For some dogs and owners, the trip to Madison Square Garden, home to the Westminster show, may be as easy as a quick car or bus ride into New York City. But for others, air travel makes their participation in the show possible. SAE AIR 1600A-1997 (SAE AIR1600A-1997), Animal Environment In Cargo Compartments (Reaffirmed: Oct 2003), provides important information on required environmental conditions associated with the transportation of live animals in the cargo compartments of passenger jets. The document includes guidelines for the manufacturers of such jets, as well as supplemental information for air carriers, among other content. SAE AIR 1600A-1997 was developed by SAE International, an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) member and accredited standards developer.
Once a participating pooch is at the show, its appearance becomes a matter of extreme importance. Thankfully, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has developed a standard designed to help out. IEC 60335-2-8 Ed. 6.0 b:2012, Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-8: Particular requirements for shavers, hair clippers and similar appliances, provides guidelines associated with the safety of electric appliances intended for use in the care of human or animal hair. The document, which includes information on common appliance-related hazards, was developed by IEC Technical Committee (TC) 61, Safety of household and similar electrical appliances. The Secretariat of IEC TC 61 is held by the U.S. and UL (Underwriters Laboratories Inc.), an ANSI member and audited designator, serves as the delegated secretary and associated U.S. National Committee (USNC)-accredited U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) Administrator.
While a spiffy trim can help place a competing dog on the road to victory, many dog owners find their homes covered in hair despite their best grooming efforts. ASTM F2609-11, Standard Test Method for Litter-Cleaning Effectiveness of Vacuum Cleaners, sets down a test method for vacuum cleaners focused on the removal of human and pet hair from carpets and applies to number of different types of vacuums, including canister and upright vacuums. The standard was developed by ASTM International, an ANSI member and audited designator.
And when it comes to the dog hair that even a dog show-trained canine can leave on your clothes, there's no better way to address the mess than with a high-quality washing machine. ANSI/AHAM HLW-1-2007, Performance Evaluation Procedures for Household Clothes Washers, establishes a uniform procedure for evaluating household clothes washer performance and provides technical information allowing for the comparison and evaluation of different brands of washers. This American National Standard was developed by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer.
While the Westminster Kennel Club dog show comes around only once a year, voluntary standards are there day in and day out to support the health and safety of man's best friend.