Cardiac OFA Certification
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) does offer a Heart Registry certification for breeding programs, specifically for dogs. The OFA Cardiac Database allows breeders and owners to submit cardiac evaluations conducted by veterinary cardiologists on their dogs. This database serves as a resource for assessing the cardiac health of breeding dogs to make informed breeding decisions and help reduce the incidence of inherited cardiac diseases in certain breeds. To obtain an OFA Heart Registry certification, the dog must be evaluated by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist, who will assess the dog’s heart for any abnormalities or cardiac conditions. If the evaluation is favorable and the dog meets the established criteria for the breed, the results are submitted to the OFA. The dog’s cardiac health information is then added to the OFA’s public database. By participating in the OFA Heart Registry, breeders can demonstrate their commitment to responsible breeding practices and the overall health of their breed. It also allows potential puppy buyers to check the cardiac health clearances of the parents before purchasing a puppy. Keep in mind that certification requirements and procedures might change over time, so I recommend checking the official OFA website or contacting them directly for the most current information on their Heart Registry certification program.