Search all content on GOV.UK

You can be fined if your dog is out of control in public - find out about Dog Control Orders, banned dogs, dog fouling and reporting a dangerous dog

• Overview

  It’s against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere,…

• Banned dogs

  In the UK, it’s against the law to own certain types of dog. These are…

• Public Spaces Protection Orders

  Some public areas in England and Wales are covered by Public Spaces…

• Report a dog

  You can report a dangerous or out of control dog to: the dog warden…

Powers that police, councils and other authorities can use to control or improve the behaviour of dogs.

• Updated: 4 August 2015

Information on the legal responsibilities of people who own or care for domestic pets.

Bringing pets into Great Britain: pet passports, Great Britain pet health certificates, microchipping, rabies vaccinations, travelling with assistance dogs.

If you find a stray dog and cannot contact the owner, you must report it to the council

Use this certificate to bring your pet dog, cat or ferret, or assistance dog, to Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland).

This manual helps practitioners in local authorities and the police in England and Wales in dealing with dog-related incidents.

• Updated: 12 November 2014

You must fill in this form to confirm that you won't sell or transfer the pet dog, cat, ferret or assistance dog to a new owner in the UK.

Fill in these forms to agree with APHA how you check assistance dogs meet travel rules before they enter England, Scotland or Wales.

Before you buy a pet cat or dog, make checks to avoid the illegal trade in pet animals, and know how to report concerns.

• Updated: 4 December 2025