ABOUT US
Westminster Cares
A TRADITION OF CARING SINCE 1877
The Westminster Kennel Club prides itself as one of the oldest, mission-based organizations in the world dedicated to dogs. The club’s continued educational, and promotional support of breed education, canine health, breed rescue, canine companionship, and dog sports participation reflect the club’s focus of caring. These activities help fulfill our core mission to celebrate the companionship of dogs while promoting responsible dog ownership, health, and breed preservation. As you read about the events, the programs, the donations, and the continued support from the Westminster Kennel Club, we hope you will agree that we all want to create a better world for all dogs.
Westminster’s focus on Canine Health pertains to all dogs whether a cherished family pet, a canine athlete, or a displaced dog. Keeping dogs healthy has been paramount to the club’s charitable goals for more than a century.
- Beginning in 1987, six schools participated in the WKC Veterinary Scholarships program: Cornell University, Michigan State University, Tufts University, Tuskegee University, the University of California at Davis, and the University of Pennsylvania. To date, these scholarships total over $4.8 million. In 2017, Westminster established the Westminster Kennel Club Endowment Fund 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.
- Westminster supports the health of dogs and, through its donations to the AKC Canine Health Foundation, the club has helped fund canine health research which helps all dogs. Other donations to other organizations such as the Animal Medical Center and the California Dog Owners Coalition have also made a difference in canine health.
- Aligning with leading canine health organizations such as Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine help promote responsible breeding and dog ownership. In 2019 WKC and FOX Sports teamed up with Cornell to produce a video series offering expert advice on canine health issues. The videos were included in the telecast and in Madison Square Garden in-arena programming.
- Established in 2022, the WKC Veterinarian of the Year award celebrates outstanding veterinary professionals who demonstrate excellence in animal care and advocacy. The Westminster Kennel Club created this award to recognize the vital contributions of veterinarians and to highlight the ongoing challenges they face within the profession.
- Westminster is pleased to introduce our first-ever Resident Veterinarian, Dr. Treyton Diggs of Boutte, Louisiana. In 2024, Dr. Diggs was the recipient of Westminster’s third annual Veterinarian of the Year Award and was recognized for his unwavering values, dedication, and moral compass in animal care. In his role as Resident Veterinarian, Dr. Diggs aims to enhance our educational mission by creating informative and engaging dog-related content for distribution across our digital channels and at in-person events. Dr. Diggs will serve as a trusted authority within the dog sport community and a valuable resource for dog owners, allowing him to provide virtual support and expert counsel for Westminster’s global community.
