Legislate the dog care industry for greater safety
The Issue
As a dedicated dog day care provider, I have witnessed first-hand the joys and challenges of caring for our beloved canine companions while ensuring their safety and wellbeing. This is not just a business for me—it's a lifelong passion rooted in responsibility and deep respect for dogs, their owners, and the integrity of our industry. Like many responsible operators, I hold all necessary licenses, have comprehensive insurance, maintain up-to-date DBS checks, and am qualified in canine first aid. However, not everyone offering dog care does the same, and it is causing significant concern within our community.
The rise of unregulated, poorly trained, and in some cases, underage individuals offering dog care services poses a grave risk to the welfare of dogs. Without proper qualifications and legal compliance, these operations threaten dogs' safety, undermine the credibility of professional services, and potentially put at risk the mental and physical health of dogs. According to a report by the Pet Industry Federation, only about 40% of dog care providers are estimated to be compliant with current industry standards in the UK. This means many dogs could be subject to neglect or harm due to insufficient supervision or expertise.
We are calling upon the government to legislate the dog care industry and enforce stringent compliance with established standards. This should include mandatory licensing for all dog care facilities and providers, compulsory insurance, and verification of appropriate qualifications, including DBS checks and canine-specific training. Additionally, we propose the introduction of minimum age requirements for anyone responsible for dog care.
Creating a regulated framework will enhance the safety of dogs while also protecting their owners, who invest money and trust in our services. Moreover, it will support legitimate businesses by ensuring fair competition and a consistently high level of care, thus boosting consumer confidence.
By signing this petition, you are advocating for the health and safety of dogs everywhere and supporting dog care businesses that operate with integrity and dedication. Let us take a firm stand against neglect and substandard care and ensure the wellbeing of every dog entrusted to our care. Sign today to help us bring about critical change in the dog care industry.
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The Issue
As a dedicated dog day care provider, I have witnessed first-hand the joys and challenges of caring for our beloved canine companions while ensuring their safety and wellbeing. This is not just a business for me—it's a lifelong passion rooted in responsibility and deep respect for dogs, their owners, and the integrity of our industry. Like many responsible operators, I hold all necessary licenses, have comprehensive insurance, maintain up-to-date DBS checks, and am qualified in canine first aid. However, not everyone offering dog care does the same, and it is causing significant concern within our community.
The rise of unregulated, poorly trained, and in some cases, underage individuals offering dog care services poses a grave risk to the welfare of dogs. Without proper qualifications and legal compliance, these operations threaten dogs' safety, undermine the credibility of professional services, and potentially put at risk the mental and physical health of dogs. According to a report by the Pet Industry Federation, only about 40% of dog care providers are estimated to be compliant with current industry standards in the UK. This means many dogs could be subject to neglect or harm due to insufficient supervision or expertise.
We are calling upon the government to legislate the dog care industry and enforce stringent compliance with established standards. This should include mandatory licensing for all dog care facilities and providers, compulsory insurance, and verification of appropriate qualifications, including DBS checks and canine-specific training. Additionally, we propose the introduction of minimum age requirements for anyone responsible for dog care.
Creating a regulated framework will enhance the safety of dogs while also protecting their owners, who invest money and trust in our services. Moreover, it will support legitimate businesses by ensuring fair competition and a consistently high level of care, thus boosting consumer confidence.
By signing this petition, you are advocating for the health and safety of dogs everywhere and supporting dog care businesses that operate with integrity and dedication. Let us take a firm stand against neglect and substandard care and ensure the wellbeing of every dog entrusted to our care. Sign today to help us bring about critical change in the dog care industry.
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Petition created on 30 September 2026