AKC® Procedures for Registration Matters - American Kennel Club

C. CHANGE OF OWNERSHIPDUE TO DIVORCEIf ownership of a dog changes as the result of adivorce settlement, this change must be recorded as anyother transfer. Transfer from one party to another, orfrom co-ownership to sole ownership should be recordedon the reverse side of the dog’s Registration Certificate.If you are unable to obtain a properly executedcertification of transfer and you request assistance fromthe American Kennel Club, be certain to submit thefollowing:1. The AKC Registration Certificate completed,with the exception of the unobtainable signature,together with the required transfer fee.2. A photocopy of the divorce decree which includesthe property settlement, or the appropriatedocument awarding ownership of the properlyidentified AKC dog in question.3. The present or last known mailing address of theparty whose signature cannot be obtained. If thedog’s AKC information is not properly identifiedin the divorce decree, or if the co-owner refusesto sign or cannot be contacted, the dog will not betransferred.4. If ownership changes as the result of a divorcesettlement, the date of sale indicated on thecertificate should generally reflect the date theproperty settlement became final.When all the information and material are submitted,the AKC will review the matter and ascertain whetherthe registration or transfer of ownership can be effectedin its records.D. DOGS ACQUIRED FROM HUMANESOCIETY OR SIMILAR ORGANIZATIONThe American Kennel Club does not provideregistration service for dogs acquired from ProtectiveLeagues, Humane Societies or similar organizations.Also, when a dog is turned over to a Humane Societyor similar organization, it should be understood that AKCpapers will not be transferred.5