The Kennel Club campaigns

The Kennel Club runs a host of campaigns each year to try to make a difference for the life of dogs and to raise awareness of issues around dog health and welfare.

Brachycephalic breeds

Flat-faced or brachycephalic dogs, like French Bulldogs and Bulldogs, are increasingly popular pets. However some of these dogs, especially those who have been bred quickly and carelessly to fill demand, can face health problems that are linked to their body shape, including affecting their breathing, eyes and skin.

Learn more about the collaborative measures needed from the puppy buying public, breeders, vets, Government and The Kennel Club to protect and improve the health of current and future generations. 

For further information, click to read The Kennel Club's report: 'Play your Part: Breeding, buying and bringing up brachycephalic dogs better'.

Dog running in the sea

Access for owners and dogs

As the keeper of one of the largest Public Spaces Protection Order databases in the country, we monitor and respond to proposals that seek to restrict access for dogs.

Access for owners and dogs

Animal cruelty

Animal cruelty is an abhorrent offence which subjects animals to unnecessary pain and suffering. We support every effort to stamp out cruelty in order to defend dog welfare and protect dogs across the world.

Animal cruelty
Happy dog in a field of flowers

A Voice For Dogs Manifesto

The manifesto calls upon the incoming Governments to urgently address the key issues facing dogs. The manifesto contains considered and practical solutions to concerns.

A Voice For Dogs Manifesto
Beagle sat in cage

Animal testing

Learn what brachycephalic and BOAS mean and read more about the valuable work we are doing to help improve the health of these increasingly popular breeds.

Animal testing

#BePuppywise

If you're thinking of buying a new puppy you need to #Bepuppywise and choose the right puppy and breeder, and ensure you provide all the care that a new puppy needs.

BePuppywise
Puppies asleep

Breeding regulations

We engage with policymakers to advocate for better enforcement of breeding regulations, and for measures which enable puppy buyers to identify responsible breeders.

Dog breeding regulations
Italian Greyhound being held by a lake

Brexit

New pet travel rules mean that travelling between Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the EU with your dog now looks a little different. Find out how you will be affected and what action we are taking.

Brexit

Cattle safety

As cattle are increasingly grazed on public land, it is becoming more difficult for dog owners to avoid conflict with cattle which could result in death or injury when walking in the countryside.

Cattle Safety
Dog in front of a Christmas tree

Christmas

We have devised a range of festive resources to get you through December to ensure you and your dog stay happy; from teaching your dog something new, to keeping the kids busy.

Christmas
Labrador sat on vet table

Compulsory microchipping

Keeping your details up to date on microchipping databases is a legal requirement and helps to reunite lost pets with their owners.

Compulsory microchipping
Dog having its microchip scanned

Compulsory scanning

Compulsory scanning has become an increasingly prominent animal welfare issue, with many raising their concerns about when pets should have their microchips scanned.

Compulsory scanning

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

During this period of uncertainty for us all, The Kennel Club is here for you and your dog. Find useful information to keep your dog safe during the pandemic.

Coronavirus

Cost of living

Dog owners across the UK are being affected by the cost of living crisis. Find some useful resources that could help you.

Cost of living
A dog sitting on a bed looking at the camera

Dangerous dogs

Breed-specific legislation ignores the role that anti-social behaviour by irresponsible dog owners plays in biting incidents.

Dangerous dogs - deed not breed

Dog meat trade

We are opposed to the sale and consumption of dog meat, and believe that the trade must be outlawed to protect animal welfare.

Dog meat trade
Dog looking upwards

Dog theft

Over 2,000 dogs are stolen each year across the UK. With less than 5% of cases resulting in conviction, we believe penalties need to be harsher.

Dog thefts
Border Collie sat in car

Dogs die in hot cars

You should never leave your dog in a parked car on a warm day. Cars can heat up rapidly and cause dogs to become dehydrated, develop heatstroke or die.

Dogs die in hot cars
German Shepherd Dog sitting indoors by a fireplace

Dogs in rented accommodation

No-pet clauses on tenancy agreements unnecessarily punish responsible pet owners in rented accommodation.

Dogs in rented accommodation

Dog walking and wildlife

Dog walkers account for half of all visits to the UK’s outdoors, with many passionate about walking their pets in a safe and responsible way.

Dog walking and wildlife

Ear cropping

Ear cropping is a barbaric practice that involves cutting puppies’ ears at a very young age to change their appearance, often by simply cutting pieces of the ears off. Find out more about ear cropping and our view.

Ear cropping
Labrador sat in leaves

Electric shock collars

Electric shock collars are cruel training devices that cause unnecessary pain and suffering to dogs. We support a total ban on their use and sale. Find out more about legislation and our views on the issue.

Electric shock collars
Dog in field of sheep

Livestock worrying

Livestock worrying occurs when a dog chases or attacks livestock. Find out how you can help to reduce this concerning animal welfare issue and ensure you're being a responsible owner.

Livestock worrying

National Microchipping Month

National Microchipping Month takes place in June. Run by us and Petlog it raises awareness of the importance of keeping your details correct and up to date. Read more about the importance of microchipping.

National Microchipping Month

Open for dogs

We have launched our 'Open for Dogs' campaign, which encourages businesses, workplaces and other public places to welcome our dogs. Read all of our advice and helpful information top tips to ease your four-legged friend back into establishments.

Open for Dogs

Paw-by-paw

To help you head out and about with your dog, we've brought together the key information to help you enjoy the great outdoors with your four-legged friend, whether it's in the countryside, along the beach or in public parks.

Being out with your dog
Spaniel running

Puppy imports

Importing puppies raises concerns about animal welfare and exploitation, including transporting conditions, puppy farming and smuggling.

Puppy imports
Group of people watching fireworks

Regulation of fireworks

With around 40% of the UK's dogs being scared of, or have anxieties related to fireworks, owners often need to plan ahead to keep their dog calm ahead of Bonfire Night.

Regulation of fireworks
Mother and puppies

Third party sales

Commercial third party sales (such as pet shops or puppy dealers) are banned across Great Britain. After years of campaigning, we are incredibly pleased to welcome this progress.

Third-party sales

Walking on MOD land

We're supporting the MOD’s #RespectTheRange campaign to help educate dog owners about how they can safely access land where our armed forces are practicing live-fire training.

Walking on MOD land

Why does my dog?

If you've ever wondered why your dog does certain things, then we’ve found the answers to some of the most frequently searched for questions on ‘why does my dog?’.

Why does my dog
Brown spaniel laying on blanket chewing its toy.

Why does my puppy?

Have you ever found yourself wondering, "Why does my puppy do that?" Understanding these behaviours can help you navigate the delightful and sometimes puzzling world of puppy.

Why does my puppy
Dogs feet shown on tarmac

XL Bully Guidance

Stay informed about the guidelines for XL Bully owners. Regularly check the Government official webpages for the latest updates on this legislation.

XL Bully Guidance