Guidance

Apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep an XL Bully dog

Use this GOV.UK service to apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep XL Bully dogs.

Applies to England and Wales

From 31 December 2023 it will be against the law to: 

  • sell an XL Bully dog 
  • abandon an XL Bully dog or let it stray 
  • give away an XL Bully dog 
  • breed from an XL Bully dog 
  • have an XL Bully dog in public without a lead and muzzle 

From 1 February 2024 it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless your dog has a valid Certificate of Exemption. 

Find out more about how to prepare for the ban on XL Bully dogs

Before you apply 

Before you apply for a Certificate of Exemption you must: 

You’ll need to provide the microchip number. To find the microchip number, you should check the dog’s vaccination record or ask a vet.

Start now

You can use this online service for up to 3 dogs in one go. For example, if you have 5 dogs, you can apply for 3 in one go, then apply again for the remaining 2.

Other ways to apply 

You can also apply for a Certificate of Exemption by email or post. You can use the PDF form to apply for up to 30 dogs.

Get help 

Email the Companion Animal Welfare Team for help with this service: dogsindex@defra.gov.uk.

Published 14 November 2023