Getting a dog for the first time is an exciting yet challenging experience. While many people assume pet ownership is simple, the reality is that dogs require time, money, training, and long-term commitment.
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To address the issue of impulse dog purchases and reduce cases of pet neglect or abandonment, Scotland has passed the Welfare of Dogs Bill, introducing a new Code of Practice for potential dog owners. This law ensures that both buyers and sellers understand the responsibilities of dog ownership before a pet is rehomed.
Understanding the Welfare of Dogs Bill: A New Approach to Responsible Pet Ownership
The Welfare of Dogs Bill, recently passed in Scottish Parliament, introduces a mandatory checklist and certificate for prospective dog owners.
This new measure ensures that anyone planning to bring a dog into their home considers essential factors such as:
✔️ Time commitment – Can they provide daily walks, training, and attention?
✔️ Financial responsibility – Are they prepared for vet bills, pet insurance, food, and grooming costs?
✔️ Living space – Does their home environment suit the dog’s breed, size, and energy levels?
✔️ Lifetime care – Are they committed to caring for the dog for 10-15+ years?
Both the new owner and the person selling or rehoming the dog will sign a certificate to acknowledge these responsibilities, ensuring awareness before purchase.
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Why Was This Law Introduced? The Problem of Impulse Dog Buying
The Welfare of Dogs Bill was championed by Christine Grahame, a Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP) from the Scottish National Party (SNP).
Grahame has long been an advocate for animal welfare and first proposed a similar bill in 2018. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was delayed. Now, with growing concerns over unprepared pet ownership, the bill has finally become law.
According to Lindsay Fyffe-Jardine, CEO of Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home, too many people buy dogs on impulse, without considering:
🚨 The financial burden – Vet costs, food, and training can add up to thousands of pounds per year.
🚨 Time investment – Dogs require daily exercise, socialization, and consistent training.
🚨 Lifestyle impact – A dog’s needs may not fit into an owner’s schedule or living situation.
“It’s as easy to go to the supermarket to buy cereal as it is to get a dog,” Fyffe-Jardine told the BBC. “Not everyone stops to think, ‘Can I afford this dog? Can I fit them into my life?’ Because it’s a huge commitment.”
By requiring buyers and sellers to sign a responsibility certificate, this law aims to prevent hasty pet purchases that often lead to abandonment.
What Does the Code of Practice Include?
Scotland already has a 28-page Code of Practice for dog owners, introduced in 2010 under broader animal welfare reforms. However, this document is lengthy and rarely read by new pet owners.
The new law will require a shorter, more accessible checklist that dog buyers must sign before taking a pet home. While not legally binding, it serves as a reminder of the commitment involved.
This checklist will cover key questions such as:
✔️ Is this breed suitable for your lifestyle? (Energy levels, temperament, and exercise needs)
✔️ Can you afford long-term pet care? (Food, medical expenses, grooming)
✔️ Do you have enough time to train and socialize your dog?
✔️ Are you prepared for the responsibilities of pet ownership for 10+ years?
By making potential owners think before adopting, the goal is to reduce pet abandonment, neglect, and overcrowded shelters.
How This Law Will Impact Dog Buyers & Sellers
For Dog Buyers
✅ More awareness of the real responsibilities of pet ownership
✅ Reduced likelihood of impulse purchases that lead to regret
✅ A chance to carefully consider their financial and time commitments
For Dog Breeders & Sellers
✅ Encourages responsible screening of potential owners
✅ Helps prevent dogs from being sold to unprepared families
✅ Reduces the number of dogs returned or abandoned
The goal is not to discourage dog ownership—but to ensure that every dog goes to a home that is truly prepared for them.
Why This Matters: The Impact of Irresponsible Dog Ownership
Scotland’s law comes at a crucial time when many countries face a growing crisis of abandoned pets.
📌 During the COVID-19 pandemic, dog adoptions skyrocketed, but as life returned to normal, many owners found themselves unable to care for their pets.
📌 Animal shelters saw a rise in surrendered dogs, with many citing financial hardship and lack of time.
📌 Unethical breeders continue to profit from impulse buyers, selling dogs to people who may not be fully prepared.
By introducing a signed Code of Practice, Scotland is taking steps to prevent these issues before they start.
Final Thoughts: A Step Toward a More Responsible Pet Ownership Culture
Scotland’s Welfare of Dogs Bill is a groundbreaking move toward responsible pet ownership. While it does not introduce licenses or legal restrictions, it ensures that dog buyers take a moment to seriously reflect on their decision.
This law does not prevent anyone from getting a dog—but it does require them to understand what they’re signing up for.
✔️ It educates new owners before they take on a pet.
✔️ It holds sellers accountable for ensuring responsible rehoming.
✔️ It reduces pet abandonment by preventing hasty decisions.
As more countries face pet abandonment crises, Scotland’s approach could serve as a model for responsible dog ownership worldwide.
🐾 Thinking of getting a dog? Make sure you’re ready for the lifelong commitment! 🐾
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