces smaller than normal litters.
