Dogs (and other family pets)
A well-chosen, well-managed dog can comfort and ground a child in care. But the safety of children must always come first, and some breeds—or poorly managed animals—carry unacceptable risk. Our practice follows the agency’s Dog & Pet Policy in full.
1 | Legal and agency breed restrictions
- Banned in law (Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 / 2006)
Pit Bulls, Japanese Tosas, Fila Brasileiros, Dogo Argentinos, all American Bully types (XL, Standard, Pocket, Micro, Toadline) and any animal covered by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.
→ Households that keep (or acquire) one of these breeds cannot be approved to foster. - Agency-restricted breeds
Rottweilers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Bulldogs and Doberman Pinschers require an independent canine-behaviour assessment (paid for by the agency) before approval. If kept, the foster carer’s terms of approval will be limited to caring for children aged 8 years +. - More than two dogs trigger an external behaviour assessment because a “pack” instinct can raise risk.
2 | Assessment and ongoing checks
| When | What happens |
| Pre-approval | Each dog has a separate Dog Assessment Form; other pets appear on a Pet Checklist. Unsuitable findings halt the fostering assessment. |
| Annual review | The Pet Checklist is revisited alongside the Health & Safety visit; the SSW monitors temperament, vaccinations and hygiene standards. |
| New pet | You must notify your Supervising Social Worker (SSW) before buying or adopting; a fresh checklist/assessment is completed. |
If a dog is pregnant, bred for sale, or works (e.g., farm or police dog), additional safeguards apply: secure areas children cannot enter, vet reports, and—if five or more litters a year—evidence of a breeding licence.
3 | Practical rules for day-to-day safety
- Never leave a foster child unsupervised with any dog, even for a minute.
- Feed dogs in a separate space; teach children not to disturb them when eating, sleeping or in pain.
- Provide a dog-free area (room or fenced garden section) so the child or the dog can retreat.
- Keep vaccinations, worming and flea treatments up to date; store vet records for inspection.
- Clean up waste promptly; wear gloves when handling litter trays, hutches or tanks.
- Introduce dog and child calmly—dog on the floor, not on your lap; let the dog approach first.
- Use child-friendly “dog rules”: no hugging round the neck, no face-to-face staring, gentle strokes under the chin.
4 | If things go wrong
- Injury or near-miss:
- Separate the dog and child; give first aid and seek medical advice.
- Phone your SSW or the out-of-hours team immediately.
- Complete an incident form within 24 hours.
- Remove the dog from the home until a new risk assessment is completed.
- Dog proves incompatible:
Plan ahead—can a relative take the dog temporarily? If no safe solution is found you may have to choose between the dog and continuing to foster.
5 | Thinking of getting a dog?
- Research the breed’s history with children.
- Talk to your SSW before committing.
- Prepare the environment—move beds, create safe zones, stock up on enrichment toys.
- Factor in the settling-in period: no immediate introductions if an emergency placement arrives overnight.
Remember: even the gentlest dog has teeth. By choosing breeds wisely, setting clear routines and supervising every interaction, you protect both the child and the animal—and keep fostering a safe, nurturing experience for everyone in the household.
