BREED RESCUE AWARDS
CANINE COMPANIONSHIP
DOG SPORTS SUPPORT
BREED RESCUE AWARDS
Through Westminster ’ s Breed Rescue Awards , the club annually donates $ 5,000 to three AKC-recognized national breed clubs to help offset rescue-related expenses such as transportation , veterinary care , grooming , boarding , feeding , and training . In addition , these funds will assist the clubs in educating new owners about the joy of owning these dogs , while finding them suitable new homes . For 2024 , these clubs include : the American Chesapeake Club , the Bulldog Club of America Rescue Network , and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America .
CANINE COMPANIONSHIP
DOG SPORTS SUPPORT
Canine companionship is at the heart of the special bond between dogs and people . This bond can be felt in the many ways dogs and people interact with each other , as pets and K-9 officers , or working to help and heal humans . Since the 1940s , Westminster has supported working dogs , military dogs , therapy dogs , and service dogs . The Westminster Kennel Club and Cosequin ® joint health supplements continue their partnership this year as sponsors of a puppy in training with the Valor Service Dogs program . A Labrador Retriever puppy named Tommy joined the program in 2023 to undergo 18-24 months of training before being placed as a service dog with a military veteran or first responder in need .
Dog sport participation keeps the tradition of dog shows , agility trials , and obedience competitions thriving in a contemporary world . These events are many things — family-friendly sports , athletic canine competitions , a deepening of the canine-human bond — but historically dog shows began , and continue to this day , to help support our sport . Introducing and keeping people involved in the sport creates more charitable giving opportunities .