Update on the WSAVA Reproduction Control Consensus Paper
In March 2025, WSAVA published an erratum to the WSAVA Guidelines for the Control of Reproduction in Dogs and Cats, recognising the need for greater context and guidance around the feedback received regarding Chapter 6. As part of that update, WSAVA committed to bringing together a broad range of expertise and perspectives to develop expanded, multidisciplinary evidence-informed guidance.
Since then, we have been working with a multidisciplinary Working Group to develop an multidisciplinary evidence-informed consensus paper. The paper will accompany the existing Guidelines, providing greater context, evidence and depth to support veterinarians and the wider veterinary community in navigating this complex area.
This work complements and expands upon the Guidelines, rather than constitute a review of the Guidelines themselves. Here, in this news update, WSAVA is sharing progress to date, what we have learned through the process, the steps we have taken to strengthen the arrangements supporting the Working Group, and what happens next.
What we have learned
Multidisciplinary collaboration is particularly important when addressing complex subjects, but it also requires clarity around purpose, roles, responsibilities and ways of working.
As the Working Group’s discussions progressed, members raised questions and concerns about aspects of its remit, governance and ways of working, including roles and responsibilities, decision-making and consensus and how multidisciplinary-evidence and differing perspectives should be considered. These questions highlighted that there was not always a shared understanding among participants of these arrangements, reinforcing the need for greater clarity and a more consistent framework.
We took these questions and concerns seriously. During 2026, the Group’s work was temporarily paused while we reviewed its arrangements and invited participants to share their experiences and perspectives. The purpose of the pause was to complete this review and establish clearer guidance, governance and support beforethe Group’s work continued. It did not represent a change in our commitment to developing the consensus paper or disregard the important work already undertaken.
The review identified areas where greater clarity and structure would better support the Working Group and its participants. These included its Terms of Reference, roles and responsibilities, governance and decision-making, approaches to consensus and consideration of evidence and mechanisms for raising and addressing concerns.
We recognise these opportunities for improvement and are applying what we have learned both to the next phase of this work and to our wider approach to multidisciplinary working groups.
Strengthening the process
Following the review, the WSAVA Executive Board reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the consensus paper and approved strengthened arrangements to support the Working Group’s next phase.
Formal Terms of Reference have been developed to bring the Group’s purpose and scope, roles and responsibilities, governance, decision-making and consensus processes and expectations for participation together within a clear framework. These were shared with participants for consultation and feedback.
An independent Chair has also been appointed to lead the Working Group, who has not previously been involved in the development of the Reproduction Control Guidelines or the subsequent work of the Group. The Chair will facilitate constructive multidisciplinary discussion and support a fair and transparent consensus process.
The Working Group’s approach is one of multidisciplinary collaboration and consensus. No individual participant, group of participants or committee outside the Working Group has authority to determine its conclusions. Consensus does not, however, require uncertainty or legitimate differences in interpretation to be obscured. Where these remain following appropriate consideration of the multidisciplinary-evidence, they should be appropriately reflected in the final paper.
Reproduction control is a complex and, at times, contested area of veterinary medicine. Different approaches and perspectives can be influenced by scientific evidence, clinical circumstances, animal welfare considerations, population management, access to veterinary care, socioeconomic circumstances and cultural and regional contexts. We believe these different perspectives need to be considered constructively and transparently if the resulting guidance is to be scientifically robust, globally relevant and useful to veterinary professionals.
WSAVA recognises that local and regional veterinary associations, organisations and practitioners are best placed to interpret and apply these recommendations within their own legislative, cultural and operational contexts. The consensus paper is therefore designed to inform and support the development of local and regional guidance, rather than to replace it.
Organisational learning
WSAVA is committed to transparency, integrity and continuous organisational learning.
Our review identified areas where greater clarity and structure would have better supported the Working Group and its participants. We recognise these opportunities for improvement and are applying the lessons learned to the next phase of the work.
This includes ensuring greater clarity around Terms of Reference, roles and responsibilities, appropriate independent facilitation, approaches to consensus and decision-making and mechanisms through which participants can raise and resolve concerns.
The lessons from this process will also inform WSAVA’s wider approach to multidisciplinary working groups and similar projects in the future. As an organisation, we believe that good governance requires us not only to establish appropriate processes but also to review and strengthen them when experience demonstrates that improvements can be made.
What happens next?
