05/07/2026
From AKC Government Relations: AKC Lauds Passage of House Farm Bill with Priorities for Animal Welfare, Dog Owners, and Sportsmen
On April 30, the U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, also known as the Farm Bill. This measure reauthorizes key U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs for five years and addresses federal priorities for numerous animal related issues, including animal welfare provisions in the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA).
“The AKC was proud to support this bill and is grateful for the Congressional leadership that made it possible,” Executive Secretary & VP Government Relations Sheila Goffe says. “House Agriculture Chairman G.T. Thompson and his staff have demonstrated extraordinary bipartisan leadership in developing and shepherding a measure that not only supports crucial U.S. agricultural programs but also supports important priorities for dog enthusiasts including canine health and welfare, and the rights of responsible dog owners and sportsmen.”
Dog-related highlights of the bill:
• Enhancement of Pet Protections Under the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA): Additional resources for USDA to better enforce the AWA. This includes expanded resources for educational outreach and reporting to Congress on existing enforcement with recommendations for improving enforcement.
• Enhancement of USDA’s electronic health-documentation requirements for pets entering the United States to protect pet and public health
This reflects language in the Healthy Dog Importation Act (HR 3349 ) by requiring electronic records documentation on dogs prior to their importation that confirms the dog is in good health; microchipped; has received all necessary vaccination and parasite treatments, demonstrated negative test results, and has a health certificate from an accredited veterinarian; and in the case of a dog intended for transfer, is at least 6 months old.
Exceptions are provided for dogs that are personal pets of United States origin returning to the United States; United States military working dogs; for research purposes; and coming to the United States solely for veterinary treatment; among several others. AKC believes this is an appropriate alternative to current, across-the-board bans on the import of puppies under the age of 6 months.
• Protecting Animals with Shelter
Reauthorizes funding for transitional shelters that allow victims of domestic violence to seek safety without leaving their pets behind.
• National Detector Dog Training Center
Authorizes the USDA National Detector Dog Training Center to establish additional training facilities to prepare specially selected dogs and their handlers to detect invasive pests and diseases that threaten American agriculture.
Throughout the legislative process, numerous problematic proposals were also advanced. AKC is grateful to Chairman Thompson, his staff, and members of The House Agriculture Committee for their emphasis on a science-based approach to agriculture and animal care, and their opposition to amendments promoted by extremists that would have restricted responsible dog breeders or hindered widely accepted animal husbandry practices, traditional dog competitions, hunting with dogs, or common dog training methods.
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