Pet ownership is a huge responsibility, and as a pet owner, you should always be aware of any changes to laws that may affect you and your furry friend.

In March 2021, there are several new laws that pet owners should be aware of, as they may impact your pet’s health, safety, and well-being.

1. Microchipping Becomes Compulsory

From March 2021, all dogs in England will be required to be microchipped by law. This means that every time a dog is sold, transferred, rehomed, or given away, their microchip must be updated with the new owner’s details.

Microchipping is a quick and painless procedure that involves inserting a tiny microchip under the skin of your dog’s neck. The chip contains a unique identification number that can be scanned by a special device. This law is designed to help reduce the number of lost or stolen dogs and to help reunite them with their owners.

2. Pet Passports No Longer Valid

If you are planning on travelling abroad with your pet, you should be aware that the rules have changed. From March 2021, the UK will no longer be a part of the EU’s pet passport scheme, and pet passports will no longer be valid.

Instead, if you wish to travel with your pet to an EU country, you will need to follow a new process. You will need to obtain an animal health certificate (AHC) from your vet, which will need to be issued no more than 10 days before you travel.

You will also need to ensure that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies and has had a blood test to check that the vaccine has been effective.

3. Banning Third-Party Puppy and Kitten Sales

From April 2020, the UK government announced a ban on the sale of puppies and kittens by third-party dealers. This means that anyone looking to buy a puppy or kitten must deal directly with the breeder, or an animal rehoming centre.

The law aims to tackle the problem of puppy farms and kitten factories, where animals are often bred in deplorable conditions and sold on to unsuspecting buyers. By buying directly from a reputable breeder, or adopting from a rescue centre, you can be sure that your new pet has come from a safe and caring environment.

4. New Laws Around Animal Welfare

In March 2021, a new Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill will come into effect, which will see sentences for animal cruelty increased from a maximum of six months to five years.

The new law will also ensure that judges take into account the severity of the abuse when deciding on a suitable sentence. This means that anyone who is found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face a much longer prison sentence, as well as an unlimited fine.

5. New Regulations for Dog Trainers and Behaviourists

If you are a dog owner looking to hire a trainer or behaviourist, you should be aware of new regulations that will come into force in March 2021.

From this date, it will be illegal for anyone to sell dog training or behaviour services unless they have the necessary qualifications and experience. This means that you can be confident that the person you are hiring has the skills and knowledge to train your dog safely and effectively.

6. Changes to Dangerous Dogs Laws

From March 2021, changes to dangerous dog laws mean that police will be given new powers to deal with dog attacks. The law will make it an offence for a dog to be dangerously out of control in any place, including private property.

This means that if your dog attacks someone on your property, you could be prosecuted, and your dog could be taken away and destroyed. It’s important to ensure that your dog is well-behaved, trained, and socialised, to prevent any potential incidents.

7. New Restrictions on Pet Sales

From March 2021, new restrictions on pet sales will mean that anyone selling pets online will need to obtain a specific licence.

The licence will be required for anyone selling more than three litters of puppies or kittens per year, or for anyone who breeds three or more litters and sells any of the offspring. The aim is to prevent unscrupulous breeders and puppy farms from operating without regulation, and to ensure that all animals are well-cared for and raised in an appropriate environment.

8. The Introduction of Lucy’s Law

Lucy’s Law is a new law that came into effect in England in 2020, and it will be fully implemented in 2021.

The law is named after a dog that was rescued from a puppy farm and aims to abolish the sale of puppies and kittens that are born to unlicensed breeders. This means that anyone looking to buy a puppy or kitten must deal directly with the breeder, or an animal rehoming centre.

The law aims to tackle the problem of puppy farms and kitten factories, where animals are often bred in deplorable conditions and sold on to unsuspecting buyers.

9. Steps to Take to Prepare for the New Laws

With all these new laws and regulations coming into effect, it can be challenging to know what steps to take to ensure you and your pet are compliant. Here are some practical steps that pet owners can take:.

Check Your Dog is Microchipped

If you own a dog, you should check that they are already microchipped, or if not, book an appointment with your vet to have the procedure done. Remember that it will be a legal requirement for all dogs in England from March 2021.

Plan Ahead for Trips Abroad

If you are planning on travelling abroad with your pet, you will need to plan ahead and ensure that you have all the necessary documentation, including an animal health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination.

It’s also a good idea to research the rules of the country you plan to visit, to ensure that you and your pet comply with all the local regulations.

Be Careful When Buying from Third-Party Dealers

With the new law banning third-party puppy and kitten sales, it’s important to be careful when buying a new pet.

Always deal directly with the breeder or an animal rehoming centre, and ask lots of questions about the welfare of the animal and the conditions they were bred in.

Ensure Your Dog is Well-Behaved and Trained

With new restrictions on dangerous dog laws, it’s more important than ever to ensure that your dog is well-behaved, trained, and socialised.

Consider investing in professional training if necessary, and ensure that your dog is always under control and on-leash in public places.

Check the Licences of Pet Sellers Online

With new restrictions on pet sales, it’s important to check the licences of anyone selling pets online. Look for sellers who hold the necessary licences and certifications, and ask plenty of questions about the welfare of the animals they sell.

Conclusion

Being a responsible pet owner means staying informed about changes to laws and regulations that may affect your pet.

With new laws coming into effect in March 2021, it’s more important than ever to stay up to date and take the necessary steps to ensure that you and your pet are compliant. Remember that by taking good care of your pet and following regulations, you can help ensure that they stay healthy, happy, and safe.