The Kennel Club is delighted to announce the addition of Dr Alison Skipper PhD MRCVS to its health team, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the organisation. Alison's background as a veterinary surgeon and researcher, her work within the dog breeding community, and her long-standing involvement with the Crufts vet team make her a valuable asset to The Kennel Club’s work in canine health.

In 2025, The Kennel Club will be completing a review of its Breed Health and Conservation Plans, which have been instrumental in better understanding health priorities for each breed since their introduction in 2016. This review will involve collaboration with Breed Health Coordinators and broader breed communities. Alison is joining the team for this project and will play a central role in this review, working alongside other team members and external experts to submit recommendations to the newly formed Health Advisory Group in late 2025.

Charlotte McNamara, Head of Health and Breeder Development at The Kennel Club, commented: "We are really pleased that Alison is joining us to grow the expertise we have available to us in-house at The Kennel Club. Alison brings with her a wealth of experience including her extensive work as a veterinary surgeon after many years in practice, as well as working to promote pedigree dog health and on the Crufts vet team for many years.

“Our commitment to protecting the future of pedigree dogs remains steadfast. The Breed Health and Conservation Plans, along with the newly announced Population Analysis and Health Standard, will be brought together to support this goal. Alison will be working closely with the team and internal and external stakeholders to contribute to the continued evolution of our tools and services available to our customers.

“Having recently completed a two-year research project at the Royal Veterinary College, which investigated past funding and future priorities for canine health and welfare research, Alison also brings with her knowledge and experience of research within the canine health sector. She also has a vast amount of experience working on breed-specific projects, which closely aligns to The Kennel Club strategic objective to address breed-associated health issues."

Dr Alison Skipper said: “I am delighted to join The Kennel Club for this valuable project. The review of the Breed Health and Conservation Plans is a significant initiative, and I look forward to collaborating with the team and external experts to advance the health and welfare of pedigree dogs.

“These plans provide an evidence-based and comprehensive overview of the health concerns for each breed. I am very pleased to be part of this important collaborative effort, which will support dedicated breeders and communities in making a meaningful impact on breed-associated health issues.”

Further information about health work at The Kennel Club is available at thekennelclub.org.uk/health.
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