The Royal Kennel Club appoints Charlotte McNamara as Chief Canine Wellbeing and Engagement officer
London, 7th April: The Royal Kennel Club (RKC), the UK’s oldest and most respected dog organisation, has today announced the appointment of Charlotte McNamara as its new Chief Canine Wellbeing and Engagement Officer.
Charlotte brings more than a decade of experience within the organisation, alongside a lifelong involvement in the canine community. Since joining the Royal Kennel Club in 2012, she has played a pivotal role in strengthening relationships with breed communities and advancing collaborative approaches to canine health and responsible breeding.
During her tenure, Charlotte has been instrumental in delivering several of the organisation’s most significant health and welfare initiatives. These include the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme, developed in partnership with the University of Cambridge, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Heart Scheme, and the introduction of health entry requirements for Crufts 2025. Most recently, she has contributed to the development of the Royal Kennel Club’s Breeding for Health Framework, reinforcing the organisation’s leadership in canine welfare standards.
A respected figure within the dog world, Charlotte combines professional expertise with deep personal credibility. She has extensive experience as an owner, breeder and judge across a range of pedigree breeds, and is a recognised spokesperson for the Royal Kennel Club, with media appearances spanning national broadcast outlets. In taking on this new role, Charlotte has chosen to step back from judging and exhibiting so that she can focus fully on serving the interests of the RKC and our communities. She will continue to breed very occasionally to maintain her kennel name, Lynbank, which carries important family significance.
In her new role, Charlotte will lead the organisation’s strategic approach to canine wellbeing and engagement, activities, and governance, further strengthening its commitment to improving the health and welfare of dogs across the UK and internationally.
Charlotte McNamara, Chief Canine Wellbeing and Engagement Officer at the Royal Kennel Club said: "I am honoured to take on this role at such an important time for the Royal Kennel Club and the wider canine community. I look forward to building on the strong foundations already in place and continuing to work collaboratively to support the health of wellbeing of our dogs and our communities."
Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive at Royal Kennel Club said: "We would like to share our warmest congratulations to Charlotte on her new role. We are particularly pleased to make this appointment from within our organisation, reflecting the strength and depth of talent across the RKC, as well as our continued commitment to advancing canine health and welfare. She will help strengthen community and grassroots engagement as we continue to build an RKC for generations to come. Charlotte’s expertise, passion and clear strategic vision make her exceptionally well placed to lead this important area of our work."
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Notes to editors
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The Royal Kennel Club
The Royal Kennel Club (RKC) is the UK’s leading organisation dedicated to the health, wellbeing, and happiness of all dogs. Granted the royal prefix by His Majesty King Charles III in 2025, the RKC builds on over 150 years of heritage to champion responsible ownership and ensure every dog leads a healthy, fulfilling life.
As a profit-for-purpose organisation, the Royal Kennel Club reinvests in dog health, research, and education, extending its expertise beyond pedigree breeds to benefit every dog in the UK. It maintains the country’s largest registration database for both pedigree and crossbreed dogs, alongside Petlog, one of the UK’s biggest microchip reunification services, and runs the Royal Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training scheme, the nation’s most extensive dog training programme.
The RKC licenses and supports a wide range of dog activities and shows, including the world-famous Crufts, now evolving into a year-round community celebrating dogs and their owners. Through the Royal Kennel Club Charitable Trust, the organisation funds vital research into canine health and wellbeing, supports breed rescue organisations across the UK, and works with partners such as the British Veterinary Association to run national health screening schemes.
With a mission to promote responsible ownership and celebrate every dog, the Royal Kennel Club continues to evolve, combining heritage with innovation to create a healthier, happier future for dogs and the people who love them.