The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to announce that it is honoring dogs that work for government agencies and keep our communities safe by awarding the title of Public Service Dog. To be awarded a title, a dog must have worked for a minimum of two years and received a minimum of two certifications […]

Last February, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture finalized rules for the operations of animal shelters and other regulated entities.  However, in May, the Legislative Regulation Review Committee advised the Department of Agriculture of substantive and technical corrections needed prior to approving the rules.  Late last week, the Department of Agriculture responded to the request by […]

During the current Special Session of the Legislature, two identical bills are advancing in the Senate and House which will provide immunity from civil claims related to the transmission of or exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Senate Bill 5067 and House Bill 5074 may be of potential interest to some AKC-affiliated clubs with deep concerns […]

Dear AKC Delegates, Judges, Club Officers and Breeders, The Oklahoma Board of Commercial Pet Breeders has moved its Rules Hearing regarding proposed regulations for the commercial breeder law (SB 1712) passed by the Oklahoma legislature earlier this year.   Here is the revised location information: Oklahoma Board of Commercial Pet Breeders Hearing Information December 9th, […]

A California Senate committee has scheduled a June 13 hearing on a bill regarding disclosures for dog trainers.  Assembly Bill 1901 contains numerous amendments requested by the AKC and California clubs. Those who wish to reach out to the Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development Committee regarding AB 1901 may do so by submitting a […]

An Illinois committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Tuesday, March 1, that would ban debarking unless it is medically necessary to treat an illness, congenital defect, disease or injury.  While the AKC supports the provision in House Bill 5004 that only allows debarking to be performed by a licensed veterinarian, we oppose the […]

Two Rhode Island (RI) bills of concern to the American Kennel Club (AKC) have been amended before being passed by the State Senate. Earlier this week, the State Senate delayed its scheduled vote on S. 325, “Animal Care”, which sought to further restrict the state’s definition of “hobby breeder”. Yesterday, before passing the bill, the […]

At its upcoming hearing on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 9AM – 1PM, the Massachusetts Joint Housing Committee will consider HB 1476, “An Act to codify pet-friendly elderly housing policies and ensure pet parity across housing authorities.” Sponsored by Representative Tacky Chan, HB 1476 would: (1) Establish a pet ownership program for elderly Massachusetts residents […]

New Jersey Senate Bill 975, which seeks to establish animal trunk fighting as an animal cruelty offense, is scheduled for consideration by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee on Monday, October 19, 2020.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports S.975, and encourages all concerned responsible dog owners in New Jersey to contact the members of […]

In honor of past and future AKC® award winners crowned and celebrated at the Annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship dog show I am pleased to announce that the AKC has recently installed a “Wall of Fame” at the American Kennel Club Library in New York City. Joining the 18,000 volumes of canine works and rare books […]