How To Register Your Rabbit

A registered rabbit increases its worth as it proves the rabbit was inspected by an ARBA licensed registrar who found that the rabbit was within the breed specifications and had no disqualifications at the time it was registered. 

ARBA encourages members to register their rabbits and even stamps pedigrees with different 'merit' awards (from the red, white and blue series) depending on the number of registered rabbits in a rabbit's background pedigree.

If you want to register your rabbit, find a registrar.  Most local shows will have a licensed registrar at the show for at least part of the day - which will be announced in the show catalog.  All you need to do is to come to the show prepared to register your rabbit:

Here are some important points about registering your rabbit:

• Only adult rabbits, those 6 months old and older, may be registered.
• You must bring the rabbit's 3 or 4 generation pedigree- bring a copy also.
• The rabbit's pedigree must be completely filled in with each rabbit's information, including weight.
• The rabbit you are registering must be of an acceptable color, but rabbits in the pedigree background do not need to be acceptable or recognized colors.
• The owner of the rabbit must provide a current ARBA membership card at the time of registration.
• As of June 2007, the price to register a rabbit increased to $6.00 - this fee is paid directly to the registrar at the time of registration.

At the show, the registrar will take your ARBA membership card and the rabbit's pedigree and begin filling out a registration application.  The registrar with then examine your rabbit - it has to fall within the breed guidelines for an adult rabbit of its breed.  The registrar will weight your rabbit and record its weight on the registration application, then check it for any disqualifications. 

If everything is ok, the registrar will give you back your ARBA card and pedigree (sometimes they'll keep the copy) and ask you to proofread the application form, collect the $6.00 fee from you, then tattoo a registration insignia or number in your rabbit's right ear.  A few weeks later, you'll get your rabbit's registration certificate and registration number from ARBA, through the mail. 

Once your rabbit is registered and after your rabbit wins at least three legs, you can send those in for your rabbit's Grand Champion Certificate!  Read more about Grand Champion Legs here.