Elite Kennel Fertility

What Elite Kennel Fertility does

Elite Kennel Fertility Ltd is a privately-held, RCVS-registered veterinary practice based at Chapel Field Stud, Whitchurch, Shropshire, specialising in canine reproductive medicine with over 30 years of experience in assisted reproduction techniques. The company delivers a comprehensive suite of fertility services to UK and international dog breeders, including cryopreservation of canine semen to -196°C, fresh/chilled/frozen artificial insemination and transcervical insemination via rigid endoscope, progesterone testing with approximately 2-hour turnaround, CASA-based semen assessments, pregnancy scanning, BVA eye testing, BOAS respiratory grading, post-castration epididymal semen harvesting, and tissue banking via the sister company Gemini Genetics. Its laboratory infrastructure holds over 500,000 stored samples with capacity for 1,000,000+, supported by a fleet of 70 shipping containers for global distribution, and a stud dog and kennel advertising directory attracting over 4,000 daily visitors.

The business operates multiple revenue streams combining professional services, managed storage subscriptions, retail product sales, and educational content. Core services are priced on a pay-as-you-go basis (£80–£439 for most procedures, with conservation discounts and clinic-day pricing), while frozen semen storage is sold as an annual subscription at £97.20 minimum. Proprietary inputs include the EKF Chill Extender and EKF Freezing Extender formulations tested against market alternatives. The company also sells its own 5* Canine Fertility and inpup nutritional supplements, distributes the iSperm mCASA analyser to other practices, and runs online courses via Thinkific on neonate care, chilled semen processing, and canine first aid. Key partnerships include sister company Stallion AI Services (cross-species reproductive expertise), Gemini Genetics (tissue banking), ViaGen Pets and Equine (cloning referrals at approximately USD $50,000), Nature's SAFE (endangered breed conservation), and BVA-accredited ophthalmologist Lorna Newman MRCVS for on-site eye testing.

Customer concentration is low, with a fragmented long tail of individual stud dog owners, bitch owners, hobbyist breeders, working gundog handlers, and show-dog competitors as the primary segments, supplemented by a conservation programme for Vulnerable Native Breeds. The company is led by three directors (Kate Ashmore, Julian Barnfield, Tullis Matson) supported by a small team of MRCVS veterinary surgeons, registered veterinary nurses, and laboratory specialists. The business has no external institutional investors, no disclosed funding rounds, and operates from a single UK facility with global reach via cold-chain logistics.

Name

Elite Kennel Fertility

Legal name

Elite Kennel Fertility Ltd

Website

https://elitekennelfertility.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Elite Kennel Fertility is a UK RCVS-registered veterinary practice in Shropshire providing canine reproductive services including semen freezing, AI/TCI insemination, progesterone testing, and storage to UK and international dog breeders, with over 500,000 samples held in cryogenic storage.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Veterinary Reproduction Services

NAICS

Veterinary Services (54194), Veterinary Services (541940)

SIC

Agricultural Prod-Livestock & Animal Specialties (200)

akta.pro primary industry

Companion/Specialty Animal Breeding & Genetics Services (non-livestock) (AFAEAJAO)

akta.pro secondary industry

Reproductive & Endocrinology Diagnostics (Fertility, Hormones) (HLAMADAF)

Keywords

• Canine reproduction services
• Semen cryopreservation
• Artificial insemination
• Progesterone testing
• Fertility diagnostics

Headquarters

HQ city

Whitchurch

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Semen Collection & Freezing Services: Frozen and chilled semen collection, processing, and storage services for stud dogs. Includes post-thaw analysis and quality control reports.
2. Artificial Insemination Services: Fresh, chilled, and frozen AI and TCI (Transcervical Insemination) services performed by licensed veterinarians.
3. Diagnostic Testing: Progesterone testing, ovulation cytology, BVA eye testing, BOAS assessments, and semen assessments.
4. Semen Storage & Distribution: Annual storage fees for frozen semen, UK and international shipping, flask hire, and distribution handling fees.
5. Products & Supplements: Sale of 5* Canine Fertility supplements for stud dogs, inpup supplements for breeding bitches, EKF Chill extender, hand rearing bundles, and merchandise.
6. Advertising & Directory Listings: Stud dog and kennel advertising packages (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Ruby, Diamond tiers) with annual subscription model.
7. Educational Courses: Online courses for neonate care, chilled semen collection and processing, and in-person canine first aid training.
8. Genetic Preservation & Cloning: Tissue banking and genetic preservation services through sister company Gemini Genetics, with cloning services via ViaGen.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Elite Kennel Fertility is a veterinary-led canine reproduction practice offering semen freezing/cryopreservation, semen storage and distribution, transcervical and artificial insemination, progesterone testing, semen assessments using CASA technology, and breeding-related diagnostic services. It also sells fertility supplements, extenders, training courses, and operates a stud dog and kennel advertising directory.

