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Catch up with the latest news and updates from around our surgeries.
New legislation presented in Parliament on Tuesday 9 June 2026 will introduce stricter supervision rules for exempted banned breed dogs around children.
What’s changing?
From 1 November 2026:
From 1 July 2026:
Government guidance
The government said the new safeguard is intended to reduce the risk of serious injuries to children in domestic environments while allowing exempted dogs to remain with families where appropriate supervision is in place.
XL Bullies and existing rules
The announcement specifically referenced the XL Bully, a breed that has required a Certificate of Exemption since February 2024, in addition to specific restrictions, including keeping the dog muzzled and on a lead in public.
Expert advice
Our in-house RVN and Pet Behaviourist, Rachel Green AdvDipCanBeh, says:
“This legislative change is designed to help protect children and reduce the risk of serious injuries from dog attacks.
“However, any dog breed has the potential to cause harm, and young children should never be left unaccompanied with a dog. Interactions should always be supervised by a responsible adult who can ensure children treat the dog respectfully and can recognise signs that the dog may be uncomfortable.”
Rachel highlights several warning signs that may precede a bite:
She also advises that positive relationships between dogs and children can be encouraged early, starting as early as pregnancy.
Please take a look at this resource from Dogs Trust to help children #bedogsmart.
Behavioural support
Rachel offers behaviour consultations at The Pet Vet surgeries in Rotherham, Barnsley, Doncaster, Lincoln and Nottingham, as well as remote consultations for customers further afield.
If you would like support with your dog’s behaviour around babies or children, or with any other behaviour-related challenges, please speak to our team to book an appointment with Rachel.
Strive to Thrive: Celebrating leadership, teamwork and 15 years of The Pet Vet
It was a weekend of inspiration, celebration and plenty of laughter as colleagues from across The Pet Vet came together for our 2026 ‘Strive to Thrive’ leadership conference.
Dr Mel Fuller – CEO at The Pet Vet named one of the UK’s Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for 2026
We’re delighted to announce our CEO Dr Mel Fuller has been named as one of The Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders, as featured in The Times!
How we’re helping to make pet ownership more affordable
As a family-owned, pet loving veterinary group, we understand the cost of pet ownership, so to help to make it more affordable for your family, we partner with CarefreeCredit to offer 0% finance plans; and provide seasonal offers, Pet Health Plans and 10% discounts.
Celebrating our recent award achievements
It’s been an exciting few weeks at The Pet Vet, with our team proudly representing the business at several prestigious award ceremonies and celebrating some fantastic achievements along the way.
