Why is clearance information required for some types of ads?

We believe that health clearances are some of the best tools that a breeder has to insure the health of future generations of Golden Retrievers. However, we have seen first hand that there are hundreds of sites on the internet where breeders state that they do/have clearances on their dogs. In most cases, the clearances are either expired, are preliminary only, or have not been done on the breeding dogs themselves but on the parents of the breeding dogs. For that reason, we require proof of these clearances, either by photocopy or through the providing of the actual clearance numbers for verification.

What type of clearances are required?

For the most part, we follow the guidelines set down by the Golden Retriever Club of America with regards to advertising in the GRNews. Our preference will always be for the widely accepted clearances from OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) & CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) as they are easiest to verify. We may require a photocopy of any clearance that we are unable to verify online.

Hip Dysplasia

1. You may provide the OFA registry number.
2. You may provide a Penn-Hip evaluation with the distraction index for both the left and right hips. We will not accept a Penn-Hip evaluation done before the age of 24 months as a final clearance.
3. We will accept OVC &/or GDC ratings providing that they are verifiable online at the OFA website.

Inherited Eye Diseases

1. You may provide the CERF registry number.
2. You may provide a photocopy of the exam report from an AVCO (American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists) diplomate.

Sub-Aortic Stenosis

1. You may provide the OFA Cardiac registry number. The preferable designation is -C for cardiologist but we will accept the S designation as well.
2. You may provide a photocopy of the written report from an ACVIM (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine-Cardiology) diplomate.

Elbow Dysplasia

1. You may provide the OFA ED registry number.
2. We will accept OVC &/or GDC ratings providing that they are verifiable online at the OFA website.

We understand that there are times when exceptions may be necessary. If you have a question regarding our policy on clearances, please email us and we will do our best to accommodate you.

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