Frozen Semen Storage Perth

[Alenkit]

I have frozen semen stored from 5 dogs and have just received my annual account charging between $100 and $150 per dog (depending on amount of semen I guess). Total bill coming to approx $650. I would love to hear from other people who have frozen semen stored in Perth - where do you store it and how much are you charged per year?

[winpara]

Hi,

I believe the Toodyay vet also stores semen? Tho have never checked to find out for sure.

I received a letter today too but can't seem to see an amount listed on it? Where does it say on yours? The semen was only collected late last year so I will be annoyed if I have to pay another storage fee - as as far as I was aware 12mths storage was included in the original collection fee... but of course I can't find the bill to check!

$650pa does seem awfully expensive!!

I have frozen semen stored from 5 dogs and have just received my annual account charging between $100 and $150 per dog (depending on amount of semen I guess). Total bill coming to approx $650. I would love to hear from other people who have frozen semen stored in Perth - where do you store it and how much are you charged per year?

[Dogsfevr]

Most people i now who had semen stored at vets in armadale area have transferred it to Toodyay vet

[Alenkit]

Hi,

I believe the Toodyay vet also stores semen? Tho have never checked to find out for sure.

I received a letter today too but can't seem to see an amount listed on it? Where does it say on yours? The semen was only collected late last year so I will be annoyed if I have to pay another storage fee - as as far as I was aware 12mths storage was included in the original collection fee... but of course I can't find the bill to check!

$650pa does seem awfully expensive!!

I have frozen semen stored from 5 dogs and have just received my annual account charging between $100 and $150 per dog (depending on amount of semen I guess). Total bill coming to approx $650. I would love to hear from other people who have frozen semen stored in Perth - where do you store it and how much are you charged per year?

I got 2 invoices (usually do) one for the frozen semen which are imported (4 dogs) and one for my own dog who's semen I have frozen. The imported dog's invoice had an amount but my boy's semen invoice had no amount. The imported boys paperwork had the declaration missing which it say I must sign.

[Alenkit]

Most people i now who had semen stored at vets in armadale area have transferred it to Toodyay vet

I called them last year to enquiry about freezing semen for Frozen Puppies. Their collection and freezing fee wat VERY high plus I was asked to pick up my own dry ice for the freezing of the seemen and bring it in a couple of eskies Sorry but that doesn't give me a lot of confidence as to the quality of their service and how secure my semen storage would be.

[sandgrubber]

Have you gotten a quote from Applecross. I had some frozen semen with them for a short time. I don't remember what the fee was, but I know it was annual, and I think it was closer to $50 than $150.

[Guest Baylord]

We used to store our semen at Railway but the prices increased that much I started to look around. Wendy (Railway) stopped collecting and I believe is trying to get out of frozen semen work, as is Sue Cherbere.

Another reason why I left, was it was sometimes difficult to get access to the semen if the vets were not there.

We now store at Applecross and it does cost approx $100 per dog (but am waiting for the annual bill to arrive). We have about 5/6 different lots of dogs semen - some imported, and some that have died up to 10 years ago.

The problem that we have is, that I have my own vet do my ai's, and it is exceedingly difficult to get access to a day shipper for transport.

[Alenkit]

Have you gotten a quote from Applecross. I had some frozen semen with them for a short time. I don't remember what the fee was, but I know it was annual, and I think it was closer to $50 than $150.

Wonder how long ago that was ? My frozen semen are at Applecross.

[Alenkit]

We used to store our semen at Railway but the prices increased that much I started to look around. Wendy (Railway) stopped collecting and I believe is trying to get out of frozen semen work, as is Sue Cherbere.

Another reason why I left, was it was sometimes difficult to get access to the semen if the vets were not there.

We now store at Applecross and it does cost approx $100 per dog (but am waiting for the annual bill to arrive). We have about 5/6 different lots of dogs semen - some imported, and some that have died up to 10 years ago.

The problem that we have is, that I have my own vet do my ai's, and it is exceedingly difficult to get access to a day shipper for transport.

