Raleigh, NC -- AKC® Chief Operating Officer John Lyons today announced the promotion of Peter Gaeta from Executive Field Representative to Director of Judging Operations. Gaeta, who will replace Mary Ann Alston following her retirement in July, brings a wealth of experience in AKC regulations and the sport of purebred dogs to his new […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is excited to announce its list of the most popular dog names of 2024. “Dogs are an extraordinary and important part of our lives and choosing a pet’s name is a fun part of the process,” […]

  The American Kennel Club (AKC) and AKC Companion Animal Recovery (AKC-CAR) continue to offer help to those rescuing and housing animals affected by the fires. As the fires subside, and the full scope of the damage is known, it is expected that requests for assistance will be numerous. AKC will continue to lead efforts […]

  The Baton Has Passed! Denny Kodner, former Skarda Chairperson, writes: "Since its inception nine years ago, I have served as chairperson, chief cook and bottle washer of the SKARDA AWARD. During that time, the committee, with the help of you, the fancy, has presented this one of a kind award to nine diverse and […]

  AKC Pet Disaster Relief, a national program spearheaded by AKC Reunite and dedicated to keeping pets and their owners safe in the aftermath of tornadoes, floods, wildfires and other natural or civil disasters, just donated an AKC Pet Disaster Relief Trailer to Boone County, Missouri. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) presented the trailer to the Boone County Office of […]

The Nevada State Senate recently amended Assembly Bill 487, which would have impacted the sale of pets and consumer protection in the state.  The bill has been amended to instead conduct an interim study relating to the sale of cats and dogs by retail pet stores in Nevada. Previously, the bill sought to ban pet […]

The Colorado Governor has signed a bill that provides monetary incentives for certain large events held in the state between July 2, 2021 and December 31, 2022, in order to encourage organizations to host meetings and events in Colorado. This program may be of interest to clubs organizing national specialties or other large multi-day shows […]

Colorado Senate Bill 11-009, which made significant changes to the impoundment laws and the ability of owners to get their animals back if they are seized during a cruelty investigation, was postponed indefinitely in the House Agriculture, Livestock & Natural Resources Committee and will not advance this year. The AKC strongly supports the humane treatment […]

A radical animal rights ballot proposal in Oregon has been postponed until 2024.  This proposal would outlaw all hunting, criminalize artificial insemination, and have a significant impact on many other animal husbandry practices in the state. Background: In 2021, supporters began advocating for Initiative Petition 13, officially called the “Abuse, Neglect, and Assault Exemption Modification […]

Today, the Massachusetts Senate agreed to the minor technical changes made to Nero’s Law by the House last week.  Now, HB 4431 has been sent to Governor Baker’s desk for consideration.  He has ten days to sign the bill, veto it, or return it to the Legislature requesting changes. The bill allows emergency care and […]