Operacion Canil

A Code of Practice for Canadian
Kennel Operations
Second edition
May 2007

Canadian Veterinary Medical Association

First Edition: 1994
Second Edition: 2007

Acknowledgements
This is the second edition of this Code. It
has been modernized and updated to reflect
current expectations for the care of dogs.
The Canadian Veterinary Medical
Association (CVMA) expresses sincereappreciation to Dr. Janet Lalonde and Dr.
Harry Rowsell for their dedication and hard
work in preparing the first edition of this
Code of Practice (1994). Dr. Lalonde also
played a key role in the revisions that appear
in this second edition.
The CVMA is especially grateful to the
Canadian Federation of Humane Societies
for extensive participation in the revision
process that resulted in thissecond edition.

The CVMA also thanks the Canadian
Council on Animal Care, Agriculture and
Agri-Food Canada, the Pet Industry Joint
Advisory Council of Canada and the
Canadian Kennel Club for comments
provided during the review of the second
edition.
And finally, the CVMA thanks the
Canadian Federation of Humane
Societies, the Canadian Kennel Club, the
Canadian Council on Animal Care,Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and
Animal Alliance of Canada for their
participation in the original consultation
process and development of the first edition.

Contents
Preface

1

Introduction

2

Definitions

3

Acronyms

6

Sections:
SECTION I:

The Selection of a Dog

7

SECTION II:

Housing and Accommodation

10

SECTION III:

Food and Water

15SECTION IV: Care and Supervision

17

SECTION V:

Transportation

20

SECTION VI:

Euthanasia

22

SECTION VII: Education

23

SECTION VIII: Emergencies and Unforeseen Problems

24

APPENDIX A:

Minimal Space Requirements for a Dog

25

APPENDIX B:

Recommended Vaccination Schedule in a Breeding Kennel

26

APPENDIX C-1: CVMA Position Statement – Cosmetic Surgery27

APPENDIX C-2: CVMA Position Statement – Humane Training Methods for Dogs

28

APPENDIX C-3: CVMA Position Statement – Raw Food Diets for Pets

29

APPENDIX C-4: CVMA Position Statement – Euthanasia

31

APPENDIX D:

Organizations that Provided Input on the Care
and Humane Treatment of Dogs (First Edition)

33

Preface
Like the Codes of Practice developed byAgriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the
Canadian Federation of Humane Societies
(CFHS), the CVMA and those associated
with the livestock industry, this Code of
Practice for the care, management and
breeding of dogs is a voluntary one. It can
be used as an educational tool by dog
breeders, members of the general public
acquiring dogs, animal welfare groups, and
as a standard by those interested inthe
promotion of quality care, management, and
welfare practices.
Although there is no system to license
kennels in Canada, some provinces or
territories have laws or regulations covering
certain aspects of the care of dogs and cats
in breeding and boarding establishments.
Consult the relevant provincial/territorial
animal care or SPCA act.
The Canadian Council on Animal Care
(CCAC) isthe national organization
responsible for setting and maintaining
standards for the care and use of animals in
research, teaching and testing throughout
Canada. The CCAC guidelines provide
standards for animal facilities and ethical
requirements associated with the care,
management and use of animals, including
dogs. All

institutions in which dogs are used in
research, studies funded bygranting
councils, and federal and provincial
government laboratories must be holders of
a CCAC Certificate of Good Animal
Practice7 indicating compliance with CCAC
guidelines and policies, as assessed by the
CCAC Assessment Program.
The recommendations that are contained in
this Code of Practice for Canadian Kennel
Operations will not be comprehensive for all
circumstances. For...