Papers?Registration?

[Mrstattedup]

What's the deal with a dog having papers?..and where does one get em'? why do they need to be registered with the city?..is this stuff necessary? Important?..
(New owner of a 12 week old puppy dazed and confused!) I've had her since she was 5 1/2 weeks..

[Judi W]

When we speak about registration of purebred dogs, we are referring to certification as to who the parents are and in the US, that registration is with the American Kennel Club. This confirms the genetic heritage of the dog.

City registration is a different matter. Most communities require that dogs be registered and licensed as confirmation for rabies control (they must have their rabies shots) and to regulate against dogs running at large. That is usually required by state law and/or city ordinance.

While AKC registration is not legally required by anyone, licensing for city/county or state is. If your licensed dog is found running loose it is much easier to get it returned to you if the dog has a license, is wearing its tages and is microchipped. In some states the penalty of having dog that is not vacinnated for rabies and is not licensed can be quite severe.