UK’s first national qualification for dog wardens is launched.
In a historic collaboration, the Kennel Club and the National Dog Warden Association (NDWA) today announced the launch of the UK’s first qualification for dog wardens, recognised by City & Guilds, which will set a national standard for those who enforce responsible dog ownership legislation.
The qualification, created in collaboration with the NDWA, is made available through the Kennel Club Accreditation Scheme for Instructors in Dog Training and Canine Behaviour (KCAI). The KCAI offers, for the first time in the UK, a nationally recognised and externally validated qualification, which demonstrates the broad level of knowledge, experience and expertise required of all those involved in the demanding position of offering dog warden services.
Dog wardens are responsible for dealing with the part of the Environment Protection Act 1990 concerning stray dogs, and for educating the public about their responsibilities as dog owners under the Animal Welfare Act, for example picking up dog foul and keeping dogs under control.
Sue Bell, President of the National Dog Warden Association, said: “Dog wardens are at the sharp end of dealing with the reality of dog ownership in this country. We are often in the position of having to advise dog owners on how to tackle problem behaviours with their dogs, such as frequent straying or antisocial behaviour. We are delighted to be working with the Kennel Club to create a qualification which sets the national standard required of dog wardens, to undertake their role in the most professional manner, and which recognises the broad range of knowledge and skills necessary that many dog wardens possess.”
KCAI Chairman, Paul Rawlings, added: “We are extremely pleased that NDWA chose to work with the KCAI in establishing this important quality benchmark for dog wardens. Their considerable expertise and knowledge has ensured the module is of the highest calibre. We now hope that all dog wardens will join the KCAI to benefit from the qualification it offers.”
The KCAI is the UK’s national ‘gold standard’ in dog training and canine services and is backed by City & Guilds, the UK’s biggest name in vocational training. Those accredited with the scheme receive the City & Guilds approved National Quality Award for Instructors in Dog Training and Canine Behaviour.
To find out more about the KCAI and the new Dog Warden module, please contact Aby Wojcik, KCAI Specialist at the Kennel Club on 0844 463 3980 ext 305 or aby.wojcik@thekennelclub.org.uk, or Iris Thompson, Training and Events Coordinator at the National Dog Warden Association at ithompson@ndwa.co.uk.
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Dear K9 Team,
Please note our forthcoming book, Dogs of Law, which might be of interest to your members and staff.
Thank you.
Best wishes,
Wendy