FAQS
Common questions, straight answers.
If your question isn't here, email us at info@integritytestedbreeders.com.au
We'd rather answer it than have you submit the wrong application.
MEMBERSHIP
Joining and renewing
I've never registered an animal with any organisation before. Can I still join ITBR?
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Yes. ITBR does not require prior membership with any other organisation. If your animals are purebred but unpapered, the Extension Registry exists for exactly this situation. The Breeders Guide on this site walks you through the process step by step.
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How long does it take for my membership to activate after I apply?
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Membership activates once three things are complete: your entry assessment is passed (100%), your environment photos are received and reviewed, and your fee payment is processed. In practice this usually takes 3–5 business days from submission, depending on assessment completion time. ITBR will email you at each stage.
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What happens if I fail the entry assessment?
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You can retake the assessment as many times as needed, there is no penalty. Review the sections where you scored poorly and re-read the relevant parts of the Breeders Guide and Governance documents before your next attempt.
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Can I change from quarterly to annual payment (or vice versa)?
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Yes. Contact ITBR at info@integritytestedbreeders.com.au to change your payment arrangement. Changes take effect at your next renewal date. Note that quarterly payers who lapse have their pedigree processing suspended immediately, if you have litters coming up, annual payment avoids that risk.
HEALTH TESTING
DNA Testing Questions
My breed isn't on the Orivet breed list. What do I do?
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Contact ITBR at info@integritytestedbreeders.com.au before submitting any application. ITBR will advise on the minimum required testing based on the best available evidence. Some rare breeds with small reference populations require a different approach, we'll work through it with you.
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Do I need to retest my animals each year?
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No. DNA test results are permanent, the genetic sequence doesn't change. Once a test result is submitted and recorded on your animal's ITBR record, it does not need to be retested. The exception is if ITBR adds a new compulsory test for your breed, in which case existing animals will have a transition period to complete the new test.
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Can I use test results from before I joined ITBR?
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Yes, provided the results are from an ITBR-approved testing provider and the certificate shows the individual animal's name and/or microchip number. Results issued to a different owner are accepted if accompanied by a transfer document confirming the animal is now in your ownership.
REGISTRY TYPES
Understanding the four pathways
I have a purebred dog with no papers at all. Which registry do I need?
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The Extension Registry, specifically Pathway 2. Requirements differ slightly depending on your animal:
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Dogs: You will need an Orivet Geno Pet Dog Breed Identification Test to confirm the breed, a veterinary health certificate issued within the last 6 months confirming the animal is healthy and suitable for breeding (if the animal is 12 months or older), or a veterinary health report issued within 3 months confirming good general health (if the animal is under 12 months), five photographs taken within the last 3 months (left side, right side, front, rear, and overhead), and the applicable compulsory DNA health tests for your breed through Orivet.
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Cats: You will need a veterinary health certificate issued within the last 6 months confirming the animal is healthy and suitable for breeding (if the animal is 12 months or older), or a veterinary health report issued within 3 months confirming good general health (if the animal is under 12 months), five photographs taken within the last 3 months (left side, right side, front, rear, and overhead), and the applicable compulsory DNA health tests for your breed through Orivet using the My CatScan panel.
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Once accepted, your animal enters as Extension Generation 1. Offspring bred from two Extension Main Register parents are registered one generation higher than the lower-generation parent — for example, a Generation 2 dam bred with a Generation 4 sire produces Generation 3 offspring. After 5 generations your breeding line becomes eligible for Full Registry status.
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I produce Cavoodles. Can I register them with ITBR?
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Yes — provided both parent animals (the Poodle and the Cavalier) are individually registered on the ITBR Full or Extension Registry (Main Register), and both have completed their breed-specific health tests. The litter receives Heritage Certificates. All offspring are placed on the Limited Register. They cannot be bred from.
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How long does it take to get from Extension Generation 1 to Full Registry?
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A minimum of five breeding generations within ITBR. Offspring are registered at one generation above the lower-generation parent — so the fastest path is breeding two animals of the same generation each time. A Gen 1 x Gen 1 pairing produces Gen 2 offspring; Gen 2 x Gen 2 produces Gen 3; and so on. Generation 5 offspring are eligible to apply for Full Registry status.
LITTER REGISTRATION
Registering your litters
Do I need to register all puppies/kittens in a litter, or just the ones I'm selling?
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All live offspring must be registered, including any you retain, sold as pets or sold as breeders. Selective registration is a breach of the ITBR Code of Conduct. This applies whether you're keeping an animal for your own breeding program, placing it with a co-owner, or selling it privately. The only exception is stillborn offspring, who are recorded but not issued a certificate. Breaches can face termination of membership.
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What happens if I miss the 28-day registration window?
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Late registration fees apply. The standard litter base fee is replaced with a late registration fee, plus escalating per-animal fees depending on the animal's age at registration. Register as soon as possible, fees increase the longer you wait. See the full Fee Schedule for details.
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Can I register a litter if the health tests weren't done before the mating?
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No. Health tests must be completed before the mating occurs, not after. If you register a litter where tests were not completed pre-mating, this is a Moderate Breach of the Code of Conduct, attracting a $150 fine. ITBR may decline to issue certificates for that litter until the breach has been formally resolved.
MAIN VS LIMITED REGISTER
Register questions
What does it mean if I sell a puppy on Limited Register?
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The buyer cannot breed from the animal or enter it in conformation shows. They can do almost everything else, compete in dog sports, rally, agility, obedience, and of course keep it as a companion. If you sell to a breeder, they will normally want a Main Register animal. If the buyer later wants breeding rights, they must obtain written approval from you as the original breeder, it is not automatic.
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Can a Limited Register animal be upgraded to Main Register after I've sold it?
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Only with prior written approval from the original breeder. This is not automatic and ITBR will not process an upgrade request without evidence of the original breeder's consent. Main Register animals can be downgraded to Limited Register at any time by the breeder notifying ITBR in writing, no approval is required for downgrading.