News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. California – AB 468 would further clarify the difference between trained service dogs and emotional support animals, and particularly emphasizes that emotional support animals should not be granted the same privileges and access. The bill was signed by […]

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 […]

The Horry County Council will hold a first reading on a proposed animal ordinance tomorrow, October 19, 2021. Animal owners are urged to review the proposed ordinance and express their concerns to council members.  Click to view the agenda and proposed ordinance. The American Kennel Club (AKC) thanks county staff who have been responsive to […]

This is not just another shaggy-dog story. Also known as the Polski Owczarek Nizinny, or PON for those of us who are Slavicly-challenged, the hearty Polish Lowland Sheepdog joined the Herding Group and became AKC-recognized in 2001. On the cuteness scale alone, it was no surprise that this dog stirred up a lot of enthusiasm […]

Despite or perhaps as a result of the stress and unusual health precautions Americans experienced in 2020, people focused more than ever on their pets. For the first time, pet industry sales exceeded $100 billion, according to American Pet Products Association (APPA) 2020 State of the Industry Report. This tidal wave of spending is expected […]

Sixty-nine million U.S. households owned a dog in 2020, according to a recent survey by the American Pet Products Association (APPA). Slightly more than one-quarter of dog owners provide homes to more than one dog. You’ve probably heard it said by devoted dog owners – dogs are just like potato chips; you can’t have just […]

When I decided to add a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy to my household, I searched for a responsible, knowledgeable breeder I thought would breed the qualities I wanted in my new dog. When I found my breeder, I didn't let the fact that she was in the Midwest stop me from applying to be on her puppy waiting […]

On Tuesday, September 28, multiple animal bills will be reviewed by the Massachusetts Joint Municipalities and Regional Government Committee between 12pm and 3pm.  Most have been re-filed from last session.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly encourages those who reside in Massachusetts to again contact the committee and share the following concerns: HB 2130 (“Relative […]

If you believe your dog is suffering from symptoms of bloat, call your vet or emergency vet immediately. I hate this disease. When I first started as a vet, we gave a dog with bloat a 50-50 chance if he could walk into the hospital. Many were too weak and had to be carried in. […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. California – HR 61 is a resolution that declares the Assembly’s intention to only support “sensible and humane therapeutic veterinary procedures for companion animals.”  As defined, this could mean the Assembly opposes such procedures as ear cropping, tail […]