ABOUT US
Westminster Cares
A TRADITION OF CARING SINCE 1877
The Westminster Kennel Club prides itself as one of the oldest, mission-based organizations in the world dedicated to dogs. The club’s continued educational, and promotional support of breed education, canine health, breed rescue, canine companionship, and dog sports participation reflect the club’s focus of caring. These activities help fulfill our core mission to celebrate the companionship of dogs while promoting responsible dog ownership, health, and breed preservation. As you read about the events, the programs, the donations, and the continued support from the Westminster Kennel Club, we hope you will agree that we all want to create a better world for all dogs.
Sport Participation keeps the tradition of dog shows, agility trials, and obedience competitions thriving in a contemporary world. These events are many things—family-friendly sports, athletic canine competitions, a deepening of the canine-human bond—but historically dog shows began, and continue to this day, to help support our sport. Introducing and keeping people involved in the sport creates more charitable giving opportunities.
- Beginning in 2010, Junior Showmanship Scholarship Awards have been awarded to the eight junior showmanship finalists, totaling $232,000 to date. These junior exhibitors who can be between the ages of 9-18 receive award amount based on their placements for their use in post-secondary schooling for the college or technical school of their choice.
- Beginning in 2018, the club has provided donations to training clubs to honor the winners of the Masters Agility Championship and the Masters Obedience Championship. To date, the recipients include the Contact Point Agility Club of Greater Los Angeles, Agility Dog Club of Chino, Agility Club of New Hampshire, Morris Hills Dog Training Club, Inc., Krusin Kanines of Perkasie, Inc., Nutmeg Border Collie Club, Go Dogs, Inc., Lower Bucks Dog Training Club, Licking River Kennel Club, Agility Canines of Southern Indiana, AKC Humane Fund and the Portchester Obedience Training Club.
- Starting in 2019, Westminster offers support to the AKC European Junior Agility Team. This support of young people who participate in the sport of agility continues the legacy of promoting family-friendly dog sports. This award has helped cover travel expenses as the team represents the U.S. in international dog agility competition.
- Helping people in need in the sport is another way Westminster gives back to the community. Donations have gone to organizations dedicated to helping fanciers such as the Professional Handlers Association, Dog Fanciers Club of America, Owner Handlers Association of America, and Take The Lead.
