Media contact:
Misti Preston
Phone: (573) 751-8596
Misti.Preston@mda.mo.gov

For Immediate Release: August 30, 2007

Blue Ribbon Kennels Receive Veterinary Continuing Education

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – During the Canine Care Workshop series held over the past two weeks in Kirksville and Springfield, Blue Ribbon Kennel owners received educational opportunities designed to provide veterinarians with continued education in enhancing the health and well-being of pets.  Missouri’s Blue Ribbon Kennel program is a one-of-a-kind program that helps provide healthy pets to families.

“The workshop was a great opportunity for Blue Ribbon Kennels across the state to take part in an event with opportunities to learn more about their industry, get the education credits that we require of them and receive the same type of education that veterinarians across Missouri are receiving,“ said Katie Smith, director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture.  “The quality of the Canine Care Workshop met the requirements for 6 veterinarian continued education credits.”

The 2007 Canine Care Workshop held Aug. 18 and Aug. 25 offered presentations on pest control for kennels, waste disposal for kennels, socialization & enrichment for pups & adults, basic canine nutrition and other current topics.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture currently has ten Blue Ribbon Kennels required to exhibit excellent kennel management practices, demonstrate a commitment to the pet breeding industry through participation in continuing education opportunities and have been certified by the department’s Animal Care Facilities Act (ACFA). 

“It is very important that our kennels stay educated and committed to keeping higher standards,” said Smith.  “Missouri is the first state in the U.S. to provide a program like the Blue Ribbon Kennel program and we know the kennels in our program will continue to provide healthy pets to families across the state and U.S.” 

For more information regarding the Canine Care Workshop, contact Dr. Jerry Eber, program manager for ACFA at (573) 751-3076.  To learn more about Missouri’s Blue Ribbon Kennels, visit http://www.mda.mo.gov/brk/index.htm.

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