Your Guide to Pet Legislation: Local & National

Our Adherence to Dorset Council Regulations includes:

Dog Ownership & Public Spaces:
we comply with the Dog-related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) , which means:

• Cleaning up after dogs in all public spaces.
• Respecting dog exclusion zones, such as enclosed children’s play areas and marked sports pitches.
• Observing seasonal beach bans (May 1st to September 30th).
• Ensuring dogs are on leads in cemeteries, formal gardens, council car parks, the Rodwell Trail in Weymouth, and other designated or signposted areas.
• Using leads no longer than 2 meters where required.

Dog Management:

• All dogs in our care wear a collar and tag with up-to-date owner information and are micro chipped according to Dorset Council guidelines.
• We strictly follow limits on the number of dogs per property and always keep dogs under control in public, using appropriate lead lengths.
• Our walks take place only in designated exercise areas and never in      restricted locations like non-designated beaches, sports fields,      playgrounds, or school premises.

Reporting and Welfare:
we are vigilant in observing and reporting any concerns such as:

• Dog attacks (reported to the police or handled by the Dog Warden service).
• Stray dogs (reported to Dorset Council Customer Services).
• Suspected animal cruelty (reported to the RSPCA).

Cat Ownership & Welfare:
Our cat care follows Dorset Council’s advice for responsible ownership, including:

• Ensuring cats are micro chipped by 20 weeks of age, as per new legal requirements.
• Using collars with identification and keeping contact details up to date.
• Encouraging responsible behaviours like keeping cats indoors at night and supporting neutering to prevent litters and reduce straying.
• Following council cat welfare guidance for dealing with stray or feral cats.
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Useful Resources for Pet Owners:

• Dorset Council Dog Control & Animal Welfare
• Dog-related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO)
• Cat Microchipping Laws (GOV.UK)
• Animal Welfare Act 2006      (Legislation.gov.uk)
• RSPCA Animal Welfare

Why National Legislation Matters:

National laws set the legal and ethical baseline for all animal care providers in the UK. These laws are designed to safeguard animal health and welfare, promote responsible ownership, and protect rural and farming communities. At Rural Pet Services, we incorporate every aspect of these requirements into our daily operations.

Animal Welfare and Countryside Law Compliance:

• We comply with the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which places a duty of care on anyone responsible for vertebrate animals, including household pets and livestock.
• Our team is knowledgeable in the Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations, always keeping pets under control and minimising any disturbance to farm animals.
• We follow countryside access laws, including the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, respecting designated paths and access restrictions to protect wildlife and agricultural life.

Comprehensive Pet Care Guided by Law:

Every aspect of our service meets national legal requirements:

• Providing a safe, stimulating environment.
• Supplying nutritious food and fresh water.
• Supporting each species' need for natural behaviour and companionship.
• Protecting pets from illness, injury, or distress with timely veterinary care.
• Ensuring pets are microchipped and properly identified as required.

We stay fully informed on evolving legal requirements, including the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and local Public Spaces Protection Orders, ensuring everyday practices align with the law. Our pet transport services are equally compliant, with every animal’s safety and welfare as our top priority.

Championing Responsible Pet Ownership:

Through education and support, we guide owners in:

• Understanding their lifelong commitment and financial responsibility.
• Implementing positive socialisation and training.
• Maintaining proactive healthcare and appropriate housing.
• Respecting community spaces and neighbours.
• Keeping pets safe and easily identifiable.

Key Legislation and Resources We Adhere To:

• Animal Welfare Act 2006
• Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
• Control of Dogs Order 1992
• Pet Animals Act 1951
• Welfare of Animals at Markets Order 1990
• Microchipping Requirements (GOV.UK)
• Countryside and Rights of Way Act      2000
• RSPCA | Blue Cross for further guidance and reporting.

At Rural Pet Services, we care deeply about all countryside companions—dogs, cats, and every pet in between. Our approach is built on the foundation of national legislation, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and legal compliance. This dedication protects not just the pets in our care, but also supports the wellbeing of rural communities and the wider countryside environment.

Our Promise: Upholding Animal Welfare Standards

At The Rural Pet Service, maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare isn’t just a promise it’s our guiding principle. We are committed to strictly following Dorset Council’s regulations and best practices, as well as all relevant UK national legislation for the care of dogs, cats, and all countryside companions.

Why is this important to us?

Adhering to these policies is more than a legal requirement it’s the foundation of trust between us and our clients. By ensuring every procedure and service we offer meets or exceeds both local and national animal welfare standards, we protect the health, safety, and happiness of your pets, while also contributing to the welfare of the rural communities and environments we serve.

For us, compliance means:

• Every animal receives care that is loving, attentive, and tailored to its unique needs.
• Pet owners can have total peace of mind, knowing their animals are      safe, protected, and valued.
• Our services actively support the wellbeing, sustainability, and      harmony of the wider countryside.

At The Rural Pet Service, you can trust that your beloved pets are not only in caring hands, but are looked after with the utmost respect for all current legislation and best practices because we believe that’s what every animal deserves.