AKC PupPals Program Just Launched | Uplifts Kids With Notes & Pics From Dog “Pen Pals”

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dog with collar

Know a child who could use some cheer?

The American Kennel Club is hoping to bring a little joy to children just when they need it the most with their new PupPals program. The AKC PupPals Program provides children with a photo and a personalized note “from” a canine friend.

This program was designed to encourage children who are struggling through a difficult time like an illness, the illness/death of a loved one (human or pet), the deployment of a parent, etc. Any child that would enjoy a PupPal is welcome to join, though!


dog on dog bed

Out of respect for the child’s privacy and to protect their personal information, only the parent/legal guardian can nominate a child for PupPals. Parents may nominate their child by completing this form.

If you know of a child who would benefit from this program, please share this post with his or her parents so that they can nominate their child!


Additionally, AKC PupPals is seeking photos of and information about dogs that can be shared with the children enrolled in the PupPal Program. Dogs of any age or breed are welcome to join.

Enrolling your dog in the program does not mean that you (or your dog 😉) will be corresponding with the children registered for PupPals. AKC Education will use your pet’s photo and information to create personalized letters for each child. You can enroll your dog by completing this form.

To enroll your child or dog in PupPals or to learn more about this program, visit the American Kennel Club’s website.

Join The Discussion

Comments 16

  1. laura

    LOVE THIS!!

    • Jennifer (Hip Sidekick)

      ❤❤

  2. Kat

    What an amazing idea! It almost got me tearing up thinking about how much this can mean to a child.

    • Jennifer (Hip Sidekick)

      It’s pretty awesome, Kat!

  3. Alli

    I think this is the greatest thing EVER!!! Just signed my pups up to participate. Thank you so much for posting this!

    • Jennifer (Hip Sidekick)

      You are so welcome and thanks for signing up your pups!

  4. Julie

    Just signed up my Corgi!

    • Jennifer (Hip Sidekick)

      Sweet! I had a Corgi and loved her so much!

  5. Jacki

    Best idea ever!!

    • Jennifer (Hip Sidekick)

      It really is!

  6. Marie

    Here’s info from the website directly
    https://www.akc.org/public-education/akc-puppals-program/
    I started filling out the form, then started thinking, the link doesn’t say AKC and they want to know my child’s address and about them. So I had to check it out myself from the site, it is legit (I know hip wouldn’t do that) but I needed to see the info from the site. If anyone else is like that I figured I would share the link.

    • Jennifer (Hip Sidekick)

      Thank you so much, Marie!

  7. redsoxgirl

    I love this idea!! I am signing my dog up!

    • Jennifer (Hip Sidekick)

      Yay!

  8. Alecia_D

    I love this SO MUCH!
    We have a “special” dachshund… she was born with a cleft nose (it looks like a heart).
    I’m definitely signing her up to participate!

    • Chelsey (Hip Sidekick)

      Aww! We have a “special” dachshund too! He was born with a large chest cavity so it drags on the ground – we have a special harness to protect it when he walks outside!

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