Join the PA Kennel Association

Bringing Pennsylvania kennels together for a better future.

About Us

The Pennsylvania Kennel Association (PAKA) was established in 2024 in response to rapidly changing dog law regulations within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. At the time, licensed kennels across the state had little to no formal representation or opportunity to provide input on regulatory changes that directly impacted their operations.

Recognizing this gap, PAKA was formed to give a unified voice to Pennsylvania’s licensed kennels—ensuring that those who are directly affected by legislative and regulatory decisions have the opportunity to be heard.

Our Mission

Our mission is simple:

  • Advocate for fair, practical, and effective kennel regulations

  • Represent the interests of licensed kennel operators across Pennsylvania

  • Collaborate with lawmakers and regulatory agencies

  • Protect the welfare of dogs while supporting responsible kennel operations

We believe that the best outcomes come from collaboration between regulators and experienced professionals actively working in the field every day.

Our Impact

Shortly after its formation, PAKA played a direct role in addressing concerns related to newly implemented dog law regulations. Through proactive communication, advocacy, and engagement with decision-makers, we were able to help influence meaningful changes to the law—demonstrating the importance of having knowledgeable industry representation at the table.

This early success reinforced the need for a permanent, organized association to ensure that future regulatory decisions include input from licensed kennels.

Why We Exist

Prior to PAKA, kennel owners often faced:

  • Regulatory changes without industry consultation

  • Limited communication channels with decision-makers

  • A lack of unified representation

  • Policies that did not always reflect real-world kennel operations

PAKA was created to change that.

What We Do

  • Monitor proposed and existing dog law regulations

  • Communicate updates and changes to members

  • Provide a platform for kennel owners to share concerns and feedback

  • Advocate on behalf of members at the state level

  • Promote responsible, ethical kennel management

Membership

PAKA is open to licensed kennels operating within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Our goal is to build a strong, unified network of professionals who are committed to high standards of care and proactive involvement in the regulatory process.

Looking Ahead

As regulations continue to evolve, PAKA remains committed to ensuring that kennel owners have a seat at the table. By working together, we can help shape policies that protect animal welfare while also supporting the businesses and individuals dedicated to their care.