AKC Announces Event Fee Increase

After announcing their plans for an event fee increase earlier this year, then rescinding it, AKC has decided to increase event fees in 2026 and 2027.

The letter below was sent to all AKC delegates by Brandi Munden:

We recognize that the increasing costs to put on AKC events may be challenging for some clubs, and we feel it’s important to acknowledge this essential issue in our sport before sharing the following information.

Beginning January 1, 2026, the AKC event fee will see its first adjustment since 2008—an increase of one dollar, from $3.50 to $4.50 per entry. The following year, on January 1, 2027, it will adjust again, moving from $4.50 to $5.50 per entry.

After a thorough review and the implementation of cost-saving measures across the organization, this course of action was determined to be necessary due to steadily rising operational costs. The AKC has worked hard to reduce expenses, improve efficiency, and maintain the current fee structure for as long as possible. However, ongoing inflationary pressures and rising costs across staffing, technology, insurance, and event operations have made this adjustment essential to sustain the programs and services that support our community.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ CPI Inflation Calculator, $3.50 in 2008 is equivalent to approximately $5.35 in today’s dollars. In other words, the purchasing power of $3.50 in 2008 has declined significantly due to inflation. The new $4.50 fee brings the amount into closer alignment with 2025 dollars, restoring its real value while remaining slightly below the inflation-adjusted equivalent.

Revenue from event fees supports the more than 29,000 AKC-sanctioned events held annually. It also helps fund key initiatives that strengthen the sport, protect our mission, and benefit the dog community as a whole. 

We understand that many clubs are also facing the challenges of inflation and want to ensure there is time for them to prepare for any necessary adjustments.

Please contact Sportsevents@akc.org with any questions–we are always happy to help!

Regards,
Brandi 

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Posted by Liz on Aug 13 2025. Filed under Breaking News, Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.