Pet & Veterinary

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 makes it a criminal offence to allow any dog to be dangerously out of control, in public or private. It also bans four breed types (Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro), with the XL Bully added in England and Wales from 2024 under separate rules. Penalties range from fines to imprisonment, and courts can order destruction of the dog. Owners of banned types need an exemption certificate.

The PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals) is the UK's leading veterinary charity, providing free and low-cost treatment to pets whose owners are on qualifying means-tested benefits and live within the catchment of a PDSA Pet Hospital. Funded by donations rather than government, it also publishes the influential annual PAW Report on pet wellbeing. It is distinct from the RSPCA, which focuses on animal welfare and cruelty prevention.

UK law requires all dogs to be microchipped by eight weeks of age and registered on an approved database, with owner details kept up to date. Compulsory cat microchipping was introduced in England from 10 June 2024, requiring all owned cats over 20 weeks to be chipped. Owners who fail to comply can be served notice and fined up to £500. Microchipping is carried out by vets and trained implanters.

Since Brexit, GB-issued EU pet passports are no longer valid for travel to the EU. To take a dog, cat or ferret from Great Britain to the EU or Northern Ireland, owners now need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an official veterinarian within 10 days of travel, plus a microchip and valid rabies vaccination. Each AHC is single-use for the outbound trip and valid for four months of onward travel.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is the statutory regulator for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses in the UK. Only individuals on the RCVS register may practise veterinary surgery. The RCVS also runs the Practice Standards Scheme, an accreditation that vet practices can voluntarily join to demonstrate quality. Pet owners can verify a vet or nurse on the RCVS "Find a Vet" register.