Moving to a new home can be a stressful experience for pet owners. As your four-legged friend is getting used to your new environment, he might wander into a neighbor's yard or bark during the wee hours of the night. To avoid upsetting your neighbors and to help your pet transition into his new environment, […]

Terri A. of Florida asks how to get her newly adopted Poodle used to a carrier case, so he can fly with her to visit family over the holidays. Connie G. of Missouri asks for advice on her Shih Tzu that hates to travel and gets so stressed that he will not eat, sleep, or […]

The AKC Government Relations Department is committed to protecting your right to own, breed, and exhibit the dog of your choice.  This advocacy is essential to the future of dog ownership in our country. Among the many measures that AKC is currently engaged with is AB 485 in California. This problematic proposal calls for a […]

Local/Other: Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in U.S. Territories The AKC Government Relations Department is pleased to assist dog owners with canine legislation issues in their local communities, but we can't help unless we are aware of the proposal. Please contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org when new laws are discussed or […]

Federal Issues: From Our Nation's Capitol The AKC Government Relations team continues to monitor Congress for issues of interest to dog owners. Visit our 2017 Legislation Tracking page and click on “US Fed” on the map to get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of issues we are currently addressing […]

State Issues: News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Visit the 2017 Legislation Tracking page and click on your state to get the latest updates on state bills monitored by the AKC. California —AB 485 seeks to require all dogs, cats, and rabbits offered for retail sale […]

2017 AKC Scholarship Recipient Samantha Van Buren I am currently attending the University of Minnesota. I am studying environmental studies and animal science. I plan to pursue a career in these fields. I also plan to stay involved with AKC dog events, as it is my passion and I think I can contribute positively to […]

My Champion By Emilee Cragg My name is Emilee Cragg. I am 13 years old and live in Alaska. I have always been passionate about dogs. I started training my first dog, Rosco, an Australian Shepherd, when I was 10 years old. In February of 2015, I decided it was time for a new agility […]

AKC Government Relations is delighted to announce that Barbara Reichman of the NAIA Trust of New Jersey has become the first two-time winner of the Walter Bebout Memorial Award for Leadership in Canine Legislation by the American Kennel Club. Mrs. Reichman was first awarded with a Bebout Award in 2014, in recognition of her work […]

This fall has been a very busy one for the AKC Government Relations team, as we continue to advocate for the rights of responsible dog owners and breeders and promote positive canine legislative policy. Earlier this month, Sheila Goffe testified before Congress on the issue of shortage of appropriate, domestically bred dogs available for work […]