BVA launches puppy contract and information pack

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has announced the launch of a new puppy contract and information pack to help improve standards of welfare for domestic dogs.

Created by the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation and the RSPCA, the contract has been designed as a new industry standard that will guarantee to buyers that their new dogs have been well cared-for by breeders.

Meanwhile, the information pack will include guidance on how best to keep puppies happy, fit and well-integrated into their new social environment.

This will ensure puppies are healthy and properly vaccinated at the point of sale, thus helping to clamp down on rogue breeders, while also giving owners a way to verify that they understand their new pet's needs.

Tiffany Hemming, chair of trustees for the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation, said: "The puppy contract and information pack will give potential puppy buyers the tools to select the right pet for them and give them the best start."

Last month, the BVA welcomed efforts by the organisers of the prestigious dog show Crufts to implement more rigorous health checks on competing animals.