What is the American Kennel Club?

The American Kennel Club® was founded in 1884, is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and governs the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. AKC is a club of clubs structure and has 5,000 licensed and member clubs with more than 20,000 events held each year. AKC has been sharing more than 125 years of passion for dogs. In addition to events, AKC has several programs and affiliates which help the dog public discover, learn and connect. Here is a brief highlight of just some of these programs.

 SEE THE GOOD THINGS WE DO

DOGNY

People around the world were touched by the loyalty and resolve of the Search and Rescue Dogs who worked tirelessly to recover victims of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. In the aftermath of the attacks, The American Kennel Club coordinated efforts to assist the SAR handlers and dogs at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Thru these efforts came the creation of DOGNY, America’s Tribute to Search and Rescue Dogs, a hugely successful public art initiative raising over 2 million dollars to help SAR dogs and organizations.

In a continuing commemoration of the heroism of those SAR teams, the AKC established the AKC Reunite Canine Support and Relief Fund a charitable fund to support professional and volunteer canine search and rescue organizations throughout the United States.

AKC also introduced a DOGNY Heroic Military Working Dog Award to honor a military working dog and handler team for acknowledgement of their dedication, sacrifice and commitment to our US Armed Forces and citizens of our nation.

We encourage you to explore these pages to learn more about DOGNY
and the dogs and handlers it honors.

With more than four million pets enrolled, AKC Reunite is the nation’s largest non-profit pet microchip and recovery service. AKC Reunite enrolls all brands of microchips with no annual fees. Our 24/7 recovery experts have reunited over 390,000 pets with their owners. AKC Reunite has been established as a permanent charitable fund with the goals of providing resources, support, funds, and other assistance to non-profit Canine Search and Rescue organizations, not-for-profit veterinary units, not-for-profit animal shelters and organizations providing care for domestic animals orphaned or displaced as a result of natural or civil disasters.

 

Therapy dog owners, and those who have benefited from comforting hospital visits with these special canines, have long known this treasured expression of the canine-human bond has a healing touch like no other. The AKC Therapy Dog Title program honors those who have unconditionally given so much.

Learn more about our other Community Dog Programs-

AKC Star Puppy, Canine Good Citizen & Community Dog.

 

The AKC Pet Healthcare Plan is offered by Pet Partners, Inc., to help all dog owners plan for unexpected veterinary bills and preventative care.

 

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (AKCCHF) was founded in 1995 by the American Kennel Club and is the largest nonprofit worldwide to fund health research exclusively for canines. AKCCHF works to raise awareness and funds necessary to support non-invasive, innovative health research that helps dogs and their owners live longer, healthier lives.Through the financial support of the American Kennel Club and the generosity of your donations – both large and small – AKCCHF has allocated more than $25 million to canine health research which will benefit all dogs.

 

The AKC Humane Fund is a 501(c)(3) charity that joins a broad spectrum of animal lovers in promoting the joy and value of responsible pet ownership through education, outreach and grant-making. The AKC Humane Fund’s Breed Rescue Grant Program supports the efforts of AKC Parent Clubs and other not-for-profit organizations that perform vital rescue activities. The AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence(ACE) celebrates the special relationship between humans and their dogs. Each year ACE honorees are recognized nationally and five dogs are chosen who have performed an exemplary act or series of acts, whether large or seemingly small, that have significantly benefited a community or individual.

 

The AKC GoodDog! Helpline offers live telephone support from our team of knowledgeable trainers. Whether you need help training your puppy, introducing an adult dog to your home, or improving their manners, AKC is here to assist.