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.
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

Rebrand marks fresh chapter for Royal Kennel Club
The RKC is expanding its focus from pedigree dogs to all dogs across the UK.

New dog census will guide research and support new initiatives.

The UK’s largest organisation devoted to dog health and welfare has today (25 November) relaunched as The Royal Kennel Club (RKC).

The rebrand follows the honour of being granted the Royal prefix by His Majesty The King in 2023, and will be marked with a special “21-dog salute” outside Windsor Castle.

In a significant shift, the RKC is expanding its focus from pedigree dogs to all dogs across the UK. Central to this is the launch of the UK’s largest-ever Dog Census, a landmark project designed to shape the future of dog health and ownership. 

The Census will collect invaluable data on dog health, behaviour, lifestyle, and wellbeing, guiding scientific research and supporting new initiatives. 

Alongside the Census, the RKC has announced a new, digital platform to support dog owners through a range of products and services, set to launch in February 2026.

Jannine Edgar, CEO of The Royal Kennel Club, says: “This is a landmark moment for dogs in the UK. Becoming The Royal Kennel Club is not just an honour, it’s a responsibility to uphold standards not just of dogs but for dogs. 

“We are opening our doors wider than ever before, inviting every dog owner to be part of a movement that puts canine health, happiness, and inclusion at its heart. The Dog Census, the evolution of Crufts, and our expanded health programmes are just the beginning. Every dog matters, and together, we can shape a better future for them all.”

She added: “The granting of the Royal prefix, and the 21-dog salute tribute, reflects the deep and enduring bond between dogs and people, including generations of Royalty; a relationship The Kennel Club has proudly championed for 150 years and is excited to continue for generations of dogs to come.”

Image (C) Shutterstock/Daria Shvetcova. 

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

VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk