Financial Conflict of Interest

It is the policy of The American Kennel Club that all members of the AKC Board of Directors will avoid any conflict between their interests, direct or indirect, and those of AKC or any organization affiliated with the AKC. The fundamental principle guiding implementation of this policy is that no Board member who represents or has any direct or indirect interest in any company, organization, institution or any other entity shall participate in any decision when that entity does or seeks to do business with AKC. Furthermore, any Board member whose immediate household members or immediate family members represent or have any direct or indirect interest in any of the above business entities will also be prohibited from participating in any decisions involving that entity. Board members in such situations, either personally or through association with household and/or family members, will reveal their interest, making full disclosure of the same, and leave the room during any discussion period concerning the entity and transaction involved. Board members will also abstain from voting on any matters pertaining to such entity.

Further, in pursuance of this policy, all Board members will sign a disclosure statement annually at the Board's annual reorganization meeting, and all appointed Board members will sign such a statement upon taking office.

Direct and indirect interests will include, but not be limited to, monetary investment or gains, partnerships, business affiliation, association, representation or consultancy with such interest resulting in payment or receipt of any remuneration or reward, cash or in kind, direct or indirect.

For the purpose of this policy, members of an immediate family are: husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law.

AKC affiliated organizations will include, but not be limited to: the AKC Canine Health Foundation, the AKC Museum of the Dog, AKC Reunite, and the AKC Holding Company.

Board members may not discuss confidential or proprietary information that comes before the Board with any person outside of the Board. “Confidential Information” means any material that is not made available or published for dissemination to the general public. “Any person” would include spouses, family, and household members. Any questions on the confidentiality of specific material should be directed to the AKC General Counsel or Executive Secretary.