In July 2024, The AKC Board of Directors voted to establish a policy to require all professional handlers and agents listed in dog show catalogs to successfully complete the Stewards of Children® training from Darkness to Light once every three years effective January 1, 2025.

This action followed the AKC Board of Directors’ adoption of the AKC Educational Requirements Policy and Recommendations at its April 2024 meeting, requiring the AKC Board of Directors, Inspectors, Field Staff across all sports, AKC Registered Handlers, AKC Staff that regularly attend events, Club Junior Coordinators, and all AKC-approved judges to successfully complete the Stewards of Children training once every three years. These measures are an additional step in creating a safe and respectful sports environment for all.

This award-winning abuse prevention training is a vital component in our shared endeavor to enhance awareness and foster behavioral change. The certification through Darkness to Light is available at a cost of $16 per person via the Stewards of Children training on the Darkness to Light website.

As part of the process, a new and unique agent number system will be created and maintained by the AKC. The new agent number should be used for events occurring on or after January 1, 2025, and will be accepted by all superintendents. AKC RHP & PHA Handler numbers will be retained as they are already accepted universally.

To be listed as a hander or agent for a dog in catalogs for events occurring on or after January 1, 2025, individuals must successfully complete the Stewards of Children® course and submit their certificate of completion along with a completed Agent Number Request form to judgecompliance@akc.org.

To ensure listing in catalogs for events scheduled for the first of the year, we ask that this is received no later than October 31, 2024.

Questions regarding this requirement may be directed to Chelsea Horton at judgecompliance@akc.org.

Judge Compliance
Chelsea Horton
judgecompliance@akc.org
919-816-3457

Important Resources

Darkness to Light – Stewards of Children Course
Agent Number Request Form (PDF)