An adult can plan for the ordinary moments when attention is pulled elsewhere: answering the door, cooking or taking a call. PDSA's advice, published on 2 November, recommends that children and pets are never left together without adult supervision. For a dog, a practical plan should protect the child's safety and give the dog a way to rest undisturbed.
Decide who is watching
Agree which adult is responsible for watching both child and dog, and what happens if that adult needs to leave. Supervision means paying attention and being close enough to intervene. If no adult can watch, arrange suitable separation rather than relying on a camera. Plan for visits and busy family routines too; familiarity with a dog is not a substitute for supervision.
Make space easy to respect
PDSA suggests giving animals a quiet place where they can retreat. Teach children not to follow a dog there or disturb it while it is resting, eating or playing with a valued toy. A suitable barrier can help when supervision is interrupted, provided the dog's welfare needs, including water and comfortable rest, remain met. It is not a replacement for supervision when child and dog are together.
Let the dog choose distance
A dog that moves away should be allowed to do so without being followed. Changes in posture or behaviour can be signs that a dog is uncomfortable, but a single signal cannot reliably explain every situation. An adult should watch the whole interaction and calmly create space if either the child or dog seems uncomfortable. A child can enjoy being near a dog without always touching or hugging it.
Around an unfamiliar dog, ask the owner first and let an adult guide any interaction. Do not encourage a child to approach or corner an animal that does not wish to engage.
Keep legal requirements distinct
The all-dog precautions above are general welfare advice. Separate exemption conditions apply to certain banned-breed dogs. For England and Wales, see our explanation of the child-supervision condition and check the linked current government guidance. Owners elsewhere should check their own administration's rules. This guide does not determine whether an individual arrangement complies with an exemption.
If your dog's behaviour changes or you are worried about an interaction, contact your vet for individual advice. Before an appointment, our grooming planning guide helps you prepare questions for the professional; it does not replace veterinary support.
Sources checked 6 November 2026: PDSA, keeping children safe around pets, 2 November; Defra, keeping children safe around banned-breed dogs. Corrections: [email protected].
