The American Kennel Club Government Relations Department (AKC GR) recently participated in the Virginia Association of County Officials’ Leadership Summit held in Richmond, Virginia. This exclusive event is limited to about 250 elected and appointed county leaders from across the Commonwealth as well as top ranking state officials. 

 As one of just 15 event sponsors, AKC was well represented and utilized numerous opportunities to discuss canine issues and policies with lawmakers from around the state.  

Nancy Fisk, Chair of the AKC Delegates Legislative Caucus, joined AKC Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager Charley Hall in staffing an educational booth that provided resources and expertise to lawmakers about issues related to responsible dog ownership.   

As an active member of both Langley and Gloucester Kennel Clubs and the Virginia Federation of Dog Clubs and Breeders (VFDCB), Fisk also encouraged county officials to reach out to their local kennel club as well as both VFDCB and AKC whenever they are considering zoning or other general ordinances that impact dogs, their responsible owners, and responsible breeders. She and Hall emphasized that “we can assist in ensuring effective, reasonable policies and solutions.” 

Hall commented, “time and time again, Nancy demonstrated to elected officials the knowledge, experience, and expertise our club members have and how they are a valuable resource to their communities any time proposals impacting dogs and dog owners are being considered.  This event further established AKC, the federation and local clubs as the dog experts in Virginia.”

Downloadable educational materials, policy position statements, state economic benefits information, and other resources shared at this meeting and available to you when meeting with lawmakers are available at www.akcgr.org.