13/08/2025
To our exhibitors:
We will do our best to absorb the AKC fees and not raise our entries... however w eceived this from AKC today - event fees are going up... twice!
I understand the first increase, but the second one is an unwelcome surprise. $5.50 per entry is onerous.
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Dear AKC Club Presidents, Secretaries, and Delegates,
We recognize that the increasing costs to put on AKC events may be challenging for some clubs, and we feel it’s important to acknowledge this essential issue in our sport before sharing the following information.
Beginning January 1, 2026, the AKC event fee will see its first adjustment since 2008—an increase of one dollar, from $3.50 to $4.50 per entry. The following year, on January 1, 2027, it will adjust again, moving from $4.50 to $5.50 per entry.
After a thorough review and the implementation of cost-saving measures across the organization, this course of action was determined to be necessary due to steadily rising operational costs.
The AKC has worked hard to reduce expenses, improve efficiency, and maintain the current fee structure for as long as possible. However, ongoing inflationary pressures and rising costs across staffing, technology, insurance, and event operations have made this adjustment essential to sustain the programs and services that support our community.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ CPI Inflation Calculator, $3.50 in 2008 is equivalent to approximately $5.35 in today’s dollars. In other words, the purchasing power of $3.50 in 2008 has declined significantly due to inflation. The new $4.50 fee brings the amount into closer alignment with 2025 dollars, restoring its real value while remaining slightly below the inflation-adjusted equivalent.
Revenue from event fees supports the more than 29,000 AKC-sanctioned events held annually. It also helps fund key initiatives that strengthen the sport, protect our mission, and benefit the dog community as a whole.
We understand that many clubs are also facing the challenges of inflation and want to ensure you have adequate time to prepare for any adjustments you may need to make. We hope this advance notice helps your club plan and prepare accordingly.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding, dedication, and continued support for the sport we all love. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] — we’re always here to help.