National qualification for dog wardens
The Kennel Club and the National Dog Warden Association (NDWA) have joined forces and launched 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 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.
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.”
For more information, please meal Aby Wojcik at the Kennel Club, or Iris Thompson, Training and Events Coordinator at the National Dog Warden Association.
Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.
