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Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2023 – EXHIBITOR FAQS

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The Westminster Kennel Club addresses frequently asked questions posed by exhibitors regarding their upcoming dog show in 2023.

 

Where is Westminster Week being held this year?

The 147th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina Pro Plan,® including the 10th Anniversary Masters Agility Championship and 8th Annual Masters Obedience Championship, will be held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Flushing, NY.

For the Westminster Week schedule, click here.

The 2023 Judging Panel can be seen here.

 

What is the 2023 WKC Dog Show qualifying period?

To receive an invitation to the 2023 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, your dog must be a Champion and ranked in the Top 5 in each eligible breed or variety, or be a National Specialty BOB Winner, or have attained the necessary Junior Qualifier wins, or have attained the necessary Obedience Rankings as recorded by the AKC during the qualifying period from October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022.

The WKC qualifying period is not based on a calendar year, as is the Canine Chronicle’s ranking system. Please visit infodog.com to see the Top 5 rankings during the Westminster qualifying period to see if your dog will receive an invitation.

 

When do entries close?

  • Conformation entries close on Friday, February 17, 2023, at 3 pm ET.
  • Agility entries open on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at 7 am ET / close on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at 3 pm ET.

 

Does my dog have to be a champion to enter?

Yes, as referenced on page 20 of the Premium List, “Dogs must have qualified for their AKC championship to be eligible to enter before submitting their entry.” See additional details in the Premium List.

 

Where can I unload?

Exhibitors MUST unload into large grooming tents at the Tennis Center prior to parking. The Tennis Center will be open on Sunday, May 7th, from 3 pm -11 pm for multi-day and Monday exhibitors to unload and set up. The venue will re-open by 6 am on Monday and Tuesday for the respective days of judging.

Tuesday exhibitors desiring to unload in advance of judging may be able to do so Monday evening from 8 pm -11 pm. The grooming tent/unloading/loading operation will be managed by Site Control personnel.

Agility and Obedience exhibitors will not have access to the venue on Friday, May 5th. The venue will open by 6 am on Saturday, May 6th.

 

Where do I find nearby parking?

After unloading at the Tennis Center, Exhibitors may park in designated areas around the Tennis Center.

Conformation exhibitor parking will be located at the nearby Queens Hall of Science parking lots. This lot is just a short walk to the Tennis Center. Overnight parking will not be available.

Shuttle service for the short ride back to the Tennis Center will also be provided.

Agility and Obedience exhibitor parking will be in parking lots in and around the Tennis Center. Valet parking to and from these lots will be available for exhibitors choosing this option.

 

Will I be able to work/groom out of my vehicle?

No, two large tents adjacent to the breed rings and Arthur Ashe Stadium will be the designated grooming area for exhibitors. These tents will have electrical drops for exhibitor use. Personal exhibitor generators will not be permitted.

Agility and obedience exhibitors will be able to crate their dogs in the large tent outside Ashe Stadium.

 

Will exhibitors get extra admission tickets?

No, two (2) daytime exhibitor’s tickets for the USTA will be provided for the day your dog is entered and will be sent electronically. Two tickets will also be provided to each exhibitor for nighttime, for the day your breed is judged. Tickets will be on sale for the day and evening judging at the Tennis Center.

Further information for purchasing additional tickets will be forthcoming.

 

How many entry tickets will a Junior Handler invitee receive?

Each Junior Handler will receive three (3) daytime tickets for both Monday and Tuesday. Finalist will receive three (3) tickets for Tuesday night.

 

Can spectators get tickets?

Tickets for all events will be available through Ticketmaster and will go on sale at the end of February. Please check our Tickets webpage for the latest information.

 

May I show and go?

Exhibitors who have completed judging may exit the grounds at their discretion.

 

Where do I find nearby hotels?

The Westminster Kennel Club has arranged special rates at these hotels for our 2023 show. Please use the code or link provided on the hotel page listing when booking your reservation.

 

What is the hotel shuttle bus schedule, and where does it run?

Shuttle buses for Exhibitors, their dogs, and spectators will run loops from The LaGuardia Marriott, Aloft, The Hampton Inn, and LaGuardia Plaza Hotels to and from the Tennis Center. The policy will be “dogs first.” More details on the shuttle service will be forthcoming.

 

How do I watch the daytime and evening judging?

The full television and streaming schedule will be available soon.

 

Where can I find more information about things to do in the area?

More information is coming soon.