Overview
We at Sirius Canine Fertility, Inc. have become a major hub for canine frozen semen imports and exports. Our experienced staff works with veterinarians across the United States and Canada to help ensure your international shipments are properly prepared for customs clearance at the point of entry.
Bridgett started the export part of this company in 2001 and is still the lead export coordinator. We work with all semen-freezing methods and companies — straw methods, pelleted methods, we work with all of them!
Exports
Our job is to make the import/export process as easy as possible for both the importer and the exporter. We prepare the health and import documents and assist the importer to obtain required permits or licenses. We work directly with USDA to ensure all requirements are met.
In many cases, we can arrange a group shipment for your semen to significantly reduce shipping costs. Solo exports can also be arranged if necessary.
Popular Export / Import Routes
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Australia
Our most popular destination. Group shipments every 4–6 weeks. Return tank carries imports back to the US, further reducing costs.
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Germany & Europe
Routine monthly tanks to Germany. This route can service many other European countries. Group shipments every 8–10 weeks.
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New Zealand & UK
Group shipments every 8–10 weeks. We find the most cost-effective and easiest route for your shipment.
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Canada
We now arrange exports to and imports from Canada. With clinics throughout the country, these are typically solo shipments, not regular group shipments. If the breeder’s timeline allows, we can often arrange a shared shipment. View Canada shipping details.
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Other Countries
We can make contacts and find the best route. Emergency shipments can be accommodated to most countries.
Imports
As of 2026, importing canine semen into the United States has become more complicated with changes to tariffs, regulations, and customs clearance procedures. What was once a relatively straightforward process now requires considerably more preparation and coordination.
At Sirius Canine Fertility, we have spent countless hours working with US Customs agents and FedEx to develop practical solutions to changing freight brokerage requirements. We are proud to help breeders navigate these challenges with experienced, hands-on support.
We have worked with FedEx and the USDA to establish a specialized pre-clearance account and process tied specifically to our FedEx account. To use this process, we must gather all required documentation before shipping.
If enough time is allowed, we can often import semen with our tanks being returned from group exports.
Requirements for Imports Through Sirius
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Health Certificate
A health certificate is required. Shipments without one are experiencing extensive delays. We will provide a template if the collecting veterinarian does not have one.
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Brucellosis Testing
A brucellosis test is required. If testing was not performed at collection, it can be completed any time after collection. If the stud is deceased, we have the option of sending the frozen semen for a PCR test.
Australia and New Zealand: Brucellosis testing is not required for semen from these countries, but it is still highly recommended.
AKC Registration & Supporting Documents
Sirius Canine Fertility, Inc. can provide forms and DNA swabs upon request. If the required documents are provided, we will register the semen in your name with the AKC as part of our import services.
Please send all shipping and export documents as scanned PDF forms, not photographs.
Import Fees & Deposit
- Import Brokerage Fee
- $500 USD
- Deposit to Begin
- $300 USD
Our $500 USD import fee covers brokerage fees on our end. Any shared shipping, tank rental, or additional customs fees are charged separately. We normally ship via FedEx.
To begin the import process, we require a $300 USD deposit. This deposit is applied toward the cost of your import, not added as a separate fee. If the import does not end up being sent, any unused portion of the deposit will be refunded.
Importing FAQs: Watch Our Video
Have questions about importing? Our team answers frequently asked questions in this helpful video.
Planning Your Shipment
Please plan ahead. In most cases, neither exports nor imports can be rushed. Many countries require vaccine programs and lab testing within a specific time frame, and often a post-collection exam is required 2–6 weeks following collection.
A few countries require quarantine of the semen and re-examination of the donor dog as much as 6 months following collection.
Each country has unique requirements. Testing for c. brucellosis and leptospirosis is often required, and the method and dilution protocol can vary greatly. Incorrect testing or vaccine protocol may result in a non-qualifying situation.
The importer is responsible for contacting the agricultural department in their country for current requirements and import permits. For Australia, UK, and some other countries, the import permit will be supplied by us.
The Export Process
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Initial Contact & QuestionnaireEmail us with your details. You'll receive our export questionnaire and a deposit invoice to get started.
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Microchip, Vaccines & Blood WorkWe guide you through required vaccinations, blood panels, and microchipping — done in a specific order and timeframe for your destination.
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Document Preparation & USDAWe prepare all health and import documents and submit them to USDA for endorsement.
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Group or Solo ShipmentYour semen is loaded into the shipping tank — either a cost-saving group shipment or standalone solo export.
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Customs & DeliveryShipment clears customs at the point of entry and is delivered to the receiving facility in the destination country.
Communication & Contact
We take pride in our customer service! We work primarily through email for export work due to extremely high volume. We will respond quickly.
Stud fee arrangements are between the importer and exporter before shipment. These fees are not included in our quotes.
It will be our pleasure to help you with your next export or import — and we always welcome pictures of the resulting litters!
[email protected]
Planning an Export or Import?
Email our export team with your details and we'll get back to you with pricing and a timeline.
Email Export Team
