With new legal safeguards for children around banned breed dogs now in place, PDSA is encouraging families to use this opportunity to teach children how to understand their pets’ behaviour, respect their boundaries and interact with animals safely.
From 1 November 2026, owners of banned breed dogs must ensure children under 12 are not left in close contact with their dog in a private place, such as the home or garden, without appropriate adult supervision. While the new legal requirement applies specifically to banned breed dogs, PDSA stresses that any dog can pose a risk in certain circumstances, and children should always be supervised around pets.
The bond between children and pets can be incredibly special. From companionship and comfort to happy memories growing up together, pets can bring so much to family life. Learning how to care for a pet can also help children develop empathy, patience and a sense of responsibility. But positive relationships take time, guidance and understanding. Pets have their own feelings and boundaries, and even an animal that is familiar with a child may become frightened or overwhelmed in certain situations.
Research by the Pet Education Partnership (PEP), of which PDSA is a member, highlights why education is so important. Its Children and Pets Survey 2025* found that 72% of children surveyed believed dogs have feelings, while 70% believed dogs can communicate with us. However, 66% reported having had some kind of negative encounter with a pet. Of those children, almost three-quarters (73%) said the animal involved was a dog.
PDSA explains that pets often show subtle signs of discomfort before becoming more distressed. Dogs may yawn when they’re not tired, lick their nose, turn their head away or hold their ears back. Cats may crouch tensely or flatten their ears. Other animals may freeze, hide or try to move away. These signs can vary between individual animals, so it’s important to learn what is normal for your pet and respond to changes in their behaviour, and it's also important to never punish an animal for showing signs of fear or discomfort.
PDSA’s top five tips for keeping children safe around pets:
1. Always supervise children around pets
Never leave a child alone with a pet, even if they know each other well. An adult should stay close, pay attention to how both the child and animal are behaving, and be ready to step in if needed. Children may not realise that hugging their pet, getting close to their face or disturbing them while they eat or rest is likely to make them uncomfortable. Show children how to interact gently and explain that they must let a pet walk away, when they choose to, without following.
2. Teach children not to approach unfamiliar pets
Children should never approach or stroke an unfamiliar animal without permission from the owner and guidance from an adult. Even a pet that looks friendly may not want to interact. Teach children never to chase, corner or disturb pets in general and especially while they’re eating, sleeping or enjoying a toy. Encourage them to stay calm, give animals space and allow them to approach if they choose. If a pet moves away, children should respect that choice. To help children learn more about staying safe around dogs, watch the Pet Education Partnership’s (PEP) engaging animation, which teaches children how to recognise dog behaviour and interact with dogs safely.
3. Keep children’s toys separate from pet toys
Children and pets may both be interested in each other's toys, but sharing can cause problems. Small parts of children’s toys can be dangerous if swallowed, while pets may become worried if someone tries to take their toy away. Make sure pets have appropriate toys and enrichment activities of their own. Teach children not to disturb pets when they’re playing and use suitable barriers or separate areas if needed.
4. Give pets a safe space of their own
Every pet needs somewhere quiet where they can rest and retreat when they want to be left alone. This might be a dog’s bed, a cat’s favourite hiding place or a suitable enclosure for smaller pets. Teach children not to follow animals into their safe space or disturb them when they’re resting. Stair gates, secure barriers or separate rooms can help, provided pets can still access everything they need and their welfare is maintained.
5. Help children understand responsible pet care
Age-appropriate activities, carried out with adult supervision, can help children learn about their pet’s needs. Depending on the child and animal, this could include helping to fill a water bowl, preparing food with an adult or setting up an enrichment activity. Adults remain responsible for ensuring pets receive proper care and that both the child and pet are safe. Children should also learn to recognise signs that an animal may be uncomfortable.
PDSA Vet Catherine Burke said: “Pets can be wonderful companions for children, but it’s important to remember that animals communicate differently from us. They can’t tell us in words when they’re feeling worried or need some space, so children need help recognising the signs and should be taught how to interact with them safely.
“Active supervision is vital, even when a child and pet seem to get along well. By teaching children to respect an animal’s boundaries, giving pets somewhere safe to retreat and understanding their body language, families can help protect both children and their pets while building a happy relationship.”
For further information visit the Pet Health Hub - PDSA or for more specific guidance on the Canine Ladder of Communication.
*The Pet Education Partnership’s Children and Pets Survey 2025 was conducted by YouGov and surveyed 1,024 children aged 7–11. PDSA is a member of the Pet Education Partnership, a collaboration of animal welfare organisations working to promote compassionate, informed attitudes towards animals among children.
