CVMA releases new edition of Kennel Code

Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Releases New Edition of its Kennel Code

OTTAWA, Ont. – The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) released its newest edition of A Code of Practice for Canadian Kennel Operations during the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies convention this weekend in Calgary, Alta.

Seven years in the making, the over 80-page document incorporates new scientific evidence in many aspects of dog breeding and kennel management, including behaviour and social needs, housing, medicine and nutrition. The latest Kennel Code applies to various environments in which dogs are kept for breeding purposes, ranging from a private home to a large facility.

“Our hope is that this comprehensive document will be used by breeders, kennel operators, and people looking to purchase a dog from a breeding facility,” says Dr. Troye McPherson, CVMA President. “We want legislative bodies to incorporate into law a reference that will address the breeding and keeping of dogs, and we want veterinarians to use this resource to assist their clients who are dog breeders, kennel operators or prospective owners.”

The current Kennel Code is available in English only, but a French version will be released later in the year.

The new Kennel Code covers the following topics: animal environment, food and water, animal well-being, husbandry including breeding practices, transport, and end of life considerations. It also has specific considerations for working dogs and aging dogs.

CVMA wishes to thank the many volunteer veterinarians and others working in the area of animal health and welfare who took part in the development of the new Kennel Code. Special thanks to the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the stakeholders who reviewed the Code. The latter included individuals and organizations involved with dog care, husbandry, and breeding, provincial veterinary governing bodies, provincial animal welfare law enforcement agencies, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, the Canadian Kennel Club, and the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council.

To download a copy of the new Kennel Code, visit the Practice Tools section under the Practice & Economics tab on the CVMA website.

Read full Backgrounder: Canadian Veterinary Medical Association New Kennel Code

Contact:

Tanya Frye
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
613-236-1162 ext. 128
communications@cvma-acmv.org