The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is proud to announce the AKC FIT DOG program. AKC FIT DOG is an introductory level incentive program that will offer dog owners who reach a specified fitness goal a free car magnet featuring the AKC FIT DOG logo. […]

 The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is excited to present AKC Celebrates USA 250 as part of the AKC on ESPN Dog Sports Series. The event is a high-energy, family-friendly weekend of dog sports and entertainment taking place June 5th – 7th […]

The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce that GoodPup, a dog training over video chat service, is the official sponsor of the new Virtual Home Manners (VHM) Program. The program is designed to help teach dogs proper manners at home. Teaching their dogs to behave at home is important for owners, mentally stimulating for […]

  Is Your Dog Among the Country's Bravest, Boldest, and Best Companions? Is your canine the kind that always lifts your spirits when you're feeling blue? Do you know a dog that helps the sick feel better? Heard of a pooch who played a role in a dramatic rescue? If so, what better way to […]

-- AKC Humane Fund Founding Members Wall of Honor Unveiled at AKC Open House -- Next month visitors to the American Kennel Club’s Open House will be among the first to see the AKC Humane Fund "Founding Members Wall of Honor." The Wall occupies a prominent place in the executive offices of AKC’s Corporate Headquarters […]

-- Barkfest at Bonhams Benefits AKC Humane Fund -- If you are planning to visit New York City for next month's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show don't miss an opportunity to discover fascinating canine artifacts and fine canine art as well as support the good works of the AKC Humane Fund by viewing one of […]

Rally is AKC's newest dog sport and it is sweeping the nation. It was created to promote a positive relationship between the dog and its owner.  Rally is also the ultimate spectator sport. It is easy for spectators to understand and enjoy watching, even if they have never been to a dog show.  Every station […]

The Indiana State Senate continues to advance Senate Bill 1, which provides certain liability protections when there has been exposure to the COVID-19 virus. This new law may be of potential interest to some AKC-affiliated clubs with concerns about conducting their events while under a higher-than-normal exposure to liability risks. Those who participate in dog […]

On January 18, the New York City Council approved a new section of city ordinances that would prohibiting the restraining (tethering) of animals outdoors for longer than three continuous hours within a 12-hour period. As amended, the measure was also amended to prohibit "for any amount of time" (e.g. temporarily) the tethering of an animal […]

Yesterday, the Iowa House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed two important bills that will benefit responsible dog owners and home-based hobby breeders. AKC Government Relations thanks all who took the time to contact their State Representatives.  Your actions have made a difference! The Senate must act quickly on these bills to ensure they continue to advance […]

This is the last week for Senate committees to consider two important bills that will benefit responsible dog owners and home-based hobby breeders. The bills have now been assigned to committee and it is important for you to contact the committees TODAY and express your support: House File 2190 updates dog ownership laws and requires […]

The Lafayette, Colorado, City Council is discussing a proposal tomorrow (Tuesday, March 21) that would ban the sale of all dogs in the city – including private sales. Lafayette residents and those who have provided a dog to a Lafayette resident are encouraged to do the following: 1) Attend Tuesday’s hearing and express your concerns: […]

The San Antonio City Council will meet August 31st at 9am to consider the 5-Year Strategic Plan, which currently includes a proposed spay/neuter ordinance, breeder permits and a bill of rights for animals. It is imperative that concerned dog owners and fanciers attend this meeting and email council members and staff to educate them about […]

The Lafayette, Colorado, City Council has asked staff to draft an ordinance to ban all sales of dogs and cats in the city, except for those from shelters and rescues. The City of Lafayette already has a dog ownership limit which restricts breeders in city limits, but it is unclear if this proposal would prevent […]

Today, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) announced that it will update the Animal Welfare Inspection Guide to ensure consistency and align with congressional directives. In its announcement, APHIS noted that it will continue to use courtesy visits for facilities that are (1) considering seeking licensure or […]

Yesterday, the California Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved a bill that makes clarifications and amendments to the law passed in 2019 that requires those who hire independent contractors to provide them many of the same benefits as full-time employees. This includes a provision worked on by the AKC that would exempt competition judges from this […]

The New York Senate is expected to soon consider two bills that would have a significant positive impact on dogs and dog owners in New York. AKC encourages New York residents to join us in support of these bills by contacting your State Senator today and asking them to support Senate Bill 7416, to protect […]

New proposed rules from the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) that seek to clarify Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) regulations regarding the transportation of service animals by air and that are intended the ensure that America’s air transportation system is safe for the travelling public and accessible to individuals with disabilities, are expected to be published in the Federal […]

Last night, the Indianapolis City-County Council introduced a proposal to require all owners of intact dogs to register and comply with certain requirements for care and breeding.  This is in response to shelter population concerns in Indianapolis and Marion County. While the agenda is not yet posted, the proposal will likely be considered by the […]

Your federal Senators, Sen. Collins and King, are currently under pressure from animal rights groups to sponsor legislation to radically expand and shift oversight of federal breeder regulations. Senators Collins and King need to hear from you TODAY!  Let them know you are a constituent and ask them to not sponsor or support S. 2555, […]