Whether you're listing a stud or searching for the perfect match, we'll walk you through every step.
FindMyStudDog makes it easy for breeders to find the right stud and for stud owners to manage bookings, communicate with buyers, and receive secure payouts all, in one place.
Pre-Flight Checklists
2.1 Stud Owner – What to Have Ready Before You Start
Item | Required | Recommended |
3-5 high quality photos (clear, well-lit conformation shots – minimum 1 required) | ✓ | |
Breed, date of birth, weight, and color | ✓ | |
Stud fee amount and Standard Collection Cost | ✓ | |
Service type: Chilled Semen (the only service type currently offered on FMSD) | ✓ | |
Studs actual location – this is used to calculate shipping and will not be shared publicly on the site | ✓ | |
Breed-specific genetic panel (PDF or image) – from any accredited lab | ✓ | |
At least one health evaluation result (OFA Hips, Elbows, Eyes, Cardiac, or Patella) | ✓ | |
All additional OFA health evaluation results | ✓ | |
Full DNA panel (Embark, Paw Print, UC Davis, Animal Genetics, Wisdom Panel, etc.) | ✓ | |
Pedigree information and lineage (note: include titles and health only – no kennel names or breeder contact info) | ✓ | |
Semen evaluation report (no dedicated upload field – include results and motility details in your description) | ✓ | |
Brucellosis test result – valid for 12 months | ✓ | |
Short bio covering temperament, accomplishments, and titles | ✓ | |
Rebreeding/no-pregnancy policy decided in advance | ✓ |
2.2 Buyer – What to Have Ready Before You Start
Item | Required | Recommended |
Your female’s breed, age, health testing, coat (such as merle) | ✓ | |
Approximate heat cycle timing or current cycle stage – be ready to message stud owners when they go into heat | ✓ | |
Desired insemination method (chilled AI or TCI – live cover and side by side AI are not offered on FMSD) | ✓ | |
A reproductive veterinarian identified and contacted | ✓ | |
Progesterone testing scheduled to confirm ovulation timing | ✓ | |
Your female’s health testing results (to share with stud owner) | ✓ | |
Current Brucellosis test for your female (not required by FMSD, but most reproductive vets will require a negative result before performing AI or TCI) | ✓ | |
A backup stud identified in case of unexpected issues | ✓ | |
Delivery address confirmed – vet clinic, home, or UPS/FedEx store for pickup – may depend on the day of delivery | ✓ |
Journey 1: Getting Started (Shared)
Step 1 Go to FindMyStudDog.com and click Sign Up
Click the ‘Sign Up’ button in the top right corner of the homepage. You can register using your email address or phone number. Account creation is completely free.
Tip: Use the same email you check regularly – booking confirmations, messages, and dispute notifications all go here.
Step 2 Enter your details and verify your email
Fill in your name, email address, and create a password. You will receive a verification email from FMSD – click the confirmation link before logging in. You must verify your email before you can message sellers, add a listing, or make a booking.
Tip: Check your spam folder if the verification email doesn’t arrive within 2 minutes. Use the ‘Resend Email’ link on your dashboard if needed.
Step 3 You’re in – explore your dashboard
Once verified, you land on your dashboard. From here you can add a stud listing, search for studs, view messages, manage active bookings, and track transactions. You can be both a Stud Owner and a Buyer under the same account. Take a few minutes to explore before your next step.
FAQ link: ‘Have questions about accounts or privacy? See the Account and Safety FAQ →’
Journey 2: For Stud Owners
4.1 How to Add Your Stud Listing
Step 1 Click ‘Add a Stud’ from your dashboard
Log in and click the ‘Add a Stud’ button from your dashboard or main navigation. This opens the listing builder – a step-by-step form that guides you through every section including your photos, dog details, pricing, health documents, and rebreeding policy.
Step 2 Upload your photos
Upload a minimum of 1 photo and up to 5. Use clear, well-lit shots that show your dog’s conformation, coat, and face. Listings with 5 high-quality photos receive significantly more inquiries. Drag and drop to reorder – your first photo is the listing cover image. Keep in mind that photos should not contain and any contact information, kennel names, etc.