With these strengthened arrangements in place, the Working Group has reconvened and will continue developing the consensus paper, building on the work already undertaken and considering the relevant multidisciplinary-evidence and range of scientific and professional perspectives.
As part of this next phase, the Group will also consider whether additional skills, experience, perspectives or demographic representation would strengthen its composition and address any identified gaps as appropriate. Input on this was sought from participants during the review and consultation process.
The Working Group’s current composition, purpose and remit are being published alongside this update on its dedicated page within the WSAVA Committees area of our website.
Developing a robust consensus paper on a complex subject takes time. We do not wish to predetermine the Group’s conclusions or impose an artificial timetable that could compromise the quality or integrity of its work. The completed paper will also undergo review and approval processes, including consultation with all WSAVA Committees and Member Associations.
We will continue to provide updates as the work progresses.
Our commitment
Our purpose in undertaking this work is to support veterinary professionals around the world in making evidence-informed decisions that promote the health and welfare of dogs and cats.
We remain committed to multidisciplinary evidence-informed practice, scientific integrity, multidisciplinary collaboration, transparency and good governance. These principles have guided this work throughout and continue to inform the steps we are taking to strengthen the process. This includes listening when concerns are raised, recognising where our processes can be improved and acting on what we learn.
We believe the arrangements now in place provide a strong foundation for the Working Group to continue this important work.
Further Information
Is WSAVA reviewing or changing the 2024 Reproduction Control Guidelines?
The purpose of the Working Group is to develop an multidisciplinary evidence-informed consensus paper to accompany the existing Guidelines. The paper will provide additional context, evidence and depth in relation to the topics addressed within Chapter 6. This work is intended to complement and expand upon the Guidelines rather than constitute a review of the Guidelines themselves.
Why was the Working Group paused?
As the work progressed, it became clear that greater clarity and structure were needed around aspects of the Group’s remit, governance, roles and responsibilities, consensus process and ways of working.
The Working Group’s activities were temporarily paused while WSAVA reviewed these arrangements and considered how clearer guidance and support could be provided. Following this review, the WSAVA Executive Board agreed to strengthen the framework supporting the Group to ensure that everyone involved has a shared understanding of its purpose, scope, roles and ways of working.
The pause did not represent a change in the purpose or direction of the work, nor a decision to start again. The important work already undertaken by the Working Group, including the evidence considered, discussions held and contributions made by participants, provides a foundation for the next phase of developing the consensus paper.
Why have Terms of Reference now been introduced?
The Working Group’s purpose, intended work and ways of working had previously been communicated through a range of materials and discussions. WSAVA’s internal review identified an opportunity to bring these together within a single, formal framework, providing greater clarity and a shared understanding for everyone involved.
Terms of Reference have therefore been developed covering the Group’s purpose and scope, roles and responsibilities, governance, decision-making and consensus processes, and expectations for participation. They were shared with Working Group participants for consultation and feedback before being finalised.
Can an individual member prevent the Working Group from reaching a conclusion?
No individual participant has authority to determine the conclusions of the Working Group.
The process is designed to enable multidisciplinary consideration of the multidisciplinary-evidence and the development of consensus. Where important uncertainty or legitimate differences in the interpretation of evidence remain, these can be appropriately represented in the final paper.
Has the membership of the Working Group changed?
Yes. The membership of the Working Group has evolved during the process, including through some participants choosing to step down. WSAVA respects their decisions and is grateful for the time, expertise and perspectives they contributed to the work.
As part of its next phase, the Working Group will review its composition and consider whether there are skills, experience, perspectives or demographic representation that would further strengthen its work, taking steps to address any identified gaps as appropriate.
The current composition of the Working Group is published on its dedicated page on the WSAVA website.
Who will lead the Working Group?
An independent Chair has been appointed to lead the Working Group. The Chair has not previously been involved in the development of the 2024 Reproduction Control Guidelines or the subsequent work of the Group.
The Chair will support constructive multidisciplinary discussion, provide independent facilitation of the consensus-building process and provide oversight of the Group’s work, reporting directly to the WSAVA Executive Board.
When will the consensus paper be published?
WSAVA does not wish to impose an artificial deadline on a complex multidisciplinary consensus process. Our priority is to ensure that the work is undertaken thoroughly, fairly and with appropriate consideration of the available multidisciplinary-evidence and different perspectives.
Further updates will be provided as the work progresses, with the consensus paper published following completion of the development, consultation, review and approval processes.