Application
1.1. Complete the application form and sign the declaration/tick the box in the case of an online application.
1.2. Supply a brief written statement for publication, accurately outlining their experience and involvement in the breed(s) or type of dogs that they produce.
1.3. Undertake to give The Kennel Club opportunity to review compliance procedures and to investigate any anomalies or complaints by means of an assessment visit or other methods.
1.4. Renew their membership on or prior to expiry.
1.5. Not reapply to join the scheme for three years if their application is rejected.
1.6. Not use the Assured Breeders scheme or associated logos prior to receiving confirmation of acceptance onto the scheme.
Assured Breeders
2.1. Ensure all breeding stock and puppies are recorded or registered in the United Kingdom with a registration organisation recognised by The Kennel Club.
2.2. As a minimum, to have bred a litter in the last 10 years, or to be planning on breeding a litter in the near future and to own a bitch, or dog, of breeding age.
2.3. Bring to the attention of The Kennel Club anything which may affect their application or continuation on the scheme and not act in any manner that would bring the scheme into disrepute.
2.4. Commit to operate to high standards and duty of care and comply with all relevant local and national regulatory requirements, including, but not limited to, The Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1973, 1991 and 1999, The Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014, and the Animal Welfare Act 2006. These include provisions to address an animal’s:
2.5. Participate in any canine health survey or reasonable health initiative in their breed(s).
2.6. Keep, for a minimum of 10 years, a record of all dogs, matings and puppies up until the point of transfer.
2.7. Not use membership of the Assured Breeders scheme to promote the breeding of crossbreeds or mixed breeds.
2.8. Only sell, or advertise for sale, dogs bred by themselves.
2.9. Inform us in writing prior to the registration application, if a litter does not meet all of the current requirements or recommendations of the scheme. Also inform, in writing, each of the buyers or whoever takes ownership at the earliest opportunity and prior to any sale taking place. Requirements and recommendations are subject to change from time to time and it is the responsibility of the assured breeder to ensure that they comply with these.
2.10. Adhere to The Kennel Club's rules, such as are applicable as set out in The Kennel Club Year Book.
2.11. Ensure that he/she has a clear understanding of The Kennel Club's ethos and values associated with The Kennel Club Assured Breeders scheme objectives.
Facilities
3.1. Ensure that facilities where dogs are kept, including whelping facilities, are constructed to a reasonable standard, kept in a good state of repair and in accordance with good practice and health and safety requirements, including provisions for emergencies.
3.2. Provide a safe and secure environment for each dog which is spacious and in proportion to the number of dogs kept.
3.3. Provide clean and comfortable accommodation with adequate heat, light and ventilation, with particular regard for the animal’s health, age and breed or type.
3.4. Provide suitable and adequate diet. Dogs must be able to satisfy their thirst and normally have access to clean drinking water at all times.
3.5. Take reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and facilities must be available for the treatment of dogs in an emergency.
3.6. Ensure that all medications are used as per manufacturer’s instructions, are within their expiry date and have a current marketing authorisation for sale in the UK.
Dogs Kept
4.1. Ensure that all dogs used for breeding are selected for temperament characteristics suitable for their intended purpose.
4.2. Ensure that a veterinary health plan, as agreed with their veterinary surgeon, is in place. This must provide for the treatment of any signs of disease or illness, in a timely manner.
4.3. Ensure that all breeding stock is protected, as far as is reasonably possible, by routine immunisation against current common infectious diseases, unless advised otherwise by a veterinary surgeon. All dogs must be examined and treated for internal and external parasites on a routine basis.
4.4. Permanently identify breeding stock (owned or offered at stud) by microchip. This is checked automatically when litters are registered. Puppies must be permanently identified by microchip prior to sale or by 8 weeks, whichever is the sooner, unless otherwise advised in writing by a veterinary surgeon.
4.5. Adequately socialise and habituate puppies prior to sale.
4.6. Make reasonable efforts to ensure that dogs are adequately trained, are kept under control and do not cause unreasonable nuisance to neighbours or visitors to the property.
4.7. Ensure that all dogs kept have regular contact with other dogs and people and are provided with adequate exercise at suitable intervals.
4.8. Ensure that all dogs kept benefit from adequate routine grooming.
Breeding
5.1. Make health of breeding stock and puppies produced a particular priority.
5.2. Make use of scientifically validated health screening schemes relevant to their breed or type, on all breeding stock owned or offered at stud (many of these will be recognised by The Kennel Club). Assured breeders must carefully evaluate any test results as well as follow any breeding advice issued under each scheme, prior to breeding.
5.3. Ensure that the genealogical relationship between animals is a consideration when selecting breeding stock.
5.4. Specifically ensure that all breeding stock does not contravene The Kennel Club Rules (B22) and advice relating to the health and welfare of breeding bitches and puppies, which state:
5.5. Follow scheme rules for every litter bred.
5.6. When offering the use of a stud dog, draw up and retain a copy of any Contract of Stud Dog Service for each service performed.
Sale of Dogs and Puppies
6.1. Take all reasonable steps to ensure that the buyer is able to provide a suitable home and that they are committed to caring for the dog for the whole of its life.
6.2. Ensure that the puppy has been inspected by a veterinary surgeon prior to sale, and pass any record of veterinary treatment or examination to the new owner.
6.3. Not sell puppies before the age of 8 weeks old unless certified as being suitable for sale and re-homing by a veterinary surgeon and never before the age of 6 weeks.
6.4. Issue relevant information in a puppy sales wallet for each dog sold (puppy pack).
6.5. Provide a copy of a contract of sale in the puppy sales wallet for each puppy sold, and keep a copy of each contract issued.
6.6. Hand over a signed registration certificate at the time of sale, or forward it to the new owner as soon as possible.
6.7. Explain any endorsements or restrictions that might pertain.
6.8. Provide reasonable after-sales advice and endeavour to deal with any issues arising in good faith.
6.9. Inform buyers of the requirements and recommendations that apply to The Kennel Club Assured Breeders, as well as the existence of the complaints procedure.
6.10. Allow any buyer to be able to view the puppies with their mother, unless an exceptional and documented reason is provided.
6.11. Ensure that each puppy is accompanied by written details of any veterinary treatment carried out prior to sale, together with any health test results for the puppy, sire and dam, identification and immunisation certificates (where appropriate). All documentation must include each puppy’s identification number.
Lifetime Care
7.1. Commit to help, if necessary, with the re-homing of any dog that they provide within the scheme, throughout the dog’s lifetime, for whatever reason.
7.2. Euthanise dogs and puppies only for health or welfare reasons, and upon veterinary advice, where it is deemed that no reasonable alternative is available. Euthanasia must only be carried out under the direction of a Veterinary Surgeon.
7.3. Provide suitable care for the number of dogs in their ownership for the duration of their lifetime, including dogs no longer required for breeding purposes. Neutering of ex-breeding dogs must be considered. Sufficient carers and/or staff must be available to provide the levels of care outlined within this standard.
Melisandre Labradors
Little Horwood, Buckinghamshire