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–Family-Friendly and Educational Event Returns for its 17th Year–

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) invites you to celebrate the human-canine bond this September 28th in Raleigh, NC at the 17th annual flagship AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day, sponsored by AKC Pet Insurance. Owning a dog has endless pleasures and rewards, but it’s important to be aware of the responsibilities that come along with it.

Each September, the AKC hosts AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day to educate first-time dog owners about the responsibilities of dog ownership and help current owners enhance their relationships with their pets. This year, AKC’s event will take place from 10am-2pm on September 28th in Raleigh, NC at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. Admission is free to the public!

“AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day focuses on the dedication and commitment it takes to own a happy, healthy dog,” said AKC Spokesperson Penny Leigh. “The day will be filled with many fun and educational activities to help attendees make an informed decision when acquiring a dog or caring for an existing pet.”

Activities at the 2019 AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day include:

  • Discounted $10 microchipping by Wake County Animal Care, Control & Adoption. This includes lifetime enrollment in AKC Reunite’s national recovery service. A microchip is a permanent solution to identify a pet and help reunite it with its owner if it’s lost or stolen.
  • AKC Canine Good Citizen® and Canine Good Citizen Advanced testing. This 10-step test certifies that dogs are well-mannered members of the community. Trick Dog testing will also be available. These tests will be open to the public for just $5 each.
  • Action packed dog demonstrations including Agility, Herding, Flyball and more.
  • Family-friendly activities like games, face painting and raffles, among others.
  • An opportunity to try a beginning Agility course and get advice from trainers at AKC’s My Dog Can Do That! – Just $5
  • Visit the Doggie Photo Booth to get a free professional photograph taken of your dog courtesy AKC Pet Insurance.
  • Join in on a fit walk around the fairgrounds with your dog and earn an AKC FIT DOG medal.
  • Reduced fees to enroll a mixed-breed dog in AKC Canine Partners: $20, a 57% discount. This is good for the life of the dog.

Attendees will also have a chance to meet various dog breeds that will be on hand for AKC Meet the Breeds as well as speak one-on-one with experienced breeders, owners, handlers and trainers that are active in AKC events, clubs, and rescue groups.

Other free activities and giveaways include goodie bags for the first 500 families, police K-9 demonstrations, breed parades and more.

AKC Pet Insurance returns this year as the presenting sponsor of AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days. AKC Pet Insurance is committed to responsible dog ownership and proudly works with the American Kennel Club to promote canine health and well-being. They will highlight the importance of pet insurance and the many ways it helps keep our canine companions happy and healthy. Activities at the AKC Pet Insurance booth include a canine photo booth, a ball pit for kids and more.

AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day is also sponsored in part by Motel 6, the first national pet friendly chain, welcoming pets since 1962. A special thanks to Whitebridge Pet Brands for their generous donation as well.

2019 AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day Snapshot

Saturday, September 28th, 2018

Free admission – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
North Carolina State Fairgrounds
Holshouser Building
1025 Blue Ridge Rd. Raleigh, NC 27607

Learn more at www.akc.org/rdod.

Email NCRDODay@akc.org for more information.