Tip: Natural light photos outdoors outperform indoor shots. Show your dog standing, in profile, and a close-up of the face.
Step 3 Enter your dog’s details
Fill in breed, date of birth, weight, color, coat type, and all other genetic information you have. For purebred dogs, complete the title, lineage, and conformation section using titles and health credentials only – do not include kennel names, breeder names, or contact information in any field. Select whether you allow mixed breed bookings using the toggle. Write a bio covering your dog’s temperament, accomplishments, titles, and anything that makes him stand out – this is your sales pitch, be specific and genuine.
For semen quality, include relevant details such as motility and concentration directly in your description, as there is no separate upload field for semen evaluation reports.
Tip: Breeders read bios carefully. Mention energy level, how he is with other dogs, any training or titles, and what makes him a great breeding choice.
Step 4 Set your Standard Collection Cost and Stud Fee
Add your standard collection cost to each stud profile. Enter your stud fee for the “Stud Service” specifically. FMSD currently offers chilled semen as the only service type.
Your stud fee, collection cost and and calculated shipping will be displayed to the buyer at checkout and can’t be changed after booking is completed.
Tip: Research comparable listings on FMSD to price competitively for your breed.
Step 5 Upload your health testing documents
Health documents are uploaded as part of the listing creation process right here in the listing builder. Upload your required breed-specific genetic panel and at least one health evaluation (OFA Hips, Elbows, Eyes, Cardiac, or Patella). Add any additional test results you have – the more health documentation on your listing, the higher it will rank in search results and the more confident buyers will be. A valid Brucellosis test within 12 months is required for getting bookings.
If a live breeding occurred outside the platform, and the female brucella was not verified, a new Brucellosis test is required. At each listing approval you will be asked to attest that your Brucellosis status is current and that you will decline any breeding where the female has not been tested.
Tip: Make sure every document clearly shows your dog’s name, test date, and results. Blurry, cropped, or incomplete documents will be rejected during admin review.
Step 6 Set your availability
Set your general availability using the availability calendar or toggle. If you are only available during certain months or have a current booking hold, mark it here. Buyers filter by availability so keeping this current directly affects how often you appear in search results.
To do this, select the “Unlock” icon, select the dates you are NOT available, and then click the “Lock” button. This will turn those dates to Red and they are not bookable. To remove them, click on the dates you want to make available select the unlock button and then click outside of the calendar area.
Refresh your screen to verify the changes too place.
Step 7 Set your rebreeding policy
Choose and customize your rebreeding terms. You will set the minimum number of live puppies that constitutes a litter for rebreed eligibility – most stud owners set this at 1, 2, or 3. Options for outcome include a free return service if the breeding does not meet your minimum litter threshold, a partial refund, or no guarantee. Be clear and specific – buyers read this before booking and your terms are binding once a booking is confirmed.
Tip: Most high-performing listings offer at least a free rebreed when the litter falls below the stated minimum. Setting a clear minimum litter threshold (1, 2, or 3 puppies is typical) and offering a rebreed significantly increases buyer confidence.
Step 8 Review and submit
Review all your information and click Submit. Your listing enters the FMSD review queue. You will receive an email when your listing is approved and live. Most listings are reviewed within 24 hours.
4.2 Health Verification - What Happens After You Submit
Health documents are uploaded during the listing creation process above – there is no separate health upload step. Once your listing is submitted, here is what happens next:
Step 1 Admin reviews your health documents
FMSD admin reviews all submitted health documents after your listing is received. Most documents are verified within 24-48 hours. You will receive an email notification for each document approved or rejected.
Tip: If a document is rejected you will receive a reason by email. Common reasons: document is blurry, does not clearly show your dog’s registered name, or the test date is not visible. Resubmit a corrected document from your listing edit page under Account > Listings.
Step 2 Your listing goes live as bookable
Once your required minimum health tests are verified (one genetic panel + one health evaluation and Brucella test), your listing status updates from ‘Pending Verification’ to active and bookable. Until then your listing is visible but cannot receive booking requests.
