Canine Health
In 1877 the Westminster Kennel Club donated proceeds to establish the ASPCA.
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 and Embark 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.