Those interested in obtaining arms should, in the first instance, contact the appropriate heraldic authority (Chief Herald of Canada, Lord Lyon, etc.) before relying upon the services of self-proclaimed "amateur heralds".

Greetings
The above is good advice if one has the availability of an Heraldic Authority within one's jurisdiction. I refer here to persons, male or female who live in a country where there is no official Heraldic Authority available, eg. USA and many East/West European countries, etc.

Also if a person wishes to bear arms on an informal basis (assume), then the "International Association of Amateur Heralds" (IAAH), could be of great help to them. Members of this association are extremely knowledgeable, being both amateur and professional.

I am also aware that many persons would wish to petition their Heraldic Authority for the right to bear arms, but due to financial restraints, feel this is beyond their means; petitioning for arms can be very expensive.

The IAAH provides a free heraldic design service and is happy to advise on any heraldic query.

Kind regards ................ Peter