Clubs Encouraged to Hold Educational Events For AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to announce that the fourth annual AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day will be held on Saturday, September 16th. The goal of the initiative is to educate first-time dog owners about the responsibilities of dog ownership and help current owners enhance their relationships with their pets.
All AKC-affiliated dog clubs and other pet related organizations are encouraged to participate by holding public events in their communities anytime during the month of September. Last year, more than 350 local events were held, reaching millions of dog lovers and potential pet owners through extensive media coverage.
The first 500 who confirm the details of their event will receive a resource-filled packet including posters, brochures, sample press releases and many more materials that will assist them in putting together an entertaining and informative event. All events will be listed on the AKC web site, searchable by state, beginning July 1.
The AKC will hold flagship events in both New York City on September 16th and Raleigh, North Carolina on September 9th, where their offices are located. Included will be activities such as AKC Canine Good Citizen® tests, Obedience/Agility/Rally demonstrations, ID clinics, breeder referral and rescue information, raffles, games and many more entertaining and educational events.
“Holding an AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day event is a great way for fanciers to reach out and demonstrate what dogs and the people who love them bring to a community. For clubs, it can help raise visibility with local legislators and news media as well as promote resources for the public to learn about training, locating reputable breeders, AKC dog shows and so much more,” said AKC spokesperson Gail Miller. “We hope that our clubs will join us and help demonstrate all the ways that the purebred dog fancy positively impacts the public.”
To learn more about AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day, sign up to hold an event or view photos and information about previous years’ events, please visit the AKC RDO Day section of our website.