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Policy on State and Local Law Compliance, Insurance, and Regulatory Requirements for Dog Shows

Purpose:
To ensure full compliance with applicable state and local laws, maintain adequate insurance coverage, and meet all regulatory obligations when organizing and hosting dog shows.

1. Compliance with State and Local Laws

· The organization shall comply with all state and municipal laws governing animal events, public gatherings, safety, and health requirements.

· Permits and approvals must be obtained from:

o Local animal control authorities for dog-related regulations.

o Zoning or planning departments for venue usage and occupancy limits.

o Health departments for sanitation, waste management, and food safety (if food vendors are present).

· Noise ordinances, leash laws, breed restrictions, and other animal-related local statutes must be reviewed and strictly adhered to.

2. Insurance Requirements

· The organization shall maintain General Liability Insurance covering bodily injury, property damage, and participant risk.

· Insurance coverage must specifically include:

o Animal liability riders (to cover incidents involving dogs).

o Event liability coverage for the date(s) and location(s) of the show.

o Third-party vendor coverage, including food, merchandise, or service vendors, if applicable.

· All third-party vendors and participants may be required to provide Certificates of Insurance naming the organization as an additional insured, subject to risk assessment.

3. Regulatory Compliance

· Events shall follow regulations set by:

o The American Kennel Club (AKC) or similar sanctioning bodies if the event is formally recognized.

o ADA compliance standards for venue accessibility.

o Fire safety and crowd control regulations, including emergency exits and first aid access.

· All dogs must have up-to-date vaccinations and health certificates as required by state law.

· The event shall have clearly defined rules and codes of conduct for handlers, judges, spectators, and vendors.

4. Record Keeping and Documentation

· All compliance documents, including permits, insurance policies, vendor agreements, and health certifications, shall be stored in a central repository and retained for a minimum of 3 years post-event.

· A compliance officer or event coordinator shall be appointed to oversee adherence to this policy and serve as the point of contact for regulatory inquiries.

5. Enforcement and Accountability

· Non-compliance with this policy may result in cancellation of participation, removal from the venue, or notification of authorities.

· A post-event review will assess compliance and recommend improvements for future events.

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