Request for proposals: development of a CKC breeder certification program

The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) invites proposals from CKC members with the expertise to support the development a voluntary CKC Breeder Certification Program. For over 125 years, the Canadian Kennel Club has recognized breeders for their dedication to the advancement of the health, wellbeing and integrity of purebred dogs. To recognize and promote this dedication within its ranks and to the general public, the CKC is developing a voluntary program that will support breeders in their continuing education and their application of the highest standards in puppy rearing and kennel management.

Extensive stakeholder consultation in 2017-2018 identified the importance of such a program in elevating breeding practices through education and compliance, improving the health of dogs, providing confidence to the general public when selecting a breeder, and in further establishing CKC as a proactive organization with high standards for its members. CKC member breeders with a variety of kennel set-ups (including in-home), members of the general public and members of the veterinary community participated in public consultation. These consultations identified a significant and positive association with the development of a Breeder Certification Program for all three participating groups.
 

Benefits of the voluntary program will include bringing public recognition to breeders and recognizing them as responsible by meeting best practice standards. It will also provide breeders with industry acknowledgement as ethical, knowledgeable and competent in the art and science of canine breeding.  Additionally, the program will give CKC and member breeders leverage in discussions with governments when they contemplate drafting or revising legislation.
 

The program will consist of breeders working toward certification by completing a series of components including e-learning modules on specified topics, breeder education segments, site visits and other elements that will be determined during early program development. Subject matter experts, including CKC members with particular areas of expertise, as well as external experts will be consulted during the development of each component of the program.