National Companion Animal Coalition (NCAC)

Who We Are

The National Companion Animal Coalition (NCAC) was formed in 1996 to promote socially responsible pet ownership and enhance the health and well-being of companion animals. It is comprised of representatives from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada and the Canadian Kennel Club. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is an observer member and the group also draws upon key individuals involved in animal welfare and municipal animal control when needed. The current representatives include Louis McCann of PIJAC Canada, Miki Shibata and Shane Renwick from the CVMA, Barbara Cartwright of the CFHS, and Lance Novak from the CKC.

What We Do

The NCAC provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and to address issues of mutual interest with regard to companion animals. The coalition may develop standards or guidelines or undertake projects of mutual interest that impact companion animals, their well-being, or relationship with humans as agreed upon by the members of the coalition.

NCAC is involved in promoting dog bite awareness and worked diligently in an effort to prevent breed-specific ban legislation in Ontario and in some other provinces as a tool to protect the public from vicious or dangerous dogs. The Coalition was involved in the adoption of ISO- technology microchips as the Canadian standard for electronic identification of companion animals and the establishment of a compliance process for manufacturers/distributors of microchips and readers. The NCAC also developed a checklist to help potential owners avoid purchasing a dog from a puppy mill and a set of guidelines to help municipalities implement effective bylaws for controlling companion animals in their jurisdiction.

Definition of a Puppy Mill

Definition as Agreed by the National Companion Animal Coalition April 24, 2002

The term Puppy Mill generally refers to a high-volume, sub-standard dog breeding operation, which sells purebred or mixed breed dogs, directly or indirectly, to unsuspecting buyers. Some of the characteristics common to puppy mills are:

  • sub-standard health and/or environmental conditions;
  • sub-standard animal care, treatment and/or socialization;
  • sub-standard breeding practices which lead to genetic defects or hereditary disorders;
  • erroneous or falsified certificates of registration, pedigrees and/or genetic background

Note: These conditions may also exist in small volume or single-breed establishments.