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Assured puppy breeder scheme launched in Scotland
Prospective owners should do their research to ensure they are buying a healthy, happy puppy
Health test discount incentive for participants

Health testing and screening – for example, the BVA/Kennel Club Canine Health Schemes (CHS) – allow breeders to screen for inherited diseases, and the results can then be used to help ensure that only healthy dogs are used for breeding.

The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) has launched its Assured Puppy Breeder Scheme and breeders in Scotland who engage with the scheme can benefit from a discount on pre-breeding health checks from the Canine Health Schemes (CHS). To support breeders who sign up to the scheme, the CHS will be offering a 15 per cent discount on hip and elbow submissions when they are made through its portal.
 
All dogs – whether pedigree or crossbred – can suffer from inherited diseases that are passed on from parent to puppy. The new scheme requires breeders to undertake appropriate pre-breeding health checks to screen for a range of these inherited diseases.

Dr Jerry Davies, who oversees the Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Schemes, said: “Vets frequently see puppies bred in poor conditions or bought without a proper understanding of their welfare needs, leading to health or behavioural issues, so it is important to always consider how the puppies have been bred, reared and cared for in their first few weeks.

“We encourage all prospective puppy owners in Scotland to do their research before making a purchase to ensure that they are buying a healthy and happy puppy. We welcome the emphasis the SSPCA scheme places on pre-breeding health checks and are pleased the CHS can support responsible breeders by offering this incentive.”

Scottish SPCA Inspectors will be looking for evidence of screening tests that have been carried out as part of the inspection process.

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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. 

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News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."