American Kennel Club Statement On The Unattended Dogs Policy

Thank you to those who have taken the time to share their concerns and comments regarding the Unattended Dogs in Vehicles Policy adopted by the Board at its July 2026 meeting. We appreciate the thoughtful feedback and recognize that exhibitors, breeders, handlers, and judges have a strong interest in ensuring that policies affecting the care and welfare of dogs are both practical and effective.

The primary purpose of this policy is to reinforce a fundamental principle: individuals participating in AKC events are responsible for providing a safe environment for dogs in their care. The policy focuses on situations in which dogs are left unattended in vehicles without adequate ventilation or airflow, creating conditions that may place them at risk of heat-related distress, illness, injury, or death.

The policy does not prohibit or discourage the use of modern vehicle cooling and monitoring technologies, nor does it require that one is at a vehicle at all times or ban climate-control systems, temperature-monitoring devices, fans, remote alerts, or similar equipment. Rather, it recognizes that no single device or technology can, by itself, guarantee a safe environment. Mechanical, electrical, cellular, software, and human failures can occur without warning.

Accordingly, the policy emphasizes that the presence of technology or specialized equipment does not relieve an individual of responsibility for the safety and welfare of dogs left in their care. If an unfortunate incident occurs, the existence of monitoring or climate-control equipment alone does not establish that reasonable precautions were taken or that the environment remained safe. The responsibility for ensuring a dog’s safety ultimately rests with the individual, regardless of the technology being used. For that reason, the policy provides that the mere presence of such devices does not automatically demonstrate that a vehicle is safe for unattended dogs under all circumstances.

Further, AKC’s policy is consistent with a broader public policy trend across the United States. Many states have enacted laws that prohibit leaving dogs unattended in vehicles under conditions that endanger their health or safety, particularly during periods of extreme heat or cold. While the specific language and enforcement mechanisms vary by jurisdiction, these laws generally reflect the same underlying principle embodied in AKC’s policy: individuals are responsible for ensuring that dogs left in vehicles are maintained in safe conditions and are not exposed to unreasonable risks. The Board’s action therefore aligns with widely recognized animal welfare standards that place the safety and well-being of dogs above reliance on any particular technology, device, or method of monitoring.

Questions have been raised regarding how “sufficient ventilation” or a “safe environment” will be interpreted. As with many AKC conduct policies, determinations will be based on the specific facts and circumstances of each situation. The focus is not on the presence or absence of a particular device, but rather on whether the conditions provided were reasonably sufficient to protect the health and welfare of the dogs involved.

It is also important to note that the policy is directed toward conduct that creates an unreasonable risk to dogs. It is not intended to penalize responsible dog owners who take appropriate measures to safeguard their animals. Instead, it strengthens AKC’s ability to address situations where dogs are left in conditions that jeopardize their welfare and, by extension, reflect adversely on the sport and the responsible care of purebred dogs.

The AKC recognizes that vehicle designs, environmental conditions, and available technologies continue to evolve. However, the welfare of dogs must remain the guiding consideration. This policy establishes a clear expectation that individuals are responsible for ensuring that unattended dogs are maintained in conditions that remain safe throughout the entire period they are left in a vehicle. The use of technology may be one factor considered in evaluating those circumstances, but it is not a substitute for responsibility, nor does it excuse conduct that results in an unsafe environment or harm to a dog.

AKC remains committed to promoting responsible dog ownership and protecting the health, safety, and well-being of dogs at all AKC events. We appreciate the continued feedback from the community as we work toward that shared goal.

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Posted by Liz on Jul 17 2026. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.