The Kennel Club is taking steps towards sustainability by exploring digital transformation opportunities. Two areas which have been primarily identified whereby digital certificates could replace hard copies are award and export certificates where not only would the transition reduce paper usage, but also enhance efficiency and convenience for Kennel Club customers.
Traditionally, The Kennel Club has sent award certificates in paper format to exhibitors and competitors post event, this format will still be available for those that prefer on request, but from shows taking place after 1 January 2025 and field trials events taking place after 2 February 2025, exhibitors will be sent a digital copy of their award which they can either download and print or keep on file.
Export certificates will also be sent digitally from the 6 January 2025 which will streamline the process making it much more convenient for both breeder and new puppy owner as there will no longer be a wait for the physical documents to arrive. Subject to meeting all requirements customers could have the certificate in their inbox quicker, allowing for overseas Kennel Club registration.
The ’green and white’ challenge certificates that exhibitors receive at shows when winning the award will still be provided by The Kennel Club in the usual format at the event. However, going forward the certificates that have traditionally followed for awards such as; Stud Book numbers, Junior Warrants, Show Certificates of Excellence, Veteran Warrants, Open Show awards and agility certificates will from shows taking place after 1 January be sent digitally and for field trials taking place after 2 February. Customers are reminded that we are now at September on awards certificates, those shows for the rest of 2024 will be delivered in a physical copy, so it will be a few months before digital copies arrive in inboxes.
Said Eugene Henney, Membership Services and Property Executive; “With nearly 30,000 award certificates printed and posted annually and 2000 export certificates, this initiative will significantly reduce paper consumption and the associated environmental impact. Additionally, it will enhance our service, allowing customers to receive their documentation more efficiently and of course also eliminating any potential postal delays.
“Like many businesses, The Kennel Club recognises the need to become more sustainable and is actively exploring ways to achieve this in the coming years. In the first instance we hope that by going digital with our awards and export certificates this will contribute to our sustainability goals. While we are committed to reducing our environmental impact, we want to reassure exhibitors that we still offer the option to print hard copies of certificates for those that would prefer them in this format.”
For those who would still prefer printed physical certificates, they will be able to be ordered from The Kennel Club shop.