New York, NY- The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is now accepting applications for its annual Public Education Award (PEA)—with submissions open through July 1.
Clubs across the country are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to be recognized for their outstanding public education efforts. Presented each July by AKC Public Education, the award honors a club that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to educating its community about dogs.
The PEA celebrates clubs that make a meaningful impact through initiatives such as offering educational opportunities about AKC dog sports and events, purebred dogs, responsible dog ownership, and safety around dogs. By highlighting these efforts, AKC Public Education aims to support continued outreach and inspire more clubs nationwide to engage in community education.
The selected club will receive a $500 monetary award, a commemorative plaque, and recognition across AKC Education social media channels.
“Public education is one of the most impactful ways we strengthen the bond between people and their dogs,” said Ashley Jacot, Vice President of Education. “When clubs invest in their communities, they’re not just sharing knowledge—they’re fostering safer, more responsible, and more connected environments for all.”
With the July 1 deadline approaching, interested clubs are encouraged to begin their applications now. Submissions must include documentation of public education outreach activities conducted within the past year, along with supporting photos. Applicants must also submit a brief essay outlining how their club has contributed to educating the public on key topics.
A committee of AKC employees will review all eligible applications and select the award recipient based on established criteria. To encourage broader participation, clubs are eligible to receive the award once every two years, and applications from a winning club in consecutive years will not be considered.
Clubs interested in applying should review all requirements and submission details on the PEA website. All applications must be received by July 1 of each calendar year.
For questions or additional information about the PEA, please contact the AKC Public Education team at publiced@akc.org.