Oh Dear ! Sounds like Applecross may be the only viable option. The reason I pay $150 for some is because I have 2 takes from some of my imported dogs. However, I've used some from one and the price on that lot has not gone down so I'll give Clare a call and see what's happening. Still, if it is going to cost that much each year ........... I honestly feel that, particularly in my breed, frozen semen are the way forward. However, the cost of storing doesn't make it attractive to hang on to the semen to enable us to breed back to some older lines in years to come. I certainly will not contemplate importing more.

[Dogsfevr]

Most people i now who had semen stored at vets in armadale area have transferred it to Toodyay vet

I called them last year to enquiry about freezing semen for Frozen Puppies. Their collection and freezing fee wat VERY high plus I was asked to pick up my own dry ice for the freezing of the seemen and bring it in a couple of eskies Sorry but that doesn't give me a lot of confidence as to the quality of their service and how secure my semen storage would be.

The people i now all left Applecross & railway av

[Guest Baylord]

]

Oh Dear ! Sounds like Applecross may be the only viable option. The reason I pay $150 for some is because I have 2 takes from some of my imported dogs. However, I've used some from one and the price on that lot has not gone down so I'll give Clare a call and see what's happening. Still, if it is going to cost that much each year ........... I honestly feel that, particularly in my breed, frozen semen are the way forward. However, the cost of storing doesn't make it attractive to hang on to the semen to enable us to breed back to some older lines in years to come. I certainly will not contemplate importing more.

As luck would have it my bill came in today. For 5 dogs it cost $600. The reason being is that 2 of the dogs were collected at 2 separate times, so they were charged at $150 each instead of the normal $100 per dog per collection.

In my breed this is really my only viable option, we do not have the various bloodlines to choose from.

What with council regulations, as well as other considerations, it is more viable to store semen.

In my breed, importing semen, which I have done a few times really is my only option when trying to produce quality, health tested, proven hounds. Yes it is an expensive gamble and you have to go in fully expecting to lose.

But most of the time it has paid off.

Because of the lack of various dogs here, I feel that the only option I do have, is to collect and store. $100 per year I dont think is that bad considering the service offered. The tank must be refilled and maintained every 120 days. Which in it self could be quite expensive. when I had the transport shipper last time while awaiting my girl to ovulate, I had to get the small tank charged twice at around a cost of approx $25 each time which happened within a week.

[Alenkit]

Because of the lack of various dogs here, I feel that the only option I do have, is to collect and store. $100 per year I dont think is that bad considering the service offered. The tank must be refilled and maintained every 120 days. Which in it self could be quite expensive. when I had the transport shipper last time while awaiting my girl to ovulate, I had to get the small tank charged twice at around a cost of approx $25 each time which happened within a week.

You are right and I always welcome a different perspective so thank you for taking the time ;) It did occur to me that having semen in storage is a little bit like having a dog there to use whenever you want it and you can't keep a (life) dog going for $150 a year I never, ever add up what each dog is costing me for fear of what the final figure may be :D

[Mjosa]

I am in SA and have semen stored for two dogs at $100 per dog, I think that it is a very reasonable fee, just think about it, it would cost more to feed, vet fees etc., for a live dog in your yard than the storage fee is, I know that included in my storage fees is also insurance fees just in case :D the unexpected happens with the storage tanks.

[ozjen]

When I inquired about frozen semen storage at Kenwick it was about $14 a month which I though was quiet reasonable at the time but sounds like it might be a bit higher than most. As I am thinking of using frozen semen for the first time this is a very interesting thread.

Who do you guys think is the best at insemenation in WA and what is the average price range and success rate?

I do prefer natural but with the male I'm considering at the other end of Australia I do worry about my bitch getting stressed by a plane ride and truth be known I don't like being separated from her. Also she doesn't follow any sort of a pattern with her seasons to plan ahead. Last litter 3 years ago, 1 mating very late in her season, 8 pups. Last season, an unexpected one right at Christmas she peaked as day 6.

