German Shepherd dog

You can take them to any vet that has the x-ray equiment.  Though as you've probably noticed looking at some x-rays posted here not all vets know what or how to position.  It's a better idea to take them to a vet knowledgable in proper positioning, even it it means driving farther.

Depending on what the dog owner wants the x-rays are submitted to either pennhip or OFA for official readings and ratings.  Or the dog owner has the option of just getting the vets opinion and not submit the x-rays.  It all depends on what is wanted.  For a breeding dog having the official ratings done is important.

Having the elbows done is important also.....

Steve, also at my vet anyway, he/she lets me take the x-rays and send them myself to OFA. I am pretty sure they would do it but I like doing it that way.

In answer to the third question, sometimes if you are somewhat knowledgable with xray positioning and what good or bad hips look like, you might take the vets diagnosis, if you feel they same way, if the hips are really severe. It would save the extra $$$ that it costs OFA to read them. The down side to this is that it doesn't give an accurate percentage of good/bad hips in a breed. But then again if you send them off to OFA you can also check a box saying you don't want them listed if they are bad. Hope that makes sense...

We too can send the xrays to the SV through USA.  And yes, sometimes it has taken up to four months to get back.  :)