Entry fees: how do they work?

To work out how much you’ll pay, start from the entry price, add the options you choose, then check which discounts you’re entitled to.

This guide covers shows in France. Amounts and conditions are specific to each event: check its price list before paying.

1. The price depends on your entry

A show may offer several prices depending on the class or the number of dogs entered.

MyDogShow tip: to give you an idea, this is what a show’s price list can look like:

These amounts are an example from a past show, not a national price scale. Prices and conditions are given on each event’s entry sheet.

Payment enters your dog in the chosen class. It does not guarantee a placing, a grade or an award.

2. Entering early can cost less

Some shows set a first rate, then a higher rate before the final closing date.

MyDogShow tip: look on the entry page for the first price deadline and the final closing date, as well as the separate dates for postal and online entries, which may differ.

Watch the calendar: the end of the reduced rate is not necessarily the end of entries. You may still be within the deadline, but pay more.

3. Check the options before you confirm

On SCC Expo (the French SCC’s show entry platform), the organiser can offer extras: handler’s pass, parking, catalogue, among others. You select them before adding the entry to your basket.

Before paying, check what is included and what is optional. A digital catalogue being available does not necessarily mean a printed copy is included.

Made-up example to understand the calculation:

This example is only meant to show the addition; use your own show’s prices.

4. Discounts come with conditions

Depending on the event, you may come across:

• a sliding rate for several dogs of the same owner;
• a discount for members of an association;
• a combined rate, linked to two shows.

MyDogShow tip: before counting on a sliding rate or a members’ discount, check who it is for and what proof it requires: these benefits do not automatically apply to all entrants.

On SCC Expo, when a combined rate is offered, the Centrale Canine (SCC) states that you must first enter the dogs in the first show: the calculation is then made when you enter the second.

Don’t assume two discounts can be combined. Check the conditions and the total displayed.

5. When is the entry confirmed?

On SCC Expo, your dog is not entered until payment has been confirmed. A completed form or a prepared basket is not enough.

After a successful payment, you receive a receipt by email. Keep it and complete payment before the closing date.

6. What if you can no longer come?

A refund is not automatic. Check the show’s conditions before entering: deadlines, possible deductions and the situations covered.

For a request on SCC Expo, the Centrale Canine says to contact its service, accepting the refund terms set out in the event’s regulations.

Beginner — three tips

1. Find the price for your class. The standard price is not necessarily the one that applies to your dog.
2. Re-read the options in your basket. Keep the ones that will be useful to you.
3. Check the receipt after payment. File it with your show documents.

Intermediate — three tips

1. Note two deadlines. The end of the first rate and the final closing date may differ.
2. Prepare proof for discounts. Membership sometimes has to be shown.
3. Budget for travel too. Transport, meals and any accommodation come on top of the entry fees.

Advanced — three tips

1. Compare the combined package with separate entries. Check what it really includes.
2. Check the calculation for several dogs. Read the conditions of the sliding rate and the class exceptions.
3. Look at the cancellation terms before booking your stay. Your budget also depends on which expenses are recoverable and which are not.

Sources

• Centrale Canine (France): How to get the combined-show rate (in French)
• Centrale Canine (France): Am I entered if I have not paid? (in French)
• Centrale Canine (France): Where to find your entry receipts (in French)
• Centrale Canine (France): How to request a refund (in French)