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.
Guidance: Keeping Children Safe Around Banned Breed Dogs in the Home (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) provides further information. While this requirement applies to banned breed dogs and children under 12, many of the principles in this guidance may also be relevant to other dogs, children of different ages, and vulnerable adults. All dog owners should consider how they supervise interactions between dogs and children and take steps to reduce the risk of harm where appropriate.
‘Appropriate adult supervision’ means an adult aged 18 or over is present and able to take steps to keep children safe around dogs.
The supervising adult should:
Supervision should be in person. Cameras, baby monitors, video doorbells or other devices are not a substitute for an adult being physically present and able to intervene.
Dog owners and carers of children should plan ahead for times when supervision may be difficult, for example, when an adult is:
The guidance also provides information and links to sources of further information on understanding when a dog may need space and body language; separating children and dogs inside the home and in private outdoor spaces; and crate training of dogs.
