AKC Rules: for the Care of Dogs

Listed below is a section of the AKC's Care and Condition Policy  

(if you click on this link then click on ' Care and Conditions of Dogs Policy (April 2012 Board meeting, Replacing the April 1996 policy, Amended at the February 2014 Board meeting)  after landing on the AKC page.

A. Care of Dogs

1. Dogs should have play and exercise in an area sufficient for all dogs housed in the facility to be able to engage in those activities on a daily basis. Exercise area should be a solid surface.
2. Dogs must have access to fresh water as appropriate.
3. Dogs must have access to fresh food provided at appropriate intervals to maintain a healthy weight.
4. Appropriate health care, including routine and preventative care, must be provided for all dogs.
5. Dogs should be provided with daily positive human contact and socialization.
6. Each dog should have its overall health and behavior assessed daily. Any deviation in health condition must be addressed expeditiously and appropriately.
7. Dogs should be free from internal and external parasites.
8. Dogs should be afforded regular grooming to ensure health and comfort.
9. When euthanasia is necessary, it must always be performed humanely.

B. Kennels and Housing

1. The primary enclosure must be large enough so the dog(s) can sit, stand, lie down, or turn around comfortably, with no overcrowding.
2. The primary enclosure shall be constructed and maintained so that dogs are securely confined and does not cause injury to the dogs.
3. Protection from adverse or extreme weather conditions must be provided.
4. While flooring that provides solid footing is preferred, if perforated or non-solid flooring is used in the primary enclosure, it should be comprised of a material featuring a protective coating, be of an appropriate for the size and weight of the dog to prevent injury (especially to feet), and must be kept in good repair. If perforated or non-solid flooring is used, a solid platform of sufficient size should be provided to allow the dog(s) to attain solid footing and to offer a space for resting
5.  Facilities must be lighted to provide a regular lighting cycle for the dogs.
6. Bedding material made available to dogs should be clean and not pose a risk to the dogs.

C. Operations

1. A sufficient number of staff must be provided to carry out appropriate levels of care and conditions for the number of dogs kept.
2. Facility and primary enclosures should be clean, free from debris and odor, and feces should be picked up and disposed of as frequently as necessary so as not to pose a threat to the health of the dog(s).
3. Each kennel should maintain an emergency preparedness plan adequate for the type of facility owned and breed(s) of dogs maintained therein.

In instances when dog(s) are found in conditions that place them in immediate danger, the Inspector will immediately notify agencies with jurisdiction regarding the danger to the dogs.