Step 3 Update health records anytime
As new test results come in, upload them from Account > Listings > Edit Listing. Each new document enters the admin review queue. Your listing’s verified badge updates as additional documents are approved. For Brucellosis, re-upload before the 12-month mark to keep your test current. If a live breeding has occurred since your last Brucellosis test and the female was unverified, a new test is required before you can accept bookings.
4.3 How to Manage an Active Listing
Step 1 Update availability
From your dashboard, go to Account > Listings and toggle availability on or off at any time. If your stud is temporarily unavailable, set him to Paused. Your profile stays visible but you won’t appear in active search results.
Tip: Update availability after every confirmed booking so other buyers see accurate timing.
Step 2 Pause or deactivate a listing
Toggle to Unavailable to hide from search without deleting. Toggle back to Active when ready. To permanently remove a listing, use the Deactivate option from listing settings.
Step 3 Respond to messages promptly
Buyers message through FMSD’s built-in messaging system. You receive email and in-app notifications. Respond within 48 hours – response rate is tracked and displayed on your listing. Fast responders get significantly more bookings.
Tip: Keep all communication on the FMSD platform. On-platform messages create a verifiable record that protects both parties if any issue arises. Off-platform communication is not covered by FMSD protections, dispute resolution, or rebreed enforcement – and off-platform arrangements forfeit your verified review history and seller ranking.
Journey 3: For Buyers
5.1 How to Find and Evaluate a Stud
Step 1 Search and filter listings
From the homepage, enter your breed in the search bar or use Browse by Breed. Apply filters: location, service type, health testing status, coat color, size, and price range. Each listing card shows key details at a glance.
Tip: Filter by ‘Health Verified’ first to see only studs with confirmed documentation.
Screenshot / GIF: Search results page with filter panel open, active filters applied
Step 2 Review the full listing
Click any listing to see the complete profile: all photos, health test results with certificates, pedigree, bio, stud fee, service type, rebreeding policy, and seller reviews. Read the rebreeding policy carefully before reaching out – this is the seller’s terms for what happens if the breeding does not result in pregnancy.
Step 3 Check the health verification badges
Look for the Verified badge and review the specific tests on file. Each test certificate is viewable directly on the listing. The Verified badge means FMSD has reviewed the documentation – always read the actual results yourself and consult your vet.
Tip: If you need a stud with a current Brucellosis test, look for the Brucellosis Verified badge and check the test date.
Step 4 Save your favorites
Click Save or Favorite on any listing to add it to your shortlist. Compare saved studs from your account dashboard. Shortlist 2-3 options before reaching out – having a backup is strongly recommended.
Tip: Identify a backup stud before your female’s breeding window opens. Timing is critical and unexpected things can come up.
5.2 How to Contact a Seller and Confirm a Breeding
Step 1 Send your first message
Click ‘Contact Owner’ or ‘Message’ on any listing. Introduce yourself, share your female’s breed, what you are looking for in a pairing, and your expected breeding window. The more context you give upfront, the faster the seller can confirm fit and availability. This will also help to get approved faster when you select your ship date!
Tip: Keep all communication on the FMSD platform. On-platform messages create a verifiable record that protects you if any issue arises. Off-platform arrangements are not covered by buyer protection, dispute resolution, or rebreed enforcement. If something goes wrong off-platform – bad semen, no pregnancy, unresponsive seller – you have no recourse. On-platform, you do.
Step 2 Discuss timing and logistics
Use messaging to give the stud owner a heads-up on your expected breeding window and confirm they are available. For chilled semen, coordinate progesterone testing with your vet to confirm ovulation timing before placing a booking. All timing and date coordination is handled through the booking calendar – not through chat. Note that phone numbers and contact information cannot be shared through FMSD messaging.
Tip: Confirm your vet’s availability for AI or TCI before finalizing your booking date with the seller.
