Investigations and Inspections Department

AKC Inspections Fact Sheet

The AKC is the only purebred registry in the United States with an ongoing routine kennel inspection program. The AKC has a dedicated team of field inspectors who visit kennels to ensure the proper care and conditions of AKC-registered dogs and verify that breeders are maintaining accurate records for their dogs. In 2007, AKC field inspectors conducted approximately 5,600 inspections nationwide. The AKC dedicates nearly $6 million annually to its compliance programs to ensure the accuracy of its registry and the care and conditions of dogs raised by breeders of AKC dogs.

Investigations and Inspections

  • Routine AKC field inspections involve several steps. Inspectors begin by examining the dogs as well as the condition of their environment. Inspectors check to ensure all the dogs have proper identification. They review breeder records, which must be maintained for at least five years.
  • AKC inspects breeders who register seven or more litters per year. AKC also randomly selects some breeders who register between four and six litters a year for inspection.
  • In addition, AKC inspects breeders based on written, signed and substantiated complaints.
  • Inspectors enforce the AKC Care and Conditions policy to ensure that dogs have access to adequate food, water and shelter and that kennel space provided them is appropriately constructed and not overcrowded. If a dog appears to have a health issue, inspectors make sure it is being addressed.
  • Through kennel visits, inspectors seek to work with breeders to help correct any deficiencies, as well as help new breeders develop effective practices and procedures.
  • If an inspector finds minor deficiencies, the issues are noted and discussed with the breeder, and AKC expects the issues to be taken care of before the next inspection. While the AKC does not have penal or regulatory authority, breeders who have major kennel deficiencies may lose AKC privileges (ability to register dogs or compete in events). In some cases, fines will be imposed, AKC privileges may be suspended and appropriate law enforcement authorities contacted.
  • The standard penalty for anyone convicted of animal cruelty involving dogs is a 10-year suspension and a $2,000 fine.

DNA Testing

  • DNA testing is conducted during inspections as a way to verify the parentage of a litter of puppies. Employing this technology confirms that breeders are maintaining accurate pedigrees and maintains the integrity of the AKC registry.
  • DNA testing is non-invasive — it is obtained by swabbing a dog's cheek.
  • As part of the AKC's Frequently Used Sire program (FUS), DNA tests are mandatory for dogs that sire seven or more litters in a lifetime or more than three litters in a calendar year. On average, 45 percent of all AKC litters registered each year come from an FUS dog. The AKC has over 425,000 DNA profiles in its DNA database.

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