Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 6th January 2014
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

All assured dog breeders to be inspected
Image golden retriever puppy
Drive to improve scheme means fees set to rise

Starting from January 2014, all dog breeders that are part of the Kennel Club's Assured Breeder scheme will be inspected, in a drive to improve quality.

Breeders who pass an assessment visit from January 1, 2014 will receive UKAS accredited certification from the Kennel Club. This will be backdated for those breeders who passed an inspection in 2013.

Going forward, all new members of the scheme will have to pass an assessment in order to be accepted as an assured breeder. Members will thereafter be inspected every three years, or before each litter they breed.

Prior to this, inspections were usually only carried out on scheme members who bred more than two litters in a year. Additionally, assessments were conducted randomly and in response to complaints, which the Kennel Club says will continue in future.

As a result of the increased number of inspections that will be taking place, the Kennel Club has announced fees will be increasing for the first time in the scheme's 10-year history.

On January 1, 2014, the application fee for new joiners rose from £15 to £20, and the yearly membership fee tripled to £30. This annual fee is set to continue rising over the next two years, costing £45 from January 2015 and £60 from January 2016.

Alternatively, members have the option of paying a nominal associate membership fee of £12 per year, as well as a separate inspection fee of £167, which provides UKAS certification for three years.

According to the organisation, the cost of the scheme per member is £200 over a three-year period, with fees helping to support its commitment to improving dog health and welfare.

In order to absorb the rise in fees, the Kennel Club says it will provide members with a comprehensive package of discounts, offering £300 worth of annual savings on health screening schemes, pet healthcare products and DNA testing.

According to the organisation, the more rigorous inspection process has been introduced in response to feedback from the majority of assured breeders, after a survey in summer 2013 revealed members of the scheme wanted additional inspections.

Kennel Club chairman Steve Dean, said: “The Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme is unique and those who are part of it are leading a quiet revolution in the way puppies are bred and sold."

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.