Apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep an XL Bully dog
This service has closed. You can no longer use this GOV.UK service to apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep XL Bully dogs.
Applies to England and Wales
On 31 December 2023 it became an offence 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 the ban on XL Bully dogs.
Rescue and rehoming organisations
Rehoming organisations can no longer apply for a Certificate of Exemption for an XL Bully dog. The closing date for applications was 22 January 2024.
Get help
Email the Companion Animal Welfare Team for help with this service: dogsindex@defra.gov.uk.
Updates to this page
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The service to apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep XL Bully dogs has now closed.
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Added further detail about the deadline on 31 January 2024 and how long it may take to receive a Certificate of Exemption.
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The closing date for Defra to receive email and postal applications was 15 January 2024. Dog owners can apply online until 31 January 2024.
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Rehoming organisations can apply to keep an XL Bully dog obtained on or before 30 December 2023.
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Added application closing date. Applications must be made by midday on 31 January 2024.
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Added a link to the PDF form that rescue organisations can use to apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep an XL Bully dog.
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First published.