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BVA urges puppy buyers to ask about health
Irresponsible breeding is a major concern among veterinary professionals, according to the Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey.
The association has set out five key questions.

To help tackle the problem of health problems caused by irresponsible breeding, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is encouraging anyone thinking about buying a puppy to ask five key questions.

Prospective owners are encouraged to ask the breeder or seller:
  • Did you breed the puppies yourself? Legally, a breeder can only sell puppies they have bred themselves from the location where they were bred and reared.
  • Have you started to house train and socialise the puppy? Seeing the puppies with their mother and siblings can help a buyer spot any potential behavioural problems.
  • Were both the puppy’s parents screened for testable inherited diseases? Buyers should ask to see health screening certificates and consult a veterinary professional about the results.
  • Will the puppy be microchipped and given their first vaccinations before homing? Dogs must be microcripped by the time they are eight weeks old and the breeder should supply the buyer with the paperwork.
  • Has the puppy or its parents had any health problems? The buyer should be told about anything spotted by a veterinary surgeon.

For further guidance for both buyers and breeders, the BVA recommends consulting The Puppy Contract, which was developed by the RSPCA and the BVA’s Animal Welfare Foundation.

The most recent BVA Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey found that irresponsible breeding or sourcing of animals is the biggest animal health and welfare concern among UK veterinary surgeons, with 55 per cent of veterinay surgeons in clinical practice describing it as the most pressing issue.

Elizabeth Mullineaux, BVA junior vice-president, said: “While there are lots of responsible breeders, there are many unscrupulous individuals cashing in and not prioritising the welfare of the animals above making money.

“Sadly, vets frequently see puppies that have been bred in poor conditions or bought without a proper understanding of their welfare needs, leading to health or behavioural issues. That is why anyone looking to get a dog should find out how the puppies have been reared and cared for in the first few weeks of their lives.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.