Learn how the AKC's Unattended Dogs in Vehicles Policy addresses dog safety, owner responsibility, and event standards.
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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.
Following several recent incidents involving dogs left unattended in vehicles, including situations that resulted in serious injury and death, the AKC Board of Directors determined that stronger safeguards were necessary to help prevent future tragedies and reinforce the shared responsibility of exhibitors, handlers, and owners to protect dogs at AKC events.
Effective immediately, the policy prohibits leaving a dog unattended in a vehicle that is fully enclosed or does not have adequate ventilation and airflow.
For purposes of this policy, a vehicle includes any enclosed or partially enclosed motorized conveyance used to transport dogs, including passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, minivans, commercial vehicles, trailers being used to house dogs, motorhomes, recreational vehicles (RVs), and similar vehicles. Regardless of the type of vehicle, owners and handlers are responsible for ensuring dogs are not left unattended in conditions that could compromise their safety or wellbeing.
These are all valuable precautions and can play an important role in helping maintain a safe environment for dogs. However, they should not be the only precautions relied upon. Fans, air conditioning, temperature monitors, remote alert systems, and other electronic devices do not, by themselves, make a vehicle safe for an unattended dog. Owners and handlers remain responsible for ensuring dogs are kept in conditions that protect them from heat-related illness, distress, injury, or death. Vehicles should be checked regularly to verify that cooling systems are functioning properly and ventilation is sufficient so that the dogs remain safe and in good condition.
No. The AKC is not advising exhibitors, handlers, or owners to leave their vehicles unlocked. The policy does not prescribe how a vehicle should be secured. Rather, it requires that dogs not be left unattended in conditions that could compromise their health or wellbeing. Owners and handlers remain responsible for taking all appropriate precautions to ensure the safety of both their dogs and their vehicles.
Every owner and handler is responsible for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of any dog in their care while attending any AKC event.
The Unattended Dogs in Vehicles Policy is effective immediately.
Violating the policy is considered conduct prejudicial to the best interests of purebred dogs, the sport of purebred dogs, and the American Kennel Club. Violations may result in disciplinary action under the AKC Charter and Bylaws.
The AKC Discipline Guidelines now include a specific offense and penalty structure for violations of the policy. Depending on the severity of the violation and the circumstances involved, penalties may range from a one-year suspension and monetary fines to a lifetime suspension and fines of up to $10,000.
State laws vary significantly in how they address dogs left unattended in vehicles, including when intervention is permitted and what constitutes a violation. As the governing body for dog sports, the AKC has a responsibility to establish consistent standards of conduct that apply to all participants, regardless of where an event is held. This policy establishes a clear, uniform standard for exhibitors, handlers, and owners and provides the framework for consistent enforcement through the AKC Discipline Guidelines. It is intended to complement, not replace, applicable state and local laws, and all participants are expected to comply with both.
No. Disciplinary matters that have already been investigated and resolved under the applicable AKC Rules, Policies, and Discipline Guidelines in effect at the time of the incident will not be reopened.
No. While hot weather significantly increases the risk to dogs, the policy is based on providing safe conditions for dogs at all times. Owners and handlers are responsible for ensuring dogs are not left unattended in conditions that could compromise their health, safety, or wellbeing
The Board approved a related change to the Dealing with Misconduct at American Kennel Club Events guidelines. Effective July 29, 2026, an Event Committee hearing will be required whenever a dog is seriously injured or dies in connection with an AKC event, regardless of whether a vehicle is involved.
An Event Committee hearing allows the committee to receive sworn testimony, review the facts surrounding an incident, and ensure cases are handled fairly, consistently, and in accordance with AKC rules.
These updates strengthen the AKC's commitment to protecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of dogs while promoting responsible stewardship and consistent enforcement at every AKC event.
American Kennel Club (AKC)
