9 Mar 2 Comments timbearden Breeder Education

Throughout the past 15 years I’ve had my fair share of experiences dealing with sperm. Sperm from canines to be exact. Artificial insemination has become a mainstay for my breeding program. In the past I’ve dealt with frozen sperm. However, it wasn’t until recently that I’ve needed to deal with storage of canine semen. Since covid, many veterinarians are not performing the same services as they would have in the past. Which has led me to contact as many reproductive vets as possible in Southern California. After my research, I thought it might be helpful for other breeders to see a list of veterinarians in Southern California that performs canine semen collection, freezing and storing.

Canine Frozen Semen

Frozen sperm is an alternative to using chilled sperm. It may be necessary to freeze sperm if the stud is located in other areas of the world, to preserve semen of studs who show value to the breed, or as a backup to an unavailable or unperformed stud. It can also be necessary to preserve genetics for future use even after the stud has been neutered. Frozen semen can be stored for and indefinite amount of time, shipped, and inseminated by surgical insemination. It is also important to note that not all reproductive vets freeze sperm and offer storage. Many will just chill sperm and ship. This is why I wanted to create a list for those who specifically collect, freeze and store semen.

Frozen sperm is stored in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of –196 Celsius. This process is not to be confused with simply freezing sperm in your freezer. Proper freezing helps preserve the integrity of the sperm so as to minimize sperm loss.

Canine Semen Collection, Freezing & Storing in Southern California

Below is a list of breeders who I know collects canine sperm, freezes, and can store it. I’m positive there are more. The list is in no particular order.

Dr. Butchko

(951) 686-2242

5488 Mission Boulevard,
Riverside, CA 92509, USA

I have had personal experience with Dr. Butchko. They tend to be the cheapest in the area for collection and storage. Expect something around $350 for collection, and a yearly fee of $90 for storage. Shipping costs depend on location and is also a huge fee.

Newport Harbor Animal Hospital

(949) 612-2756

125 Mesa Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92627

I personally know people who have used them for reproductive services. They come well recommended. Price is only about $10 more than Dr. Butchko, so if you live closer to them then it probably is better to go there.

Chino Hills Animal Hospital & Pet Resort

(909)591-1805
3415 Chino Ave
Chino, CA 91710

I was told prices for collection are around $400 collection, and $90+ for storage to be paid yearly.

VCA Yorba Regional Animal Hospital

714-921-8700
8290 E. Crystal Drive
Anaheim, CA, 92807

I don’t know anything about their reproduction services other than what is stated from their website. They do mention freezing sperm. If you have used them in the past feel free to leave me a comment.

Mohnacky Animal Hospitals of Carlsbad

(760) 729-3330
2505 S. Vista Way
Carlsbad, CA 92008

Cryopreservation is listed on their site and they have a reproductive specialist at their facility.

Canine Cryobank

(760) 591-9909
120 N. Pacific Stree Suite A5
San Marcos, CA 92069

I have heard of someone using this facility. However, I am not sure they have a veterinarian, but they do have a cryobiologist who runs the program.

I am continuing to update this page as I find more vets who perform frozen semen services in the Southern California area. If you have a veterinarian you can recommend, feel free to let me know. It will be beneficial to other breeders to have a more thorough and accurate list.