Product overview

Elite Kennel Fertility is a veterinary-led canine reproduction practice offering a comprehensive suite of fertility services. The core offering centres on semen freezing (cryopreservation to -196°C), semen storage and distribution (handling over 500,000 samples), and artificial insemination services (TCI via endoscope and traditional AI). These core services are supported by diagnostic offerings (progesterone testing with 2-hour turnaround, semen assessments using CASA technology, BVA eye testing, and BOAS respiratory grading), bitch services (pregnancy scanning, vaccinations, microchipping), and specialist offerings (post-castration epididymal semen harvesting, tissue banking and cloning via the Gemini Genetics sister company, and conservation packages for vulnerable native breeds). The company also operates a retail arm selling supplements (5* Canine Fertility for stud dogs, inpup for bitches), equipment (iSperm mCASA semen analyser, EKF Chill Extender, hand-rearing bundles), and an online course platform via Thinkific. Additionally, the business operates a stud dog and kennel advertising directory platform (Bronze to Platinum tiers) attracting over 4,000 daily visitors, and a loyalty scheme rewarding repeat semen freezing customers with free collections.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Semen Freezing Service Cryopreservation service that freezes canine semen to -196°C for indefinite preservation. Includes semen collection, processing, freezing into 0.5ml straws, full post-thaw analysis, and quality control report. The frozen semen can be stored indefinitely and shipped worldwide for breeding programmes.
• Semen Storage and Distribution Cryogenic storage facility for frozen semen with over 500,000 individual samples stored. Provides UK and worldwide shipping services for both chilled and frozen semen, with same-day and next-day delivery options, flask hire, and import/export management.
• Transcervical and Artificial Insemination (TCI/AI) Insemination services including Transcervical Insemination (TCI) using a rigid endoscope for frozen, chilled, and fresh semen deposited deep in the uterus, and Artificial Insemination (AI) for fresh and chilled semen via vaginal catheter placement.
• Progesterone Testing and Ovulation Cytology Blood test measuring progesterone levels to determine optimal breeding timing, processed in approximately 2 hours. Includes vaginal cytology to assess oestrogen levels and predict ovulation date for increased pregnancy chances.
• Semen Assessments Three-tier semen evaluation service using nucleocounters and CASA (Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis): Visual Assessment (verbal results), Essential Assessment (volume, pH, concentration, viability, motility, bacterial culture), and Comprehensive Assessment (adds morphological analysis with written report).
• Pregnancy Scanning, Vaccinations and Microchipping Ultrasound pregnancy scanning at 28-35 days post-insemination, routine vaccinations (DHPPi, L4, Eurican Herpes 205), and microchipping with litter registration on national database. Includes vaccination protection against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Leptospira.
• BOAS Testing Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome assessments using the Kennel Club and University of Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading Scheme. Grading from 0 (unaffected) to 3 (severely affected) to help owners understand respiratory health and breeding decisions.
• BVA Eye Testing BVA Eye Scheme testing by accredited veterinary surgeon Lorna Newman MRCVS to detect hereditary eye conditions including cataracts and retinal problems. Results uploaded to The Kennel Club records.
• Chilled Semen Collection and Shipping Semen collection with protein-based extender processing, cooled shipping in temperature-controlled boxes. Longevity of 24 hours to 4 days, with some samples achieving up to 10 days. Available for UK shipping with same-day collection and next-day delivery options.
• Post Castration Semen Collection and Freezing (Epididymal Semen Harvesting) Pioneering epididymal semen extraction procedure for retrieving semen from testes post-castration or after sudden death. Involves 4-hour extraction process to harvest sperm from the epididymis where up to 62% of sperm cells are stored.
• Cloning and Genetic Preservation Tissue banking and genetic preservation via skin biopsies frozen in liquid nitrogen for indefinite DNA preservation. In partnership with Gemini Genetics and Viagen (USA) for potential future cloning. Also offers epididymal semen harvesting for castrated males.
• Online Courses Online courses delivered via Thinkific platform including Neonate Care Course (led by Dave Hughes MRCVS), Chilled Canine Semen Collection Processing and Shipping Course (taught by RVN Anna Hamblin), and Canine First Aid CPD courses held at the conference suite.
• Stud Dog and Kennel Advertising Directory Online advertising platform for stud dogs with tiers (Bronze free, Silver, Gold, Platinum) and kennel advertising packages (Ruby, Diamond). Site receives over 4,000 daily visitors connecting stud dog owners with bitch owners seeking breeding services.
• EKF Chill Extender Canine semen chilling extender tested by veterinary professionals against leading market alternatives. No egg required, simple hassle-free solution usable with or without centrifuge. Includes full instructions. 20ml bottle priced at £48 ex VAT.
• Hand Rearing Bundle Complete hand-rearing kit for newborn puppies, kittens, and small animals including storage box, feeding tubes, baby bottles, Welpi Milk Replacer, hot water bottle, sterilising tablets, and gloves. Priced at £230 (ex VAT £191.67).
• 5* Canine Fertility Supplement

