On Saturday 8 March, The Kennel Club health team hosted its annual seminar at Crufts for students studying veterinary medicine.
Over 120 vet students attended two expert-led lectures from Dr Alison Skipper (Veterinary and Research Advisor at The Kennel Club), exploring the critical role of a strong breeder-veterinarian relationship, and Dr Dan O’Neill (Senior Lecturer at the Royal Veterinary College and Chairman of the Brachycephalic Working Group) presenting on VetCompass and the importance of using veterinary evidence to evolve shared human beliefs about dog health and welfare.
Following feedback, this year’s event also offered students the opportunity to meet the Crufts vet team and The Kennel Club health team who answered questions on the organisation’s key health initiatives, including the newly launched Health Standard, screening schemes, online health tools, and Breed Health & Conservation Plans.
Following the event, Dr Alison Skipper commented: “Vets and breeders don't always see eye to eye, but it’s crucial for them to work together effectively if we are to make a positive difference for dogs, so I was delighted to discuss this with vet students at Crufts this year. We do need ethical breeders who understand and prioritise health and good husbandry, and their vets can play an important part in achieving this. A good relationship is not only helpful for the vet and the breeder; importantly, it also improves animal welfare.
“I was pleased to meet so many motivated and engaged vet students at the event this year and look forward to seeing them flourish in the profession, making a difference for dogs in the future.”
Some of the vet students also described the event as “a fantastic day”, “very interesting” and “thought-provoking”.
More information about what The Kennel Club does to improve dog health is available on our website.