Journey 4: How a Transaction Works (Both Sides)
Step 1 Buyer submits a booking request
Who: Buyer action
Once the buyer has identified a stud and has the exact date for shipping/collection, they submit a formal booking request through the platform. The seller will have 12 hours to respond and the platform will be messaging them continuously through Text and Email. Although rare, we do recommend to have a back-up stud in case the seller declines or is un-responsive. All timing coordination happens explicitly through the booking calendar – not through chat.
Step 2 Seller reviews and accepts
Who: Seller action
The seller receives a notification and reviews the booking request. Once accepted, the booking is confirmed and locked in. The seller cannot add fees or change terms after acceptance.
Step 3 Buyer pays securely through FMSD
Who: Buyer action
After seller acceptance, the buyer is prompted to pay. The total includes the Standard Collection Fee (set by seller) + stud fee + the Buyer Protection Fee (applicable taxes per state regulations will be applied). All payments are processed securely through Stripe, which is integrated directly into FMSD. Most buyers will select Individual when setting up their payment account. Cash, Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, and off-platform payments are not accepted and are not protected.
Tip: Enter your correct shipping address at checkout – this is important. Chilled semen ships to a specific address for a specific date. Typically this is your reproductive vet’s clinic. If your vet is not available on delivery day (such as a Saturday), consider shipping to a UPS or FedEx store for scheduled pickup. Double-check the address before confirming payment. You can save your payment details with LINK for faster checkout on future bookings. Paying by bank account (ACH) is also available and carries lower processing fees than a card payment.
Step 4 Both parties agree to the stud service terms
Who: Both
Before submitting their booking request, the buyer checks two boxes: a Responsible Breeding Agreement confirming their female is healthy, their health information is accurate, and they agree to comply with FMSD’s terms and policies; and a terms and conditions checkbox confirming agreement to FMSD’s platform terms, which include the seller’s breeding terms as stated on the listing. The agreement is stored on the platform and accessible to both parties.
Screenshot / GIF: Booking request page showing Responsible Breeding Agreement checkbox and terms and conditions checkbox.
Step 5 Funds are held in escrow
Who: Automatic
Payment is collected by FMSD and held securely – not released to the seller immediately. This protects the buyer if something goes wrong and ensures the seller gets paid once the booking is fulfilled.
Step 6 Seller collects and ships on the confirmed date
Who: Seller action
Upon checkout the shipping costs will be calculated and a label will be generated. The label will be sent to the seller by 9 PM the evening before, or immediately if the booking occurred after 9 PM. The seller can print the label at home or at the UPS/FedEx store using the provided QR code. The shipping tracking will automatically be available through the website. The seller collects semen on the booking date using accepted veterinary standards and ships via overnight carrier.
Step 7 Buyer receives and confirms delivery
Who: Buyer action
The buyer receives the shipment and delivers it to their reproductive veterinarian immediately or can be shipped directly to the Reproductve vet. Chilled semen is time-sensitive – have your vet ready and available on the delivery day. The buyer should be available to receive the shipment, have it routed directly to your vet (confirm with them) OR have it routed to a FedEx or UPS store for scheduled pickup.
Step 8 4-day hold period
Who: Automatic
After delivery is confirmed via tracking, FMSD holds the funds for 4 days. This window allows time for delivery confirmation, initial issue reporting, and dispute review if needed. If no dispute is raised, the hold clears automatically – no action required.
Screenshot / GIF: Hold period countdown indicator in transaction dashboard
Step 9 Seller payout is released
Who: Seller receives
Once the 4-day hold clears with no dispute, FMSD releases the stud fee, and collection cost to the seller minus the Seller Platform Fee. Expect funds in your connected account within 2-5 business days after release.
Step 10 Confirm outcome and close the transaction
Who: Buyer action
After the breeding, no action is required from the buyer unless the breeding did not result in pregnancy. If the breeding was successful, the transaction closes automatically – no documentation needed. If pregnancy was not confirmed and the seller’s rebreeding policy includes a minimum litter threshold, submit veterinary documentation of the outcome within 75 days of insemination to trigger the rebreed clause. No submission means no issue – silence is treated as a successful outcome.