In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Kennel Club and its charities will help support canine organisations and rescues which have been affected

The Kennel Club, The Kennel Club Charitable Trust and The Kennel Club Educational Trust have today (24 March) announced the creation of an emergency relief fund to support dog rescue centres and other canine organisations affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

In response to the emerging situation, the Kennel Club Charitable Trust has announced that it will help support those in the community which require emergency funds in order to prevent the unnecessary suffering of dogs, such as providing additional support for rescue centres. The Trust, which was established in 1987, has distributed grants totalling over £11 million to a wide variety of causes supporting its charitable purposes across canine health, support dogs, welfare and rescue.  

In parallel, the Kennel Club Educational Trust will be setting up an emergency fund to support training clubs affected by the negative consequences for dogs, due to Covid-19. Meanwhile, the Kennel Club is currently exploring funding and support arrangements for clubs and canine societies worst hit by the outbreak of the virus, particularly those societies affected by cancellations.

“The coronavirus pandemic is devastating for so many communities, including all those involved in dogs,” said Reverend Bill King, Chairman of the Kennel Club Charitable Trust. “Many of those affected run small but incredibly vital and dedicated organisations, clubs and rescues which make a huge difference for dogs, and now urgently need support to be able to survive these unprecedented times.

“We are only as strong as our community and the Kennel Club and its related charities are fortunate to be able to help those hardest hit through this challenging time.”

Details of the funds and how to apply will be announced shortly by the Kennel Club and its charities.

The Kennel Club has dedicated information pages and further information on how to care for dogs during the coronavirus outbreak available via the homepage on its website: www.thekennelclub.org.uk

Clubs and societies are advised by the Kennel Club that, in order to assist in dealing with correspondence efficiently, it should preferably be sent to the Kennel Club by email rather than by post during the current COVID-19 outbreak.

Correspondence posted to the Kennel Club may result in a delayed response as the offices are currently closed, with staff working remotely.

In view of societies having their Annual General Meeting delayed, the Kennel Club will allow the late submission of annual returns depending on when meetings are able to be held.

With regard to the above matters, the Kennel Club will allow sufficient leeway and no penalties will be incurred as long as there is a realistic and reasonable approach all round.

For clubs and societies which use the Kennel Club’s scrutineering service and which have ballots currently running, the provision of results cannot be guaranteed until the situation surrounding the outbreak becomes more stable.

Any clubs and societies which have booked this service for ballots which have yet to begin should put these on hold for the time being or an alternative scrutineering method should be used in urgent cases, as the Kennel Club cannot guarantee the service at present.

For any queries relating to annual returns and show licensing, including cancellation and postponement, please email sass@thekennelclub.org.uk.

Societies submitting correspondence relating to judges, including nominations and questionnaires for Challenge Certificate judges should, wherever possible, submit these via email to breedshows@thekennelclub.org.uk or for activity disciplines to wda@thekennelclub.org.uk.

If this is not possible, these nominations will be dealt with once the Kennel Club offices are open for business as usual. Leeway will be granted if submissions are within the required 12-month period.

The Kennel Club thanks all clubs and societies for their patience and understanding during these difficult times.

Kennel Club customers are advised that members of staff will transition to working from home during the course of this week as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. By the close of business on Friday, the Clarges Street offices will be closed. Soon after this, the Aylesbury site will also close, once the Kennel Club is confident that calls and business processing will not be compromised.

The Kennel Club will endeavour to keep its services running as smoothly as possible in these times, with Aylesbury staff working between 10am and 4pm. Please note that during this closure period, there may be delays to respond to postal correspondence, therefore we would ask our customers to use email to contact staff where possible.

The Kennel Club will be making further announcements as the situation develops and will continue to update its website with current information as appropriate. Please note that Kennel Club goods and services are also still available direct from this website. Please visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk.