AKC National Championship

Yes, spectators are allowed, but spectator seating will be extremely limited. Spectators must follow all of the AKC National Championship safety protocols, including wearing face masks regardless of vaccination status. AKC will require face masks that cover the nose and mouth to be worn indoors at all times, regardless of vaccination status, except when actively eating or drinking. You must be stationary when eating or drinking.

If you will be at the Orange County Convention Center for any AKC events or activities during AKC’s event week (December 12-20, 2021), you agree to comply with all of AKC’s COVID-19 Safety Protocols. A waiver & COVID-19 self-declaration form will be required to be completed and turned in the first time you enter the facility. You may find those forms here:

• COVID-19 Waiver
• COVID-19 Self-Declaration

AKC may require additional health safety protocols at the time of the event week. All information is subject to change at the discretion of the American Kennel Club. AKC will follow the COVID-19 guidance of the CDC.

At the events being held at the Orange County Convention center during AKC National Championship Week, the following safety precautions will be in place:

• AKC will require face coverings at the venue of all persons onsite, regardless of vaccination status
• Social distancing will be recommended
• Sanitizing stations and signage reminders will be placed at multiple locations throughout the venue
• Ringside seating will be extremely limited and socially distanced
• AKC will extend judging hours to minimize the number of participants onsite
• AKC exhibitors will be encouraged to work from their RV’s and vehicles to minimize the number of people in the grooming area
• High touch point areas will be regularly sanitized

You may read our complete face mask policy for attendees below:

Face masks protect yourself and others from the spread of infectious diseases including the Covid-19 virus, according to government sources.

All attendees (ages 2 and up) are required to wear a face mask while on the event grounds. The face mask must be worn so that it that covers your mouth and nose. Please bring your own face masks and wear them at all times.

The use of a face mask is not a substitute for physical distancing. You may remove the face mask while actively eating or drinking, but you must be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing. No eating or drinking will be permitted ringside.

All face masks (whether disposable or reusable) must:

• Be made with at least two or more layers of washable (if not disposable), breathable
  fabric and not have valves or vents
• If using a disposable mask it should be changed daily and disposed of properly
• Fully cover the nose and mouth
• Fit snugly against the sides of your face and not have gaps
• Be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the attendee to remain hands-free
• If you are using a face shield you must also wear a face mask.

The following are not permitted:

• Neck Gaiters
• Open chin triangle bandanas
• Face masks with valves, vents, mesh material or holes of any kind

To get the most benefits from a face mask:

• Make sure it completely covers your nose and mouth
• Wash your hands before and after removing it. Handle only the loops or ties. Fold outside
  corners together
• Try not to touch your face when you adjust it throughout the day
• Keep cloth coverings clean by washing daily, or more often if contamination occurs
• Don’t let others wear your face mask
• Keep it away from equipment or machinery that it could get caught in
• If using disposable face masks, do not reuse them, and throw them away in appropriate
  trash receptacles
• Don’t lay your face mask on any surface that may contaminate either the covering or the
  surface
• Don’t use it if it’s damaged or has holes, unless it is the only face mask you have access
  to

As important as they are, face masks are only one source of prevention, all attendees will be required to comply with all AKC COVID-19 Safety Protocols. The AKC COVID-19 Safety Protocols and this Face Mask Policy are subject to change without notice.

Failure to comply with this policy may result in you being asked to leave the event grounds and/or may result in an AKC Event Committee hearing and disciplinary action.

As always, the AKC National Championship Groups and Best in Show, Best Bred-by Exhibitor and BBE Groups, NOHS Groups and Finals, Puppy & Junior Stakes Groups and Best in Stakes, Junior Showmanship Finals, Agility, Obedience, and Rally will continue to be live streamed for free on AKC.tv and will remain available on demand. Download the AKC.tv mobile app to watch on your phone, stream AKC.tv on your favorite OTT device, or watch on the http://www.AKC.tv website. Find all the available platforms and links to download here.

Stay tuned for the national television broadcast premiere of the AKC National Championship in January on ABC!

The premium list and other information specifically for exhibitors are available here.