Petition · past parliament · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Require people to complete an online course on animal care to buy a pet

Closed 41 signatures

What the petition asks

The Government should create online courses with the information required for proper care for each pet species available in England. Courses should finish with a test you would need to pass to produce a certificate. Breeders and pet shops should require certificates from potential pet owners.
Under the Animal Welfare Act of 2006, owners have a duty of care to their animals and must meet their needs. However, many animals still suffer due to their owners' errors, often stemming from a lack of accessible, evidence-based information. Government courses would increase the accessibility of this information and prevent animal suffering. The UK already has some of the most comprehensive animal protection laws in the world. Let's properly support all pet owners in upholding them!

Timeline

8 Sep 2023 Petition opened for signatures
8 Mar 2024 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 41
Status Closed
Department Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened 8 Sep 2023
Closed 8 Mar 2024

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.