The Kennel Club has announced a temporary halt on new applications to its Assured Breeders scheme as part of an ongoing review of its registrations model.
Driven by insights from breeders and supported by thorough research, the review aims to ensure that the Kennel Club’s registrations offering provides relevant and valued benefits to breeders. The goal is to celebrate and reward good breeding practices effectively.
During this review process, including an examination of best practices embedded within the Assured Breeders scheme, the Kennel Club will temporarily freeze new applications to the scheme. However, existing members will continue to receive the same level of support, benefits, and resources.
Flexible Assessment Approach
Existing Assured Breeders scheme members will now have access to a more flexible and support-based assessment approach. The Kennel Club will be discontinuing UKAS Accreditation for the scheme, allowing for a hybrid model of virtual assessments alongside some physical on-site assessments.
Bill Lambert, Health, Welfare and Breeder Services Executive at The Kennel Club, highlighted the importance of supporting all breeders based on insights and research. He emphasised the critical role Assured Breeders play in promoting good breeding practices.
Lambert added that while the finer details of the review are being worked out, including an analysis of the scheme’s offering, applications from new members will be temporarily paused. He also assured existing members of continued high-quality support and service.
Transitioning Away from UKAS
The decision to leave UKAS accreditation aims to make the assessment process more responsive and flexible. Lambert noted that while UKAS accreditation was valuable initially, it limited the level of help, advice, and support that could be provided to members during assessments.
Lambert also reiterated the Kennel Club’s commitment to upholding the highest standards within the Assured Breeders scheme and ensuring the health and welfare of dogs. He expressed gratitude to members for their continued support and commitment to responsible dog breeding.
