American Kennel Club Updates on COVID-19 Pandemic
Please see the following message from the AKC Board of Directors and AKC Staff:
Covid-19: Participating in Dog Sports
The American Kennel Club continues to encourage each of its 5,000 clubs to adhere to federal, state and local restrictions pertaining to minimizing the spread of COVID-19. As states gradually begin to reopen, we strongly urge clubs to follow every regulation for large gatherings. We support each club’s informed decision to reschedule, postpone or cancel their respective events, as well as support clubs ready to hold events in municipalities that are open and permit gatherings. In an ongoing effort to assist event chairs and organizers, the Sports and Events Department has been working on suggested guidelines for best health practices to be used when the resumption of our sports is possible, as well as assisting events with date checks, Judges assignments, conflicts, etc. The guidelines will be made available in the coming weeks.
For accurate and timely information, please visit:
- https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
We will continue to monitor the situation and any developments.
Clubs that decide to cancel their event or delay their event should email the AKC at EventPlans@akc.org.
COVID-19 Suggested Best Practices by Sport
The Sports and Events Department has developed “Suggested Best Practices for the Well-Being of Dog Sport Participants” for the sports that AKC sanctions/recognizes. Links to each document are available below.
View some of these best practices in action at the Learning Cluster in Guthrie, OK this past June, here.
AKC Event Cancellation Status
For information on any AKC event cancellations, please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
To read a list of frequently asked questions about AKC Events and COVID-19, please click here.
AKC Resource Hub for Dog Owners Coping With the Crisis
To find resources, ideas, advice, and fun to support dog owners and dog lovers as we all adapt to living through the novel coronavirus pandemic with our pets, please click here
AKC Office Closures and Contact Information
To read more about AKC office closures and how to contact departments during this time, please click here.
AKC Government Relations Alerts
The American Kennel Club joined with the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) and other animal care leaders to urge government officials to help ensure the well-being of animals by allowing businesses that provide products and services for the care of pets to continue to operate during the COVID-19 response. Learn more.
AKC asks concerned pet owners to join us in communicating this important request.
AKC urges Congress to extend Federal Pandemic Relief programs to non-political, not-for profit organizations with 501(c)(4) and (c)(7) designations
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Tips to Protect Yourself and Others
Individuals can practice everyday prevention measures like frequent hand washing, social distancing, wearing a face covering, covering coughs and sneezes and cleaning and disinfecting often.
Everyone Should:
Clean your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home as much as possible
- Put distance between yourself and other people.
- Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
- Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
- You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
- Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
- Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
- The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
- Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
- Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
Cover coughs and sneezes
- If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Clean and disinfect
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
- Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectant will work.