Guidance

Keeping children safe around banned breed dogs in the home

Guidance for dog owners on keeping young children safe in the home and meeting the child safety condition for banned breed dog types.

• From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
• Published: 16 September 2026

Documents

Keeping children safe around banned breed dogs in the home

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From 1 November 2026, owners of banned breed dogs must ensure that any child under 12 is not left in close contact with their dog in a private place, such as a home or garden, without appropriate adult supervision.

This guidance provides practical suggestions to help owners of banned breed dogs meet the child safety condition for children under 12 years old. It includes advice on the supervision and separation of dogs and children, and suggestions for how to manage interactions between dogs and children in the home.

This guidance was developed in collaboration with veterinary and animal welfare experts.

Published 16 September 2026