The Canine Legislation Department is pleased to announce that the Whidbey Island Kennel Club and Walla Walla Kennel Club (both in Washington state) are the most recent AKC Community Achievement Award recipients. The award recognizes outstanding public education and legislation efforts of AKC-affiliated clubs, AKC-recognized federations, and their members. Each honoree receives a certificate and a $1,000 check payable to the club or federation to support public education and canine legislation efforts.

Whidbey Island Kennel Club was recognized for its outstanding work on the legislative front and for promoting responsible dog ownership in its community. Through its education, outreach and lobbying efforts, Whidbey Island Kennel Club has worked to prevent unfavorable ordinances governing dog ownership, breeding, and licensing from passing in their county. Several members of the Whidbey Island Kennel Club serve on the Snohomish County Council Animal Advisory Board and were instrumental in having September 17th declared as Responsible Dog Ownership Day in their county. In recognition of Responsible Dog Ownership Day, Whidbey Island Kennel Club members held a free microchip clinic where more than 300 animals received microchips.

Whidbey Island Kennel Club members also work diligently to educate their community about responsible dog ownership. Club members worked with the Animal Advisory Board to create information packets on general dog care, training, health, breeding, spaying, neutering, and dog shows. They distribute the packets to people licensing dogs at the Snohomish County Licensing Department, to people adopting dogs from shelters, to veterinarian offices, and to school libraries in the county.

Walla Walla Kennel Club was recognized for its work to educate citizens about the importance of responsible dog ownership. Kennel club members hold an annual seminar in their community on dog training. Other breed club members in the area and the general public are invited to participate. To generate interest, members distribute seminar registration forms to local feed stores and vet offices.

The Walla Walla Kennel Club developed a program with the City of Walla Walla to install 21 “Mutt Mitt” bag dispensers in local parks in the city in an effort to keep dog waste out of public walkways. The dispensers are maintained and filled by kennel club members. Club members also host an education booth during the local fair each year where they distribute AKC materials on responsible dog ownership and other issues.

Congratulations to the newest Community Achievement Award recipients!

Interested in nominating a club, federation, or individual for the Community Achievement Award? Fill out a nomination form or contact Ron Rella (212-696-8303 or rnr@akc.org).