On three consecutive Saturdays in August nearly seven miles of New York City’s usually car-clogged streets are closed to traffic and opened to pedestrians. And because the American Kennel Club is a supporting partner, the event welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes.

In 2014, more than 300,000 people came out, so if you’re in New York City on August 8th or 15th (or better yet, both), check out Summer Streets, and be sure to pay us a visit: The AKC will be at Astor Place & Lafayette Street from 7 a.m. to 1p.m. Read news coverage from WABC-TV and check out photos from the August 1st edition of Summer Streets.

It's been a great week for media coverage for AKC clubs, with dog events hosted by the Putnam Kennel Club, Crab Orchard Kennel Club, Louisiana Kennel Club, Metairie Kennel Club, Longview Kennel Club and Tyler Obedience Training Club, making the news across the country.

Read more.

Creating Special Attractions
To generate as much media interest as possible for your club event, add a media-worthy special attraction, such as an action-packed demonstration or unique presentation:

Look to holidays and special months to tie into dog shows. For example, February is Pet Dental Health Month sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Invite a local vet to have a booth at your show.

Use non-pet holidays. For example, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Invite a local American Cancer Society chapter, donate vendor space for its booth, invite top people and have them put out a press release touting the community outreach at your show.

If you offer 4-6 Month Beginner Puppy Competition, Best Puppy in Show or Bred-By Exhibitors groups at your show, pitch it to the media as a special competition such as the “puppy extravaganza” or “breeders showcase” for photo opportunities.

For even more ideas, check out page 34 of Promoting Your Club and Its Events.

The AKC Canine Ambassador program is being revamped! If you’re interested in making presentations to children in classrooms and other venues, check out the program and sign up here.

Pets Always Stay Free at Motel 6
Motel 6 is proud to be the official lodging provider of the AKC. AKC registrants receive a 10% discount at over 1,100 Motel 6 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Call the special AKC reservation number 855-M6-4DOGS and mention CP542764 to receive your savings.

Learn more here.