About the Award
AKC Public Education seeks to recognize clubs that have made positive contributions to educating the public about AKC dog sports and events, purebred dogs, responsible dog ownership, and safety around dogs. By highlighting these efforts, AKC Public Education aims to support the club’s ongoing outreach and inspire others to join in on similar educational initiatives.
The winning club will receive a $500 award and a plaque to honor their achievement.
How will the winner be determined?
All AKC Clubs that have an active Public Education Coordinator are eligible to apply for this award.
To apply for this award, a club must complete the Jotform application linked here. The following supporting evidence can be submitted via the JotForm or by email to publiced@akc.org.
- Essay (500 words or fewer) that answers the following: How has your club positively contributed to the education of the public on AKC dog sports and events, purebred dogs, responsible dog ownership, and safety around dogs?
- Provide a list of all Public Education outreach activities with dates conducted in the past year between June of the previous year and June of the current application year (ex., June 2023-June 2024).
- Include any relevant pictures of the activities.
Examples of public education outreach activities that would apply:
- Active Canine Ambassador Program
- Hosting Responsible Dog Ownership Day Events
- Hosting the AKC Patch Program
- Booths at local fairs
- Hosting matches
- Holding classes
- Attending local holiday parades
- Public education programs at community functions or civic organizations
- Public library programs
- Support of an AKC Veterinary Outreach activity
- Participate in other community activities
- Participate in or run other AKC programs
- Host demos at community events
This award will be presented annually. All submissions are due July 1st of each calendar year. A committee of AKC employees will vote on the winner based on club eligibility requirements and the essay judging guide below. A club is only eligible to win this award every two years. Ex. If the club won the award in 2023, it would be eligible to apply again in 2025. Apply using the Jotform linked here.
