Why the American Kennel Club (AKC) is Prioritizing Child Safety
When you think about child protection, the American Kennel Club (AKC) probably isn’t the first organization that comes to mind. After all, they’re known for championing purebred dogs, hosting world-class competitions, and supporting responsible pet ownership—not childcare. But what if we told you that child protection training for the AKC is just as crucial as safety measures in schools, youth sports, or summer camps? With thousands of children attending dog shows, participating in training programs, and becoming ‘Junior Handlers,’ the AKC recognized that ensuring their safety isn’t just important—it’s essential. That’s why they’ve taken a bold step by incorporating Stewards of Children® training into their organization, proving that every community, no matter how unexpected, has a role to play in protecting kids.
Founded in 1884, the nonprofit American Kennel Club is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. The AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. For 140 years, the AKC has been the country’s leading authority on all things dogs, acting as the premier resource for dog lovers, from the fancier to the everyday owner. They are the world’s largest and oldest not-for-profit all-breed registry, with 201 recognized breeds and counting. They have more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and affiliated organizations.
At first glance, the AKC doesn’t seem like the obvious choice for child protection training. Their central mission is all about dogs! However, the AKC is a family-friendly organization–in fact, children as young as nine years old can become “Junior Handlers” and participate in events, and many professional handlers got their start as teenage apprentices. Some clubs even offer PeeWee competitions for kids age five and up. With such an extensive multi-generational network, the AKC has made a commitment to creating safe environments for all burgeoning dog enthusiasts by providing secure and inclusive spaces. Recognizing the need for child protection training, the AKC mandated Stewards of Children® for all staff, registered handlers, judges, and local clubs’ youth coordinators.
Through a combination of virtual and asynchronous learning formats, the AKC quickly enrolled over 3,000 participants in child protection training, with more than 12,000 scheduled to complete it in the coming year. Many individual AKC leaders are exploring creative solutions for safety at their shows, such as the introduction of “ROVERs”—volunteers who actively monitor events, keeping an eye out for unsafe situations and offering a presence of protection for children. While the organization also provides SafeSport training, they recognized the need for a more tailored, comprehensive approach to child protection.
The AKC’s initiative to integrate child protection training is more than just a training program—it’s a cultural shift. By embedding child sexual abuse prevention into their core operations, the AKC is demonstrating how committed they are to protecting the children who are integral to their community. With their continued efforts, they are setting an example for other organizations to follow, showing that it truly takes every member of the community to create safe spaces for kids.
