Every weekend, dog shows across the country come to life because of one thing that often goes unnoticed: volunteers. While exhibitors, judges, and spectators enjoy the event, countless club members have spent months planning, organizing, and solving problems behind the scenes. Without them, there simply wouldn’t be a dog show.
Unfortunately, many clubs are facing the same challenge—a shrinking volunteer base. The same dedicated members continue to wear multiple hats, year after year, while fewer newcomers step forward to help. As longtime volunteers retire, clubs are left wondering who will carry the torch. The future of our sport depends on finding that answer.
Why Would Someone Join a Club?
People don’t join organizations simply to attend meetings. They join because they’re looking for connection, purpose, education, and friendships. A local kennel club can provide all of those things—but only if it actively welcomes new members. New exhibitors often want guidance, encouragement, and an opportunity to become part of something bigger than themselves. They want to learn from experienced breeders, meet fellow dog enthusiasts, and feel like their contributions matter. The question isn’t whether people want to belong. The question is whether we’re inviting them in.
Making Membership More Inviting
Recruitment shouldn’t begin with asking someone to volunteer for an all-day assignment. Instead, clubs should focus on building relationships. Invite new exhibitors to club meetings as guests. Pair first-time members with experienced mentors. Personally introduce newcomers around the room instead of letting them sit alone. Explain how the club works and, most importantly, show them that every volunteer makes a difference. Small volunteer opportunities can also be powerful. Someone who spends thirty minutes helping at ringside may become tomorrow’s show chair. People are much more likely to volunteer after they feel like they belong.
Keep It Fun
Not every club activity has to revolve around planning the next dog show. The strongest clubs create opportunities for members to simply enjoy one another’s company.
Ideas include:
- Summer picnics with dogs
- Holiday parties
- Educational seminars with respected breeders and judges
- Grooming workshops
- Fun matches and handling clinics
- Meet the Breeds demonstrations
- Community service projects
- Junior Showmanship events
- Barn hunts, scent work, or performance fun days
- Group visits to major dog shows
- Member recognition dinners celebrating volunteer achievements
When friendships grow outside the show ring, volunteerism naturally follows.
Recognize Every Helping Hand
One of the easiest ways to retain volunteers is also one of the most overlooked: say thank you. Recognition doesn’t have to be expensive. A handwritten note, a social media spotlight, a volunteer of the year award, or simple public appreciation during a club meeting reminds members that their time matters. People who feel appreciated are much more likely to volunteer again.
Investing in the Next Generation
The sport also needs to intentionally involve younger exhibitors and families. Invite juniors to attend board meetings. Give newer members meaningful committee assignments rather than only routine tasks. Encourage fresh ideas instead of insisting that “this is how we’ve always done it.” New volunteers become future leaders only when they’re given opportunities to lead.
The Future Is in Our Hands
Every club member has a story about someone who welcomed them into the sport. Perhaps it was a breeder who answered endless questions, a mentor who offered encouragement, or a club member who simply said, “Come join us.”
If we want thriving kennel clubs ten years from now, we must make today’s newcomers feel wanted, valued, and included. Every invitation extended, every friendship formed, and every volunteer encouraged strengthens the future of purebred dogs.
Dog shows aren’t sustained by buildings or ribbons—they’re sustained by people. And there’s always room for one more helping hand.