About .dog domain
.dog is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by the registry Donuts (Koko Mill, LLC). It was delegated to the root zone on 29 April 2015 and entered General Availability in August of that year. The TLD was the subject of a private auction in 2014, which left Donuts as the sole applicant. It is managed as a commercial domain product under ICANN's New gTLD Program.
Who can register .dog domain
Registration for a .dog domain name is open to anyone globally with no eligibility restrictions. There are no requirements based on geographic location, organizational type, or trademark ownership. Both individuals and companies can register these domains for any lawful purpose.
How to register .dog domain
- Search for your desired .dog domain name using a domain registrar's availability checker to see if it is unregistered.
- Compare the registration and renewal prices, as well as features like WHOIS privacy and email forwarding, across different accredited registrars.
- Complete the checkout process, which typically requires selecting a registration term (often one to ten years) and providing accurate contact information.
- After purchase, verify your contact details via email and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your hosting provider.
Typical uses of .dog domain
The .dog extension is commonly adopted by pet-related businesses, dog breeders, trainers, groomers, and veterinary services to create a memorable and topical web address. Individual pet owners, bloggers, and enthusiasts also use it for personal sites, photo galleries, or community forums dedicated to dogs. This TLD offers an immediate, niche-relevant alternative to more generic extensions, helping projects and businesses in the canine space stand out online.
Tips for registering .dog domain
- Domains can typically be registered for a minimum of one year, with maximum terms often extending up to ten years.
- WHOIS privacy protection is generally available for this TLD through most registrars, allowing you to shield personal contact details from the public WHOIS database.
- Standard ICANN transfer policies apply, meaning domains are usually locked against transfer for 60 days after registration or a previous transfer.
- After a domain expires, it will enter a standard renewal grace period, followed by a redemption grace period, before becoming available for public registration again.
Frequently asked questions about .dog domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .dog domain?
As of today, .dog domains start from $2.99/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $182.83/yr across 33 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .dog domains?
NameBeta tracks 33 registrars that support .dog domain registration, with the cheapest option at $2.99/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .dog domain?
The registry for .dog domains is Identity Digital, administered by Binky Moon, LLC.
Who can register a .dog domain?
There are no restrictions on who can register a .dog domain; it is an open TLD. This means individuals, businesses, organizations, and groups from any country can secure a .dog address without needing to provide specific documentation or prove a connection to the pet industry. It is designed for broad, commercial registration.
Can I transfer a .dog domain between registrars?
Transferring a .dog domain between registrars follows the standard ICANN inter-registrar transfer policy. You must first unlock the domain at your current registrar and obtain an authorization code (EPP code). After initiating the transfer at the gaining registrar and approving the request, the transfer typically completes within five to seven days, provided the domain is more than 60 days old and not in a locked status.
Are there any content restrictions for .dog websites?
The registry does not enforce specific content policies mandating that .dog websites must be about dogs or pets. Registrants must comply with general ICANN requirements and applicable laws, but there is no proactive auditing of site content. This allows for creative or brand-oriented use of the domain beyond the obvious niche.
Can I register premium .dog domain names?
Yes, the registry operates a premium names program where certain desirable or short .dog domains are priced higher than standard registration fees. These premium prices apply to both initial registration and renewals. Availability and pricing for these names can be checked through individual registrar's search tools.
What dispute resolution policies apply to .dog domains?
.dog domains are subject to the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP), which allows trademark holders to challenge bad-faith registrations. Additionally, as a new gTLD, it is also subject to the Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) system, which provides a faster, lower-cost alternative for clear-cut cases of trademark infringement.
