Health testing discount for Scottish dog breeders who support new puppy scheme

The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) is launching its Assured Puppy Breeder Scheme today and breeders in Scotland who engage with the scheme can benefit from a discount on pre-breeding health checks from the Canine Health Schemes (CHS).

As part of its emphasis on responsible breeding the new scheme requires breeders to undertake appropriate pre-breeding health checks to screen for a range of inherited diseases. All dogs, whether pedigree or crossbred, can suffer from inherited diseases which are passed on from parent to puppy. 

Health testing and screening, such as the BVA/Kennel Club CHS, allow breeders to screen for inherited diseases, and the results can then be used to help ensure that only healthy dogs are bred from. To support breeders who sign up to the scheme CHS will be offering all SSPCA Assured Puppy Breeders a 15% discount on hip and elbow submissions when the submissions are made through the portal.

Chief Scrutineer, Dr Jerry Davies, who oversees the Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Schemes, said: “Vets frequently see puppies bred in poor conditions or bought without a proper understanding of their welfare needs, leading to health or behavioural issues, so it is important to always consider how the puppies have been bred, reared and cared for in their first few weeks. We encourage all prospective puppy owners in Scotland to do their research before making a purchase to ensure that they are buying a healthy and happy puppy. We welcome the emphasis the SSPCA Assured Breeder Scheme places on pre-breeding health checks and are pleased CHS can support responsible breeders by offering this discount.”

Scottish SPCA Inspectors will be looking for evidence of screening tests that have been carried out as part of the inspection process.