• PRESIDENT ’ S LETTER •
Dear Dog Lover ,
The Westminster Kennel Club has a long history of not only holding an annual dog show but embodying our mission of celebrating the companionship of dogs while promoting responsible dog ownership , canine health , and breed preservation . Reflective of our mission as well as our core values of integrity , passion , and education , Westminster annually supports a variety of initiatives that help both dogs and humans , some of which are highlighted below .
These are truly challenging times as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic . New York City , the home of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and club operations , where first responders , health professionals , and those caring for animals , continue to work tirelessly to care for so many in need , received support from the club in 2020 . Donations to these New York City entities to support their efforts : COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund ; FDNY COVID-19 Emergency Fund ; EMS FDNY Help Fund ; New York Police Foundation ; Widows and Children ’ s Fund ; ASPCA ; and Animal Care Centers of New York City .
Since 2010 , Junior Showmanship Scholarship Awards have been presented to the eight junior showmanship finalists each year , totaling $ 232,000 to date . The club has also provided donations to training clubs to honor the winners of the Masters Agility Championship and the Masters Obedience Championship since 2018 . Starting in 2019 , Westminster offers travel expenses support to the AKC European Junior Agility Team .
In 2017 , Westminster established the Westminster Kennel Club Endowment Fund at five veterinary medicine schools . To date , more than $ 4.8 million has been earmarked for this initiative which assists students studying to be veterinarians at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine , Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine , Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University , Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine , and Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine , Nursing and Allied Health .
In 2018 , the club began donating annually to three AKC-recognized National Breed Clubs to support their breed rescue activities . These annual Westminster Gives Back Award donations assists them in offsetting rescue expenses such as transportation , veterinary care , feeding , boarding , grooming , and training . The 2021 National Breed Club recipients are the American Tibetan Mastiff Association / Tibetan Mastiff Rescue , Inc ., the Boykin Spaniel Club & Breeders Association , and the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States / Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue Inc .
As you can see , Westminster annually shares proceeds from our dog show that enhances the special bond between people and dogs and assists those in need for a better world for all dogs and the people who love them . Westminster remains committed to honoring its traditions while advancing canine health and responsible dog ownership .
Westminster Kennel Club President Charlton Reynders , III
6 WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB 2021