To celebrate the dogs who do extraordinary things in the service of humankind, the AKC Humane FundSM is seeking YOUR nominations for its AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE).  Nominations are now open and winners will be announced in the fall of 2019. Each year, the AKC Humane Fund pays tribute to five […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) continues its long-standing commitment to advance the health and welfare of all dogs with the launch of its new program Bred with H.E.A.R.T. (Health, Education, Accountability, Responsibility and Tradition) Modeled after the successful Breeder of Merit program, Bred with H.E.A.R.T. is a new way to engage, encourage and recognize all […]

Raleigh, NC — AKC Pet Disaster Relief, a program dedicated to keeping pets and their owners safe during storms, fires and other natural or civil disasters, presented its first-ever trailer to emergency officials from North Carolina’s Pamlico County. The trailer was presented to Chris Murray of Pamlico County Emergency Management during a ceremony held at […]

World’s Largest Gathering of Cats & Dogs to be Held October 16-17, 2010 at the Javits Center   Attention all pet lovers, it will be raining cats and dogs once again this October when the American Kennel Club® (AKC) and the Cat Fanciers’ Association® (CFA) return to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New […]

May 15, 2026 Assembly Bill 1999, an omnibus update to the California Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, has cleared the Assembly and is now pending in the Senate. American Kennel Club Government Relations (AKC GR) is closely monitoring this comprehensive bill impacting numerous areas of veterinary medicine.  As currently written, AB 1999, among many other provisions, […]

Assembly Bill 241 passed out of the Senate Public Safety Committee today on a vote of 4-0. Although the bill failed 3-3 in committee on Tuesday, another vote was held today to allow Senator Steinberg, who was absent Tuesday, to cast his vote. Assemblyman Pedro Nava, AB 241’s author, verbally agreed to amend the bill, […]

The Senate Agriculture Committee failed to pass its Farm Bill in a markup on Thursday, August 6.  Chairman Boozman has recessed the committee and plans to hold another vote on the measure in September. AKC GR will continue to follow this measure and provide updates on provisions related to dogs.  The GR Team thanks the […]

Friday, August 9, 2019 Yesterday, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) issued guidance to help travelers understand their rights while new regulations are being developed. The DOT is currently developing new rules to govern what types of animals will be allowed to accompany passengers on flights and what documentation will be required to determine […]

Late last week, President Biden signed into law the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers Veterans Therapy (PAWS for Veterans Therapy) Act.  HR 1448/S 613 is a ground-breaking measure that recognizes the importance of service dogs in assisting veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and other mental disorders […]

Because of procedural maneuvering in the Texas Legislature, harsh breeder regulatory legislation is now very close to becoming law in the Lone Star State.  It is vital that all concerned responsible dog breeders and owners in Texas take immediate action in opposition to this bill.  On Wednesday, May 6, Senator Tommy Williams of The Woodlands […]