Dog Sense at AKC® Events: Best Practices for the Care and Well-Being of Dogs

Temperature and Environmental Safety

• Take appropriate measures to maintain safe and comfortable temperatures in all weather conditions.

• During extreme heat, keep dogs cool, not cold. Moving dogs from excessively cold environments directly into hot conditions can negatively affect performance and may pose health risks.

• Always have a cooling plan in place when attending events in hot weather, i.e., equipment to provide shade and cooling equipment such as cooling mats, cooling coats, portable fans, etc.

• If dogs must remain in a vehicle, ensure the vehicle is properly ventilated and check on them frequently.

Crating and Housing

• Use crates that are appropriately sized and adequately ventilated for the breed being housed.

• Keep crates clean, secure, and well-ventilated at all times.

• For travel, use sturdy, hard-sided, well-ventilated crates whenever possible. Soft-sided crates are not recommended.

• Refrain from leaving collars on dogs that are crated overnight or left unattended.

• If leaving dogs in a building overnight, ensure you arrive promptly when the building opens to care for your dogs.

• Keep sufficient slip leads readily available for all dogs traveling with you.

• Check crate doors, exercise pens, RV doors, and hotel room doors regularly to ensure they are secure.

• Never leave dogs unattended in exercise pens.

• When leaving a hotel room, ensure dogs are safely crated.

Grooming Area Safety

• Never leave a dog unattended on a grooming table. Being physically present does not always mean a dog is being adequately supervised.

• Multiple dogs on grooming tables require multiple responsible individuals to safely manage them.

• Always display emergency contact information near your vehicle and/or grooming setup.

Supervision and Daily Care

• Dogs should always be supervised by individuals who can respond thoughtfully and appropriately in an emergency.

• Provide adequate opportunities throughout the day for exercise and elimination breaks.

• Ensure fresh, clean water is available at all times and monitor dogs for proper hydration.

• Carry current vaccination and health records and keep them readily accessible when needed.

Health and Emergency Preparedness

• Seek veterinary attention promptly if a dog shows signs of illness or injury.

• Keep a fire extinguisher accessible and have an emergency fire plan in place.

• Be prepared to respond quickly to any health, safety, or environmental emergency.