Innovis breeding services for dogs
Innovis offers breeders access to canine semen freezing and artificial insemination services from our Edinburgh and Malvern Centres. Our experienced team of veterinarians have worked with a wide range of breeds of dog from Terriers to Irish Wolfhounds and have successfully produced many litters both in the UK and worldwide.
The international movement of frozen canine semen has allowed critically small gene pools to be expanded and we are able to provide you with the expertise and facilities needed to import or export semen worldwide.
Canine semen freezing
We hold semen collection and freezing sessions for dogs in Edinburgh, Malvern or other convenient central locations depending on demand. Canine semen which is to be exported must satisfy the specific health protocol of the country of import so please discuss any potential semen export with us as early as possible and before collection.
Concerned about your dogs fertility?
We offer semen collection and fertility assessment services for dogs whose semen quality may be under suspicion and we can advise on the quality of the semen on the day of testing.
Artificial Insemination (AI)
Innovis can offer cervical artificial insemination (AI) of bitches. This service requires specialist veterinary input and so cannot be provided at short notice. Our specialist vets will then work with you to plan the impending season of your AI bitch.
Ask our Innovis technical team about semen freezing
What do dog semen freezing sessions involve?
Ideally an “in-season” bitch is needed to assist us with semen collection and so we try to organise to collect semen from 6 – 8 dogs on a semen freezing day. Since the semen needs to chill for 4-5 hours before freezing, dogs are usually brought to the designated centre early in the morning, given a health check and the semen collected. Once the semen has been assessed by our veterinarian then dogs are free to leave the centre.
After chilling, the semen is frozen into pellets or straws. One semen sample is always thawed and assessed for post-thaw motility to ensure that enough sperm have survived the freezing process. Semen failing post-thaw quality checks must be discarded.
How much semen will an adult dog produce?
Although it varies greatly the average dog will produce around 3-4 bitch doses per session.
Will a dog always produce semen suitable for freezing?
Only the best quality semen samples are chilled and frozen. Some semen will fail quality control and this can be for a variety of reasons. Our veterinarians and technical staff will discuss the semen quality from your dog at the time.
How is frozen semen stored?
Canine semen is stored in tanks of liquid nitrogen which keeps the semen frozen at a temperature of about −196 °C or −321 °F.
How long can semen be stored for?
When the highest quality semen is frozen and maintained correctly, semen could be stored indefinitely.
I want to have semen from my dog frozen for export, what must I do?
Innovis has dedicated teams who have considerable experience and expertise in the import and export of frozen semen. Special quarantine requirements exist for different countries so it is important to talk to us as early as possible to allow the relevant health protocols to be organised. Our staff can guide you through the export process and organise the necessary documentation and transportation. Please ask us for more information about this service.
I would like to import dog semen to use to inseminate one of my bitches, what should I do?
Importing documentation usually needs to be completed by the country of export but the importer will need to apply for an import permit. Contact Innovis staff at your nearest centre and we will be able to advise and guide you through the import process and store the semen for you until ready for insemination (AI).
How much does canine semen freezing cost?
Current semen freezing, fertility assessment and AI costs can be found in our price list. Innovis Terms and conditions apply.
Do you need our expertise?
For more information about our services for dogs please contact our Edinburgh Centre on 01875 614500 or Malvern on 0844 800 9050.
