Breeding and Selling of Companion Animals 31 reduced canine leucocyte adhesion deficiency through screening and selective breeding) but may be less effective for more complex genetic predisposition (for example, hip dysplasia) Ideally good practice should be enforced— through, for example, conditional registration on pedigree lists At the very least, breeders should (be required to) inform purchasers of any significant potential genetic problems Consumers Many efforts to improve breeding practices will require consumer action One approach is to reduce the puppy trade altogether by encouraging rehoming Rehoming organisations usually provide information to owners about that animal’s needs, make reasonable checks that they will be able to care for the animals throughout their lives and take care in matching adopters with the right animals However, rescue organisations usually have limited numbers of puppies and (except breed-specific organisations) may not have the breeds the consumers initially want In addition, the checks done by rehoming organisations can make this a relatively long process and can span several weeks, which may be beyond the patience of some purchasers While this helps prevent impulsive ‘purchasing’, some consumers are likely to choose the convenience of buying a puppy from a breeder or vendor Consumer decisions may be improved by accreditation schemes or through better consumer information As examples, the UK Kennel Club runs an approved breeder scheme and the BVA AWF and RSPCA have created a ‘puppy contract’ by which purchasers can request, and breeders provide, information At time of writing, this has been endorsed by a team of animal welfare charities, but the UK’s Kennel Club have not yet agreed to endorse it The Kennel Club Assured Breeder scheme also has limitations in the level of standards and lack of checks to ensure compliance—both of which can be remedied There needs to be a robust and evidence-based assurance scheme which protects the health and welfare of the dog and potential owners Furthermore, potential owners require relevant advice on buying and owning puppies, for example, the RSPCA’s Get Puppy Smart guidance, the Dogs Trust’s ‘think before you click’ campaign and websites describing inherited disorders for different breeds.1 These effectively allow consumers to For example, upei.ca/cidd; vetsci.usyd.edu.au/lida; vet.cam.ac.uk.idid; and ufaw.co.uk