Quantifiable outcome

• Semen stored indefinitely at -196°C with proper handling and storage
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Stallion AI ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister company co-located at Chapel Field Stud facility. One of the world's leading stallion semen collection centres with over 30 years' experience. Shares expertise and technology in equine and canine reproduction, providing cross-species knowledge and innovation in assisted reproduction techniques.
• Gemini GeneticscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister company launched in 2018, forming one of the UK's first animal tissue banks. Partners with US-based Viagen for cloning services. Collects and preserves tissue samples from various species for banking and genetic preservation purposes.
• Nature's SAFEminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in conservation efforts for preserving genetics of endangered species and vulnerable animal breeds.
• Chapel Field Conference SuitesminorOthersConference facilities co-located at Chapel Field Stud, used for hosting in-person training courses and events including Canine First Aid courses.
• Viagen Pets and EquineminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUS-based cloning company partnered with Gemini Genetics for canine and equine cloning services. Cloning available at estimated cost of USD $50,000.
• MediVetminorOthersPartner veterinary practice providing out-of-hours emergency care when Elite Kennel Fertility is closed. Emergency contact: 01743 465554.
• Lorna Newman MRCVScoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerQualified veterinary surgeon with specialism in ophthalmology, accredited to conduct BVA Eye Tests on-site throughout the year. Provides comprehensive eye examination and breed-specific health advice.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Cryogenetics: Specialist animal reproduction company focused on cryopreservation services and extenders across species. Comparable at the cryobiology technology level, though typically serving aquaculture and livestock rather than companion dogs.
• Nature's SAFE: UK-based conservation charity focused on preserving genetics of endangered species and vulnerable native breeds; EKF partnership partner. Comparable ex-situ genetic preservation mission, though focused on conservation rather than commercial breeding.

Broad incumbents

• Ceva Santé Animale: Large global animal health company with a meaningful reproductive health portfolio (including canine reproduction products). Comparable only at the category level — Ceva operates a broad pharma portfolio rather than a specialist fertility service.
• ViaGen Pets and Equine: US-based commercial cloning service for companion and equine animals, and EKF's cloning referral partner. Comparable in the high-end genetic preservation/cloning segment, though much larger scale and broader species scope.
• Minitube International: Global supplier of animal reproduction technology, consumables and AI equipment across multiple species including canine. Comparable technology stack (CASA analysers, extenders, semen processing equipment) but operates upstream as a vendor rather than a service provider.

Direct peers

• Gemini Genetics: UK animal tissue bank launched in 2018 as a sister company to Elite Kennel Fertility. Offers tissue banking and genetic preservation services across multiple species with ViaGen cloning pathway — directly comparable genetic-preservation offering.
• Stallion AI Services Ltd: Sister company co-located at Chapel Field Stud; one of the world's leading stallion semen collection centres with 30+ years' expertise. Operates an analogous model (semen collection, cryopreservation, storage, AI, international shipping) in equine, making it the closest operational and technological peer.
• International Canine Semen Bank (ICSB): US-based canine semen collection, freezing, storage and worldwide shipping service. Closest US-headquartered peer operating the same core canine cryopreservation and distribution model.

Others

• Chapel Field Conference Suites: Conference facility co-located at Chapel Field Stud, used by EKF for in-person CPD courses. Ecosystem partner enabling the educational course revenue stream rather than a comparable service peer.
• MediVet: UK veterinary group providing emergency and general practice services; serves as EKF's out-of-hours emergency care partner. Adjacent veterinary peer rather than a direct fertility competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/elitekennelfertility
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/elite-kennel-fertility

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Elite Kennel Fertility