Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US 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 introduced […]

Today, the Connecticut Senate formally closed the 2021 legislative session by adjourning sine die, a day after the House adjourned for the year.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased that the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s bill impacting shelters was adopted, while bills that would have negatively impacted responsible dog owners and breeders were not. […]

Volunteers are currently circulating petitions throughout Colorado to put a measure on the November 2022 ballot that is claimed to protect animals, but portions of the proposal would result in significant harmful consequences for dogs, dog owners, breeders, and other animals and livestock. The proposal – known as Initiative 16, or the Preventing Animals from […]

On Monday, June 14, the New Jersey Assembly Agriculture Committee will consider three dog-related bills.  It is imperative that American Kennel Club (AKC)-affiliated clubs in New Jersey, and breeders, owners, and performance dog enthusiasts, contact the members of the New Jersey Assembly Agriculture Committee and respectfully urge them to amend A.1365 and amend S.1258/A.2319. AMEND […]

Have you ever wondered what to look for in a vet? Struggling with finding the best vet for your dog? Here's everything you need to know.

Dogdom has quite a few breeds that take their inspiration from other species: The dainty Papillon is named for its butterfly-evoking ears. The Shar-Pei is always channeling its inner hippopotamus. And a number of Asian breeds, from the Pekingese to the Tibetan Spaniel, were intentionally bred to evoke the king of beasts in miniaturized form. […]

Although many dog owners prefer to groom their dogs at home, having your dog professionally groomed can save you time and energy.

We love our furry friends, but sometimes pet expenses can cause an unexpected dent in our wallets. Being unable to afford the cost of pet maintenance is one of the top three reasons dogs are relinquished to rescue networks, according to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy. But like most things, a little […]

On Monday, May 30, the 87th Session of the Texas legislature adjourned sine die. The Texas legislature considered many issues related to canine policy this session, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to consider 2021 a success for responsible dog breeders and owners in Texas. Overly Expansive Breeder Regulation Not Considered In June […]

The Illinois Senate Agriculture Committee is considering a bill on Thursday, May 27, that would limit pet stores to sourcing dogs and cats only from shelters and rescues that have no affiliation with breeders. We are asking local clubs, club rescues, and dog owners to take a minute TODAY and submit an online witness slip […]