From 1 September 2026, the EYFS says registered childcare can't be provided from any premises where a banned dog breed is kept or present. For a childminder that means your home, at any time children are there, including a visitor's dog.
Pets are otherwise fine. Plenty of childminders have dogs, cats, rabbits or chickens, and children often learn a lot from them. You need to show you manage the risks.
Banned breeds
The breeds banned in England and Wales are the Pit Bull Terrier, the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino, the Fila Brasileiro and the XL Bully. If you have one of these, even with an exemption certificate, you can't childmind from that home. If a friend or relative has one, they can't bring it to your house while you're working.
GOV.UK's guide to banned dogs explains how a dog is judged by its type and characteristics. If you're unsure about your dog's type, get advice before you register or before a new dog arrives.
Managing other pets
- Keep pets away from children while they eat and sleep, and never leave a child alone with an animal.
- Keep pet food, bowls, litter trays and droppings out of children's reach.
- Keep vaccinations, worming and flea treatment up to date.
- Tell parents which animals live in your home before they sign, and ask about allergies.
- Record any bite or scratch as an accident and tell the parent the same day.
Children in my setting help look after our pets, and Ofsted mentioned it at my inspection. I keep it supervised, and I've written down how it works.
How it looks in your contract
From a GoChildmind contract
No banned dog breed is kept or present at my setting at any time. There is no smoking, vaping, alcohol or drug use on the premises during childcare hours or around the children.
Put your own details in, freeRead the full sample contract
Questions people ask
Can a childminder have a dog? Yes, as long as it isn't a banned breed and you manage it safely around the children. Ofsted will look at how you do that at your registration visit and inspections.
What if my dog has an exemption certificate? The September 2026 EYFS says childcare can't be provided where a banned breed is kept or present, so an exemption doesn't allow you to childmind from that home.