Would also be interested to know what is involved with getting semen from overseas and average cost of doing this, not including the cost of the semen itself. This one is still a pipe dream at the moment, but I'm still interested.

[benshiva]

It's been almost a year since I worked in the industry but from what I can recall at the facility I worked at, storage was $99 per can per year. A can can hold up to 6 breeding units on it and the more canes you have in storage the more discount you get.

[Alenkit]

It's been almost a year since I worked in the industry but from what I can recall at the facility I worked at, storage was $99 per can per year. A can can hold up to 6 breeding units on it and the more canes you have in storage the more discount you get.

That is considerably cheaper than what I pay. Are you in WA? If yes, which vet was that?

[Alenkit]

When I inquired about frozen semen storage at Kenwick it was about $14 a month which I though was quiet reasonable at the time but sounds like it might be a bit higher than most. As I am thinking of using frozen semen for the first time this is a very interesting thread.

Who do you guys think is the best at insemenation in WA and what is the average price range and success rate?

I do prefer natural but with the male I'm considering at the other end of Australia I do worry about my bitch getting stressed by a plane ride and truth be known I don't like being separated from her. Also she doesn't follow any sort of a pattern with her seasons to plan ahead. Last litter 3 years ago, 1 mating very late in her season, 8 pups. Last season, an unexpected one right at Christmas she peaked as day 6.

Would also be interested to know what is involved with getting semen from overseas and average cost of doing this, not including the cost of the semen itself. This one is still a pipe dream at the moment, but I'm still interested.

The best success is CHILLED SEMEN. Yes, the success rate for Chilled is better than for fresh A.I.'s. Are you in Perth? If yes and if you want some more info on this, go talk to Steve Metcalf at Applecross. When you do, make sure you have a clear head, as he talks very fast, gives a lot of info in a short time - it's a bit like a mini lecture on fast forward but the info you get is excellent.

He has done my one attempt at an A.I. with frozen, imported semen which produced 9 pups.

He also gave me a lot of info before I started my venture with importing semen from Europe. I took his advice and did what he told me to:

Make sure you get an entire 'take' not a 'mating' calculated by someone else

Make sure you OWN the entire take - IN YOUR NAME - no contracts re paperwork to be supplied once you've done the A.I. (apparently causes no end of troubles)

The Vet who collects and freezes is very, very important and after a long search I was only able to find one in the entire region, Belgium, Holland, Germany and the north of France. You need someone who understands the quarantine issues related to Australia and the paperwork that goes with it (most universities are totally useless ! ! because they want to use you as a teaching project and won't do the paperwork). I ended up looking for someone who had collected, frozen and exported semen to Australia producing life pups.

One of your biggest problems will be to get the stud dog owner interested in helping you out. (mine had to travel from Germany and Belgium to Holland 3 times) They need to take the dog to the collecting vet at least 2 or 3 times (possibly a vet at considerable distance from where they live). While that is going on (30 days), they cannot use the dog to stud. Then they need to help with paperwork. I found that making contact and friendships with breeders overseas helps.

USE A SEMEN IMPORTER TO DO THE IMPORTATION FOR YOU - don't try to 'clear' it yourself. You can import a life dog no problems but semen needs to be done by an expert.

As they money? Start saving wheel barrows full. You need to pay for the collection and freezing, health clearances, bloodtests and paperwork. A stud fee or whatever your financial arrangements are with the stud owner but your biggest expense is the shipping of the semen.

Having said all this - I still think it is the future of any breed that does not have plenty of line diversity in Australia (probably most breeds I would say).

Sorry re typo's - I wrote this post in a hurry - apologies

Edited March 6, 2010 by Alenkit

[benshiva]

It's been almost a year since I worked in the industry but from what I can recall at the facility I worked at, storage was $99 per can per year. A can can hold up to 6 breeding units on it and the more canes you have in storage the more discount you get.

That is considerably cheaper than what I pay. Are you in WA? If yes, which vet was that?

