MACH Camp David’s on the Verge of Greatness MXB MJS MXF owned by Rachel Billick of Tarentum, PA Virgil came into Rachel’s life in 2014 as the last of his litter mates to be adopted from a small shelter in Indiana.  “I just knew this little fella was meant for me; my husband and I […]

Assembly Bill 485 is scheduled for consideration and a vote by the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, May 17. Like many other measures that reference 'retail pet sales" or "pet stores", this measure is aimed squarely at restricting the availability of purpose-bred dogs and cats. California residents are strongly urged to contact members of the […]

It is imperative that all New Jersey residents contact their state senator and respectfully urge them to vote against any proposal to override the Governor's conditional veto of S.3041.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) emphatically supports freedom of choice in selecting a pet. AKC actively promotes efforts to ensure that people are educated, understand the demands of responsible ownership and have access to a pet that is right for them.

Kendall’s Myles to Home CAX owned by Ronda Kendall of Jefferson, IA Myles came to Ronda as a foster, and they became foster failures as Ronda soon fell in love with the little guy and adopted him. “He was a very shy and scared young dog when he first came to us. He stole our […]

AKC Government Relations has just learned that the City Council of Providence, Rhode Island, recently passed a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance and animal ownership limits. The proposal would require all dogs six months of age or older to be spayed or neutered unless a person acquires a dog breeding permit.

Assembly Bill 485'which seeks to prohibit pet retailers from selling pets (including dogs, cats and rabbits) unless the animals were obtained from a public animal control agency or shelter, a shelter maintained by a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, a humane society shelter, or a nonprofit rescue or adoption organization'is scheduled for […]

Additional attempts to overturn the conditional veto of S.3041 are likely to be made at upcoming voting sessions of the New Jersey State Senate. Those voting sessions are scheduled to take place on Monday, June 19; Thursday, June 22; Monday, June 26; and Thursday, June 29. It is important that all New Jersey residents again […]

The Oklahoma City Council is holding a public hearing TOMORROW (Tuesday, June 20) on a proposal that would require the mandatory sterilization and other actions for dogs deemed to be 'menacing' or 'dangerous'.

The Burke County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, June 20, on several amendments to the county's kennel laws.

The New Jersey Assembly could consider a bill as soon as Thursday, June 22, that allows for the seizure and permanent forfeiture of animals taken pursuant to an allegation 'but without a conviction'of animal cruelty.

Good Shepherd’s Anticipation RAE CD PCDX BN owned by Alice Applin of Racine, WI Good Shepherd’s Anticipation, also known as Hank, is an English Shepherd, a rare breed not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club. Such breeds can enroll with AKC Canine Partners and compete in AKC Companion Events, like Rally. Hank has earned […]

AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) has just learned that California AB 485, the pet sales restrictions bill, has been rescheduled for consideration by the Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development Committee.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) emphatically supports freedom of choice in selecting a pet. AKC actively promotes efforts to ensure that people are educated, understand the demands of responsible ownership and have access to a pet that is right for them.

The Massachusetts' General Court's Joint Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider two bills of great concern to the American Kennel Club at its Tuesday, July 18, hearing. H.2290 seeks to change the legal status of pets from personal property to companion animals, while H.852 seeks to establish an animal abuse registry and impose certain additional […]

It is imperative that all California residents contact the members of the Committee and their state senator and express opposition to AB 485, which is scheduled for consideration by the State Senate Committee on Business, Professions, and Economic Development on Monday, July 17. The bill seeks to prohibit pet retailers from selling pets (including dogs, […]

AKC has learned that the Washoe County Commission (Nevada) is considering a proposal that would require anyone who wishes to own more than three dogs to apply for a variance permit and have their dogs sterilized.

AKC Government Relations is pleased to share the latest issue of our In Session Congressional newsletter, which is sent to members of Congress and staff. This issue highlights our Capitol Hill celebration of National Purebred Dog Day, which included a reception where members of Congress, staff and guests could meet purebred dogs representing each breed […]

APHIS proposes to implement changes to 'better promote sustained compliance with the AWA, reduce licensing fees and burdens, and strengthen existing safeguards that prevent individuals and businesses who are unfit to hold a license from obtaining a licensing or working with regulated animals.'

AKC Government Relations just learned that California Assembly Bill 485 is scheduled for consideration and possible vote by the California Senate on Monday, August 28. Because this may be the last chance to express opposition to the bill, it is imperative that concerned Californians contact their state senators and express opposition to the proposal now.

In addition to bills to be considered by the Joint Judiciary Committee, the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture is also scheduled to consider several dog-related bills on Tuesday, September 12.

AB 485 will be sent to Governor Jerry Brown for his signature or veto upon the Assembly's agreement to include the Senate's amendments in the proposal. It is important that all concerned California residents contact Gov. Brown and urge him to veto AB 485.

In August, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued a public request for comment on potential changes to the Animal Welfare Act's (AWA) licensing requirements.

Massachusetts residents, take action now! AKC Government Relations has learned that House Bill 1080 and Senate Bill 1155, which seek to be impose regulatory oversight over personal and commercial kennels, mandate annual inspections of all kennels, and create consumer protections laws is scheduled for consideration by the Joint Municipalities and Regional Government Committee on Tuesday, […]

Earlier this week, AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) provided an action alert on two Massachusetts bills of major concern, House Bill 1080 and Senate Bill 1155, in preparation for their committee hearing next week. Since then, additional bills have been scheduled for consideration next week.

The Clark County, Nevada Board of Commissioners is expected to consider changes to its animal control ordinances at its Tuesday, October 17th meeting. The proposal seeks to restrict sales of dogs and cats at pet stores to those obtained from an animal shelter or rescues organization. Area residents are strongly encouraged to contact Clark County […]

Last week, the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Animal Care division announced an extension of the comment period for public input on possible updates to Animal Welfare Act licensing requirements.

ASK AKC Dear AKC: I have a question about the possibility of registering my Scottish Terrier with AKC. At the time of purchase I was given an application from another kennel club's registry because the father of the puppy was AKC registered but the mother was not. Does this mean my Scottie can NOT be […]

Golden Retriever breeder Denise Hoyt of Granbury, TX, shares two good tips for stud dog owners – on maintaining a confident attitude and a good grip! It's natural for male dogs to attempt to mount females who are not in heat, to mount other male dogs, and even mount a friend's leg or a sofa […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) joins the world of online learning with the launch of AKC Canine College -- an initiative that will extend robust, interactive learning content to breeders and judges, adding subject matter for groomers and trainers in the near future. Anyone interested in learning more about the dog world will find a […]