The American Kennel Club (AKC)® and our 5,000 dog clubs are a vital part of communities across the country. One of the most compelling ways we can tell the story of our impact is through the “AKC Impact By State” report, which provides a detailed look at the economic benefits of AKC events, clubs, AKC Reunite ® Adopt a K-9 Cop Grants and Disaster Relief Trailers, AKC Canine Health Foundation® health research grants, and other initiatives in all 50 states.
This year’s newly released report offers easy-to-share, one-page summaries for each state, along with a national overview and cover letter. These materials are designed to help dog owners, club members, and advocates communicate with lawmakers, local media, and chambers of commerce about the role the AKC plays in supporting local economies and communities.
According to survey data included in the report, exhibitors at AKC dog shows spend an average of $982 in local communities during a show weekend. When considered across the thousands of events and thousands of participants nationwide, the cumulative economic benefit is substantial. Beyond financial impact, the impact of AKC Reunite disaster relief trailers and K-9 officer grants, and the reach of the AKC Canine Health Foundation through grants and research funding throughout the country are significant.
This comprehensive resource reinforces the message that AKC and clubs are not only focused on advancing and supporting dogs and their owners but are also powerful drivers of local spending, tourism, and community engagement. By giving stakeholders clear, factual information, the AKC empowers them to advocate more effectively and demonstrate the real-world value of dog-related activities.
The AKC also remains active in educating policymakers on animal issues. At a recent briefing in Washington, DC, Vice President of Government Relations Sheila Goffe joined experts from the Animal Agriculture Alliance, Zoological Association of America, and Berman and Company to discuss the important distinctions between animal welfare and animal rights approaches to policymaking. The panelists explained that while most pet owners think of their animals as family, legislation based on emotional rhetoric rather than science can lead to unintended consequences for both animals and their owners. AKC emphasized the need for lawmakers to base decisions on solid data and expert input, noting that seemingly well-intentioned bills can sometimes hinder responsible animal care and promote extreme agendas.
In a recent AKC Detection Dog Task Force webinar, Dr. Carmen Battaglia introduced practical tools to help breeders recognize patterns and make informed decisions. Although the webinar focused primarily on detection dogs, it offered valuable insights applicable to all breeders aiming to produce healthy, capable dogs with sound temperament and structure.
Further reinforcing our commitment to education and scientific approaches to canine wellbeing, a recent article in Show Sight Magazine summarizes scientific studies demonstrating that mixed breeds are no healthier than purebred dogs. The article emphasizes the deep historical and cultural roots of purebred dogs, and the development of traits that allow each breed to perform specific tasks that allow them to thrive in particular environments. Breed standards are informed by generations of experience and serve as a guide to maintaining health, temperament, and function.
Taken together, these efforts reflect the AKC’s broad and growing impact. Through economic reporting, public policy engagement, breeder education, and outreach, the organization continues to champion responsible dog ownership and care while reinforcing the value of AKC and our clubs in communities across the nation. Everything the AKC does, it does with the wellbeing of dogs—and the people who love them—in mind. For more information about the AKC Government Relations and the educational and advocacy resources we offer, please visit our Legislative Action Center at https://www.akcgr.org/.