No I'm in NSW and I used to work for Frozen Puppies at Calga

Re-reading my post can = cane sorry

Edited March 6, 2010 by benshiva

[Turkey Trip]

A dog of ours was colllected and frozen at the last available date in late October 2009 - I just received a letter today from Applecross Veterinary Hospital requesting payment for storage but it contains no invoice and the "envelope provided" for the return and payment is also absent.

It appears the year runs from Jan - Dec so after less than 4 months we may be up for more storage fees. The initial collection, prep, freezing and CAWA registration totaled $492.50.

Ah well. Will have to ring them and ask where the invoice is I guess as on the documentation just received there is a demand for payment but no information re amount due.

[ozjen]

When I inquired about frozen semen storage at Kenwick it was about $14 a month which I though was quiet reasonable at the time but sounds like it might be a bit higher than most. As I am thinking of using frozen semen for the first time this is a very interesting thread.

Who do you guys think is the best at insemenation in WA and what is the average price range and success rate?

I do prefer natural but with the male I'm considering at the other end of Australia I do worry about my bitch getting stressed by a plane ride and truth be known I don't like being separated from her. Also she doesn't follow any sort of a pattern with her seasons to plan ahead. Last litter 3 years ago, 1 mating very late in her season, 8 pups. Last season, an unexpected one right at Christmas she peaked as day 6.

Would also be interested to know what is involved with getting semen from overseas and average cost of doing this, not including the cost of the semen itself. This one is still a pipe dream at the moment, but I'm still interested.

The best success is CHILLED SEMEN. Yes, the success rate for Chilled is better than for fresh A.I.'s. Are you in Perth? If yes and if you want some more info on this, go talk to Steve Metcalf at Applecross. When you do, make sure you have a clear head, as he talks very fast, gives a lot of info in a short time - it's a bit like a mini lecture on fast forward but the info you get is excellent.

He has done my one attempt at an A.I. with frozen, imported semen which produced 9 pups.

He also gave me a lot of info before I started my venture with importing semen from Europe. I took his advice and did what he told me to:

Make sure you get an entire 'take' not a 'mating' calculated by someone else

Make sure you OWN the entire take - IN YOUR NAME - no contracts re paperwork to be supplied once you've done the A.I. (apparently causes no end of troubles)

The Vet who collects and freezes is very, very important and after a long search I was only able to find one in the entire region, Belgium, Holland, Germany and the north of France. You need someone who understands the quarantine issues related to Australia and the paperwork that goes with it (most universities are totally useless ! ! because they want to use you as a teaching project and won't do the paperwork). I ended up looking for someone who had collected, frozen and exported semen to Australia producing life pups.

One of your biggest problems will be to get the stud dog owner interested in helping you out. (mine had to travel from Germany and Belgium to Holland 3 times) They need to take the dog to the collecting vet at least 2 or 3 times (possibly a vet at considerable distance from where they live). While that is going on (30 days), they cannot use the dog to stud. Then they need to help with paperwork. I found that making contact and friendships with breeders overseas helps.

USE A SEMEN IMPORTER TO DO THE IMPORTATION FOR YOU - don't try to 'clear' it yourself. You can import a life dog no problems but semen needs to be done by an expert.

As they money? Start saving wheel barrows full. You need to pay for the collection and freezing, health clearances, bloodtests and paperwork. A stud fee or whatever your financial arrangements are with the stud owner but your biggest expense is the shipping of the semen.

Having said all this - I still think it is the future of any breed that does not have plenty of line diversity in Australia (probably most breeds I would say).

Sorry re typo's - I wrote this post in a hurry - apologies

Thanks Alenkit, at this stage importing from overseas is still a pipe dream, but the eastern states option is probabaly likely. Just having touble deciding the best way to go, I know I can get frozen and have it handy when my bitch comes in where as chilled would require more planning with the timing of getting it across to Perth. Similar problem getting her to the male. My organizational skills need some honing. :cool:

Might have to visit Steve and have a chat.