22/01/2024
Time is running short, the closing time to apply for exemption is 12pm (midday) on January 31st.
Don't leave it too late, there are quite a few applications being rejected for payment references not matching, this means owners are having to reapply, if you leave it until the last day you won't have time to resubmit.
When you apply for a Certificate of Exemption you must:
pay the £92.40 application fee for each dog you want to apply for – you’ll need your 10 digit payment reference number, pay first, wait for the confirmation email and copy the reference number onto your application.
have third party public liability insurance for banned breeds of dogs – you’ll need to know the start date of your insurance
You’ll need to provide the microchip number. To find the microchip number, you should check the dog’s vaccination record or ask a vet.
From 1 February 2024 it will be illegal to own an XL bully type without a certificate of exemption. You may not get your certificate in time if you leave it too late.
Please don't risk your dogs safety by missing the deadline.
You have time to arrange neutering after the exemption, if your dog was under 1 year old on December 31st, you have until the end of December 2024. If your dog was over 1 on December 31st, you have until the end of June 2024. For those on low income a neutering voucher scheme is being launched by Dogs Trust, Blue Cross and RSPCA on February 5th, this could give you a voucher of £250 off the cost of having your dog neutered.
