Frequently Asked Questions about CHIC

My dog has had all the tests, but I haven't received my dog's CHIC certificate yet. What's taking so long? In order for your dog to receive a CHIC certificate, you need 4 things:

• Your dog must have had all the health checks done as listed in the "required" tests list.
• You must sign a release form allowing OFA to publicly release the information on any test that your dog did not pass.
• Your dog must have a permanent ID.
• Your mailing adress must be up-to-date.

Once you have ensured all of these items have been met, then your dog will be assigned a CHIC number and certificate.

My dog did not pass CERF. Can he still get a CHIC number? Yes, but you will have to send a copy of his non-passing CERF form, along with a signed Open Database Authorization form. This gives OFA permission to publicly release your dog's eye disease information into the OFA database. There is no charge for this.

My dog's hip (or elbow) x-rays didn't look good, so I never sent them in. Can I do so now? Yes, you can send them to OFA along with the OFA Hip & Elbow registry form and the appropriate evaluation fee.

I see a mistake in my dog's information on the OFA database. How can I fix this? You can resolve this issue by contacting OFA and giving them a copy of your dog's AKC (or other) registration slip, along with a note about which record and information needs to be corrected. Be sure your dog's information is correct with both OFA and CERF, as if they do not match, your CERF number will not appear with your OFA data, and you will not be sent a CHIC certificate. This is another common reason for not receiving a CHIC number. You can check your dog's CERF data here.

If we include other tests (such as DM or EIC), will these numbers be posted in the OFA’s public database? No, these test results will not be made public unless you agree to allow OFA to release this information. Even if you keep other test results private, you will still receive a CHIC number and certificate as long as you have released the information for the tests on the Required list.

What types of permanent identification does OFA accept? OFA currently only accepts tattooes or microchips as permanent ID.

My dog wasn't permanently ID'd when I had his hips done, but I just microchipped (or tattooed) him. How can I update his OFA and CERF records? You can download the Verification of Permanent Identification form, take it with you to your veterinarian, and have him or her verify your dog's microchip or tattoo number. When you send this form to OFA, your dog's number will be updated. Be sure and contact CERF to let them know that your dog's identification has been updated as well.