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 Certificate of Exemption.
NOON on 31st January 2024 is the deadline to submit the completed application online, to apply for a exemption certificate for an XL Bully type dog.
Apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep an XL Bully dog - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
You need your dog's microchip number-if you don't have that ask your vet to scan the dog for you.
If your dog is less than 8 weeks old when you apply for a Certificate of Exemption, you’ll have until 31 March 2024 to give the microchip number to Defra. Email the microchip number to dogsindex@defra.gov.uk or post it to the Dogs Index.
You need the 3rd party liability insurance cover in the same name as the person who will be applying for the exemption certificate. This is obtained by becoming a member of the Dogs Trust Companion Club, apply online on the Dogs Trust website. £25 per person per year, covers up to four dogs. Dogs Trust will email you confirmation and policy number and start date (date your payment clears).
You dog doesn't have to be neutered now to apply for the exemption certificate.
There is a one-off application fee of £92.40 per dog, this has to be paid first online-you will then be given a payment reference number which you use for your application:
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