Register a NAVHDA Kennel Name

Definition & Usage

A registered kennel name is used by breeders to identify the dogs of their breeding program and lineage while protecting their reputation and unauthorized use of the kennel name by others.

A kennel name is a combination of words and/or letters that does not exceed fifteen characters in length (spaces included). The kennel name can be used as a prefix or suffix to a dog’s name, but will be protected from use anywhere within a name. When applying, it is highly preferred that you provide a kennel name that consists of at least two words.

Only the owner(s) of the registered kennel name will be allowed to use the name unless written permission is given on the litter registration form.

The kennel name is protected from use on all breeds of dogs.

Kennel Registration

No more than two peoples’ names can appear on the application form for registration of a protected kennel name. Additional names may be added with a maximum of four names at any one time. At no time can another person use the registered kennel name without permission from the primary owner of the kennel name.

The owner of a registered kennel name may transfer ownership to another NAVHDA member or add an owner by using our kennel name transfer form.

Prohibitions

NAVHDA will not knowingly approve an application for the registration of a kennel name if that name:

• Is a name now used by a breeder other than the applicant, unless written permission is given on the registration form from the primary owner of the kennel name.
• Is a name considered by the Appeals Committee to be phonetically identical to a protected kennel name, including adding or deleting plurals or spaces.
• Is a color (by itself)
• Is any name, which, if brought to the attention of the Committee, and in the opinion of the Committee, is considered to be misleading or confusing or is considered unsuitable as a kennel name.
• Exceeds fifteen characters and spaces.
• Contains any initials that are commonly used titles; i.e. VC, UT, GDT, UPT, NA, or the words .com or .net

Awarding NAVHDA protected kennel names is at the sole discretion of the Registrar.

Automatic Expiration of a Registered Kennel Name

To maintain a kennel name during the 5-year registration period, NAVHDA membership must be maintained. If the primary kennel name owner allows their membership to lapse, cancellation of the registered kennel name shall be automatic.

• If the owner’s membership is renewed within 90 days of expiration, the registered name is restored. After 90 days, a renewal fee must be paid in order to reactive the registered kennel name.

Inactive Kennel Name

Kennel names that have expired and become inactive are available for reuse for breeds other than the breed associated with the original owner. If someone requests an inactive kennel name for the same breed as the original owner, a Inactive Kennel Name Request form must be submitted with your Application for Registration of a Kennel Name. Your request will be reviewed by the Committee for a final decision, which will determine if the reuse of the inactive kennel name will be allowed or denied.