We are proud to be an AKC approved Freezing Center.  Here are some of the frequently asked questions regarding canine semen freezing:

1)   Why should I freeze my dog’s Semen?

Long Term Storage: To ensure breeding availability for future generations, you should have his semen frozen if your stud has qualities which are valuable.

For Breeding When the Stud is Not Available: Live breeding can be limited by the stud’s show or trial schedule, overbooking for the stud’s service or other scheduling conflicts.  The use of frozen semen allows availability during the bitch’s fertile time.

Long-Distance and International Breeding: Long-distance breedings may be accomplished using semen which has been either fresh-extended or frozen and eliminates the need to transport the bitch or stud dog.

2)  How is Semen collected?

Semen is collected from the stud dog by manual stimulation; the different parts or fractions of the ejaculation are collected separately, so that good quality sperm-rich semen is frozen and stored. In general, semen of better quality with higher sperm count is collected when the dog’s libido is high.  Therefore, try to closely approximate a typical breeding situation for each stud: owners are encouraged to provide a bitch in season to use as a “teaser”.  In addition, if the dog associates a particular item with breeding, such as a rug, table, breeding rack, etc., that item should be brought to the collections.

3)  What kind of paper work is needed to collect my stud?   

• A copy of the stud’s individual registration papers.
• Positive identification such as a tattoo or microchip.
• Completed Semen Freeze Agreement which can be emailed to you.
• Completed Semen Freeze Authorization which can be emailed to you.
• A copy of the DNA Profile for your dog (which is required by AKC).  If you do not have a DNA Profile on your dog, we will submit a cheek swab sample to the AKC.
• A copy of a negative Brucellosis test.  If your stud has not had a Brucellosis test performed then we can have the test performed the same day as the collect and freeze.  This test is a MUST in order for your males semen to be stored in our liquid nitrogen tanks.

4)  What does it cost to freeze semen?

Semen freezing is a multi-step process utilizing a variety of equipment and materials.  Please see our Reproduction price sheet in the forms section of our website for detailed information.

5)  How do I set up an appointment for Semen Freezing?

Once you have reviewed the information, please call us at 281-443-2362 or email us at ask.repro@suburbiavet.com to set up an appointment.  The receptionist will take your information and either Jenny or Sarah will return your call.  They will then discuss the process and set up the appointment with you.  We are only able to do collect and freezing on certain days of the week so we suggest you schedule far in advance.  Dr. McGuire is our only vet that is able to perform this and she fills up quickly and can only manage at least 1- 2 freezes a day. 

The collection part is easy it is the freezing that is very long and tedious.  Some people believe that it is just a matter of putting the specimen in a freezer of ice.  That will kill the specimen!  The process is scientific and involves getting the specimen to a point where it will survive being put with liquid nitrogen.

Scheduled freezes that do not show up will not be allowed to schedule again.  Also, if your dog is unable to be collected or his semen is not viable and cannot be frozen there is still a charge for time and supplies used which is $150.