Frequently Asked Questions
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When is 2021 AKC Meet the Breeds?
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AKC Meet the Breeds has expanded to include new cities in 2021. Cities, dates, and venues are subject to change. Tickets are onsale now for San Diego and Dallas events. Other cities onsale soon.
- AKC Meet the Breeds San Diego
- August 14-15
- San Diego Convention Center
- AKC Meet the Breeds Dallas
- August 21-22
- Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas
- AKC Meet the Breeds Tampa Bay
- September 18-19
- Tampa Convention Center
- AKC Meet the Breeds Philadelphia
- September 25-26
- The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks
- AKC Meet the Breeds Chicago
- October 15-16
- Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center
- AKC Meet the Breeds Columbus
- November 13-14
- Greater Columbus Convention Center
- AKC Meet the Breeds New Orleans
- November 20-21
- New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
- AKC Meet the Breeds San Diego
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What COVID-19 health and safety protocols will be in place? Will face coverings be required?
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AKC Meet the Breeds will follow all federal and local health and safety protocols currently in place at the time of each 2021 event.
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Where do I buy tickets for AKC Meet the Breeds?
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You can buy tickets for AKC Meet the Breeds online from SeatGeek, our official ticket sponsor, or purchase them at the door.
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How much do tickets cost?
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Single-day general adult admission is $27.50 plus applicable fees. Single-day general admission child (12 and under) admission is $19.50 plus applicable fees.
Early access single-day adult admission is $49.50 plus applicable fees. Early access single-day child (12 and under) admission is $29.50 plus applicable fees. Early access gives you the opportunity to explore AKC Meet the Breeds an hour before general admission ticket holders enter the event. Early access begins at 9AM local time.
All ticketing options, including VIP upgrades, are available on SeatGeek, our official ticket sponsor.
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What do I get with a VIP ticket?
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A limited number of VIP ticket holders can have an enhanced experience at AKC Meet the Breeds.
VIP Experience (Adult): $99 plus applicable fees
- VIP Badge
- VIP priority seating at Main Demo Ring
- Designated VIP Event Entrance
- Early Access open at 9AM local time before the general public
- Exclusive Demo Ring access with programming throughout the day
- VIP Lounge area to hangout during the event
- Coat/Bag Check
- 10% discount at AKC Meet the Breeds store
- Sponsor giveaways
VIP Experience (Child 12 and under): $65 plus applicable fees
- VIP Badge
- VIP priority seating at Main Demo Ring
- Designated VIP Event Entrance
- Early Access open at 9AM local time before the general public
- Exclusive Demo Ring access with programming throughout the day
- VIP Lounge area to hangout during the event
- Coat/Bag Check
- Colorful sticker book to keep track of how many breeds kids met
All ticketing options are available on SeatGeek, our official ticket sponsor.
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Is one ticket valid for both days? Do I need to buy a ticket for each day?
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Each ticket is valid for one specific day of the event, and this date will be displayed on the ticket. If you would like to attend more than one day, you will need to purchase a ticket for each day you’d like to attend. If you are only attending one day, be sure to purchase the ticket for the specific date you would like to attend.
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Can I bring my own dog to the event?
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No, pet dogs are not allowed at AKC Meet the Breeds events. Only dogs exhibiting in a breed booth or participating in demonstrations are allowed to attend AKC Meet the Breeds. Service animals are permitted at the venue in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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How do I get there? Is there parking available?
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You will have lots of options for getting to the events using public transportation, taxi, ride sharing, or even bike sharing. If you’re driving your own vehicle, parking options for each venue will depend on each venue’s rules and availability. More information on parking will be available directly from each venue.
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Are the dogs and cats at the event up for sale or rescue?
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As exciting as it may be to meet and greet the dogs and cats, please know that the animals at AKC Meet the Breeds events are beloved companions that aren’t for sale or rescue. We encourage you to talk with the volunteers at each breed booth to learn more about each breed so that you can decide which breeds may be a good fit for your family and lifestyle. Volunteers may offer referrals based on what you’re looking for. If you decide you want to acquire a dog after the event is over, we encourage you to visit AKC Marketplace, the breed’s parent club website, or AKC Rescue Network.
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Is the event kid-friendly?
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YES! Dog shows of every kind are a fun and educational activity for the entire family. AKC Meet the Breeds is specially designed to be kid- and family-friendly, helping people of every age learn about responsible dog ownership and the incredible world of purpose-bred dogs!
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What else can you do at the event?
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AKC Meet the Breeds is held at huge event venues full of breeds to meet and greet, but it will be filled with even more canine and feline fun, including:
- Demo Ring featuring dog sports and activity demonstrations
- Vendors offering gear, gifts, and more
- Interactive Area featuring games, photo opportunities, and a chance to try out an agility course just like the dogs do (it’s not as easy as you think)! Come make some new memories and test your own agility skills.
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I want to reserve vendor space or partner with the event in another way. Who can I talk to?
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We’re thrilled that you’d like to be a part of AKC Meet the Breeds. Please send an email to our team and we’d be happy to talk about options with you.