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Assistance dog trainers receive recognition
Jay Elcock with assistance dog, Echo

National first for assistance dog trainers who receive Kennel Club qualification

Two assistance dog trainers have recently become the first in the UK to achieve a Kennel Club teaching qualification recognising their work.


Jay Elcock, aged 31, and Helen Harpur, aged 32, successfully completed the qualification offered by the Kennel Club accreditation scheme for instructors in Dog Training and Canine behaviour (KCAI).


The assessment involved being observed handling and training an assistance dog, and working with two clients alongside their dogs. The clients were assisted where necessary, and supported to ensure that they progressed and gained confidence.


For Helen, this is not the first time her achievements have been recognised by the Kennel Club. At the age of 30, she was also the youngest person to achieve KCAI accreditation for companion dogs in 2012.


She has worked as an independent dog trainer and behaviourist for 14 years, and currently works as an instructor for Dogs for the Disabled.


Helen said: “It was a great goal to work towards and it's fantastic to be one of the first. I just hope that others out there in the industry decide to gain an accreditation in assistance dogs as it is a great scheme and it is very rewarding when an external body recognises your achievement.”


Jay works as a senior dog trainer at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, and is now a training team leader at the charity's head office in Buckinghamshire. The charity has worked closely with the Kennel Club to develop the assistance dogs accreditation module.


Jay commented: “I think it is fantastic to have an industry-led accreditation for all the hard work and dedication that working in this field requires.”


Click here for more information on the KCAI.

Image courtesy of the Kennel Club

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.