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Children wear the trousers on dog ownership, survey finds
One in ten owners say they let their child choose a breed of dog

A quarter of dog owners bought their pet due to pressure from their children, according to a Kennel Club survey which found some worrying trends in the amount of control parents give their children when it comes to dog ownership.

The findings have led the organisation to voice concerns that hundreds of dogs could be bought on a whim in the run up to Christmas, as the survey also revealed one in ten people still buy dogs as presents.

One in ten owners who took part in the survey even admitted to letting their child pick which breed or crossbreed to buy, and the same amount do no research into the care needs of different breeds.

A further 40 per cent of people worryingly said they chose their puppy due to the breed's appearance, while only 17 per cent said their choice of dog was informed by whether it would suit their lifestyle.

According to the Kennel Club Breed Rescue organisations, 15 per cent of people who give up their dog say the reason is that the dog is the wrong breed for them or they are unable to cope.

“Children have a major influence on their parents’ decision to buy a dog in the first place, and then over which type of dog they buy," said Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club secretary.  

"In the lead up to Christmas we want families to be thinking carefully about whether a dog is right for them, and if so which breed would suit their lifestyle, rather than buying on a whim."

The Kennel Club has released a Discover Dogs homework pack, ahead of its Discover Dogs event next month, which encourages people to learn about the needs of 200 different breeds of dog.

These are intended to help children get the information they and their parents need on what type of dog to buy, where to buy it from and how to meet all of its needs throughout its lifetime.

The homework pack can be found on the Discover Dogs website.

http://www.discoverdogs.org.uk/buyingadog

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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

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News Shorts
CMA to host webinar exploring provisional decisions

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is to host a webinar for veterinary professionals to explain the details of its provisional decisions, released on 15 October 2025.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Officials will discuss the changes which those in practice may need to make if the provisional remedies go ahead. They will also share what happens next with the investigation.

The CMA will be answering questions from the main parties of the investigation, as well as other questions submitted ahead of the webinar.

Attendees can register here before Wednesday, 29 October at 11am. Questions must be submitted before 10am on 27 October.

A recording of the webinar will be accessible after the event.