Do I have to raise rabbits or cavies to become a member of the ARBA?
     No, anyone is welcome to join the ARBA. We are a service organization that caters to anyone interested in the rabbit and cavy hobby on a pet, fancy (exhibition), or commercial level. Simply click the "Join Us" link at the top of the page and you will be directed to our Shopping Cart, where you will find the form to join our organization.

How long is my membership good for, and when can I renew?
     The ARBA has one year or three year memberships. The term of a membership expires 1 or 3 years from the date you join, depending on the term you choose. Once you have become a member of the ARBA, you may renew at any time, and the period of renewal (1 or 3 years) is simply extended from your current expiration date. Your expiration does not change once you have become a member, unless special circumstances warrant such. You do not have to wait until your membership is expired, or is due to expire, before you can renew. notices are mailed one month prior to your expiration date as a reminder, and also one month after your expiration date if a renewal is not received. 

What do I have to do in order to become a registered breeder?
     There is really no status of a "registered breeder" as far as the ARBA is concerned. Anyone may breed and raise rabbits or cavies by simply starting with a male and female. You may wish to check with your local authorities however, to insure there are no ordinances against you raising rabbits or cavies.
     The ARBA offers the privilege to members of registering their rabbits, cavies, rabbitry or caviary name, however this is not necessary in order to be a member of the ARBA.

How do I register my rabbits or cavies?
     In order to register your rabbits or cavies, you must be a member of the ARBA. The rabbit or cavy must be at least 6 months of age, and you must have a 3 generation pedigree for the animal being registered. The pedigree must show the name and/or ear number, weight, and variety of the parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents (3 generations) of the animal being registered. (all ancestors in the 3 generations MUST be of the same breed as the animal being registered). A licensed Registrar for the species must examine the animal and fill out an application for registration, which is sent to the ARBA office. The information for the registered animal is then entered into our computer system and we have a record of that animal for all time. A certificate of registration for the animal is then sent to you. Registration fee for a rabbit or cavy is $6.00 per animal.

How do I register my rabbitry or caviary?
     In order to register your rabbitry or caviary, you must be a member of the ARBA. You would fill out a Rabbitry/Caviary registration form and submit it to the ARBA office. On this form is your information (name and address), and the name of the rabbitry or caviary you wish to register. Our files are checked to insure the name is not already registered by someone else, as the same name cannot be registered by more than one person. It is a good idea to list 3 choices on the registration form, in case your original choice is already taken. Once processed, a certificate of registration for your rabbitry or caviary is sent to you. Fee for registering a rabbitry or caviary is $5.00 for the name and one owner. Additional owners may be added for $2.00 per person. Once a rabbitry or caviary is registered, it is good for as long as all members listed as owners remain ARBA members in good standing. If one person listed as an owner allows their ARBA membership to lapse, the rabbitry/caviary registration becomes void. It is then necessary to re-register the rabbitry again.

How can I get a breed or variety recognized that is not already in the Standard of Perfection?
     In order to introduce a new breed or variety of a rabbit or cavy which is not already recognized by the ARBA, you must first obtain a Certificate of Development (COD) for the proposed breed or variety. This can be done by submitting a letter requesting the COD with a written proposed standard for the breed or variety, and accompanied with a non-refundable fee of $50.00.
     You must have been a member of the ARBA for 5 continuous years at the time of application. 
     Upon approval by the ARBA Standards Committee of the materials submitted, a Certificate of Development will be issued. There are further criteria and details which can be found in the ARBA Standard of Perfection or by contacting the ARBA office.