Westminster Cares

Unfortunately, not all dogs spend their whole lives with one loving family. But through Westminster’s support of Breed Rescue activities, many dogs get a second chance at happiness with a new family. National Breed Club volunteers from across the country work to rescue dogs in need with funds from breeders, owners and exhibitors involved in dog sports. Westminster is proud to support these volunteers and the tireless work they do to help dogs who need proper veterinary care, rehabilitation, and often training before they are available to a new family.

• Westminster’s first show in 1877 was so popular —with 20,000 daily visitors—the Club extended the show for an extra day so that all proceeds from that day could be donated to the ASPCA to establish a home for stray and disabled dogs. Thus, a long relationship with a New York City institution for the humane treatment of animals was forged.

• Westminster’s charitable giving has included organizations that provide Disaster Relief for companion animals in the wake of natural disasters, including the AKC Companion Animal Recovery, AKC Humane Fund, AKC Reunite, ASPCA and the Humane Society of the United States.


• Beginning in 2018, the Club began donating annually to three AKC-recognized National Breed Clubs to support their rescue activities. These annual Westminster Gives Back Award donations assist breed clubs in offsetting rescue expenses such as transportation, veterinary care, feeding, boarding, grooming, and training.
(Read more below.)

Westminster teams with its sponsor Purina, in support of Purina’s charities: Rally to Rescue, Pets for People, and One Hope Alliance, to help shelter dogs and breed rescues across the country. Over the years, Westminster has helped to raise millions of dollars for rescue programs and shelters to help dogs in need as well as donations to breed-specific organizations.