Despite strong objections by residents and the current lack of subsidized spay/neuter services, an overreaching mandatory spay/neuter law enacted by the Gadsden City Council in July 2023 remains on the books. This law continues to criminalize many responsible dog owners in the community. An alternate proposed law that would replace the spay/neuter law is expected […]

On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 5:00pm, the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Council Public Safety Committee will meet via videoconference to consider a proposed animal ordinance that, among other provisions, seeks to: Define “retail pet store” as a commercial establishment that sells or offers for sale animals on its premises at retail and notwithstanding what type […]

The Massachusetts Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government (JCMRG) has scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, September 26, 2023, from 1pm to 5pm, and will accept comments until October 3, on multiple animal bills, including two opposed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). TO INCREASE KENNEL SAFETY, AKA “OLLIE’S LAW” In the wake of […]

Late yesterday, the American Kennel Club’s Government Relations Department (AKC GR) learned that the Louisville Metro Council will consider a problematic animal ordinance tomorrow, Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 6PM.  The proposal seeks to: Define “retail pet store” as a commercial establishment that sells or offers for sale animals on its premises at retail, irrespective […]

URGENT:  Please share this information with dog owners, breeders, conformation and event participants, sportsmen, and hunters in Floyd County, Georgia. A brief public hearing and vote to enact mandatory spay/neuter of dogs 6 months of age and older is scheduled for next Tuesday morning, October 10, 2023, at 9:30am by the Floyd County, GA, Board […]

Updated October 6, 2023 with email addresses for Floyd County Commissioners. Please scroll down to view this new contact information. URGENT:  Please share this information with dog owners, breeders, conformation and event participants, sportsmen, and hunters in Floyd County, Georgia. A brief public hearing and vote to enact mandatory spay/neuter of dogs 6 months of […]

In the coming weeks, both Monroe Township and the Borough of Hillsdale in New Jersey will consider ordinances to restrict pet stores to selling only dogs sourced from shelters and rescues. Monroe Township: On Monday, October 23, at 7PM, Monroe Township will consider Ordinance O:40-2023 entitled “Animal Control”, which will prohibit pet stores from selling […]

This week, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 746 into law (Act No. 18 of 2023), which makes several changes to the Commonwealth’s Dog Law, including requirements for licensed kennels (including rescues).  The Act becomes effective on January 21, 2024, and includes several changes including removing the difference in license fees for intact and sterilized animals.  It also […]

The California State Legislature has adjourned for the year, and the deadline has passed for the Governor to take action on legislation sent to his desk.   Overall, AKC is pleased with the outcome of the 2023 legislative session. AKC is proud to have supported a bill that will make Californians safer by providing access to […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has learned that the Barnstable, Massachusetts, Department of Animal Control held an October 18 public hearing on changes to its dog regulations.  The proposal would: Establish a new “multiple dog licenses” category for a private residence maintaining four to six dogs or for breeding dogs for show or sport which […]

Summary: On Wednesday, November 29, the Bakersfield City Council advanced the first reading of a proposal to overhaul the city’s laws related to dog ownership, dog breeding, and kennel licensing. While the agenda is not yet posted, it is likely this could be considered again on Wednesday, December 13.  It is essential that the council […]

A stakeholder meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 11, 2023, to discuss an animal ordinance that among other provisions seeks to establish overreaching requirements for individuals who may occasionally breed a single litter of puppies or kittens. As currently drafted, the proposed ordinance  would also require any individual who sells or transfers more than two […]

On Tuesday, January 9, after its 2022-2023 session was adjourned, New Jersey’s new 2024-2025 legislative session was convened. 2022-2023 RECAP Several bills of significant concern to the American Kennel Club (AKC) died upon adjournment of the ’22-’23 session.  They included Assembly Bill 1965 (courtroom advocates), Assembly Bill 4920 (residential kennels licensing), Senate Bill 1803 (prohibiting […]

On Tuesday, February 13, a Kansas committee will consider House Bill 2542, which make numerous changes to the Kansas Pet Animal Act.  The most concerning provision of the legislation will allow the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture to enter contracts with any licensed animal shelter or rescue to seize animals and provide care for […]

Committees in the Hawai’i State Legislature are scheduled to consider dog-related bills on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.  Hawai’i residents are encouraged to review the bills listed below and share concerns with the appropriate committee members. Senate Bill 2874 seeks to establish a non-refundable income tax credit for residential landlords who lease a unit to a […]

On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Joint Judiciary Committee will accept public testimony on a list of bills, including SB 427, which seeks to add protections for police K-9 and volunteer search and rescue dogs.  The bill would (1) increase the penalty for intentionally injuring a police K-9 or dog in a […]

The California legislative session is in full swing and AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) continues to track many bills of interest to dog owners. In addition, we will continue to watch for any amendments or other actions that could affect responsible dog ownership. The following are current statuses of bills that AKC GR is following, […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Ten state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session, and two state legislatures are in special session. AKC Government Relations is currently tracking more than 1,444 local, state, and federal issues. The following are highlights […]

Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Seven state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session, and two state legislatures are in special session. AKC Government Relations is currently tracking more than 1,500 local, state, and federal issues. The following are highlights of current legislation around the […]

The holidays are just around the corner, and if you are going to be at the AKC National Championship in Orlando this year, we have just the gift for you! For a donation of $35 to the AKC PAC, you can get a custom drawn caricature of you and your dog on a special holiday […]

As we close in on the end of the year, the American Kennel Club Government Relations Department (AKC GR) extends our sincerest thanks for all the hard work you demonstrated this past year to protect the dogs we all love so much. We could not do what we do without you showing up at hearings, […]

In 2023, AKC Government Relations (GR) remained actively engaged with federations, club members, breeders, and dog owners nationwide, addressing legislative proposals impacting the dog community. Throughout the year, GR tracked over 2,400 bills and regulations at state and federal levels, emphasizing the importance of constituents' voices in shaping responsible dog ownership policies. The department’s legislative […]

THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB PRIVACY NOTICE   Last Updated: 5/6/2022 Welcome! We are American Kennel Club, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the study, breeding, exhibiting, running and maintenance of purebred dogs. This Privacy Notice explains how The American Kennel Club, Inc. (“AKC”, “we”, “us” or “our”) collects, uses, discloses, and otherwise processes personal information […]

Order AKC DNA + Health Kit Activate AKC DNA Kit DNA Resource Center All AKC DNA + Health Kits include: The AKC DNA Profile of 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes 328 genetic variants for health and traits, including coat color Results are delivered by our trusted service provider (Neogen) with the […]

At AKC Meet the Breeds events, you can meet, play with, and learn about hundreds of dog breeds. Find an event in your local area!

  AKC, North America’s largest not-for-profit dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, has partnered with Allivet, an award-winning pet pharmacy, to bring you AKCRx – your new go-to source for all your pet med needs. As a responsible dog owner, you want to provide the best care for your dog, especially when it comes to […]

Over their lifetime, cancer affects one in three dogs. Understand this high risk and life threatening disease so you know the signs and treatments.

Owner-handler Kyllian Genzmer, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, got her Belgian Sheepdog to be her pet. "Legend" ended up being so much more.

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is excited to announce that the Lancashire Heeler has received full recognition and is the AKC’s 201st breed. The Lancashire Heeler is eligible to compete in the Herding Group. “We are excited to welcome the Lancashire Heeler to the […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce the launch of its online pet pharmacy, AKCRx®. AKC is working with Allivet, an award-winning pet pharmacy, to bring you AKCRx – your new go-to source for all your pet med needs. […]