How long can you legally leave a dog alone in the UK?
Tyrel Schowalter
2025-06-02 13:14:32
Count answers
: 4
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 already makes it an offence if for a person to cause unnecessary suffering to an animal. This would include suffering caused by leaving a dog alone for an extended period. The Government's code of practice for the welfare of dogs specifically states that owners should make sure that their dog is never alone long enough for it to become distressed. Decisions about investigating alleged animal welfare offences and prosecuting these are a matter for the police and Crown Prosecution Service, not the Government or House of Commons. People who leave their dogs either locked in a house or tied up outside for more than 12 hours should be fine and have the dog taken away. Make it illegal to leave any dog alone for more than 12 hours.
Rachel Ernser
2025-06-02 09:54:08
Count answers
: 9
As a general rule, you should gradually work up to a maximum time of two hours alone for puppies. For a dog that is just over 18 months old, you should not leave them alone for more than 4-6 hours, and for adult dogs, around 10 hours is the top limit, especially as dogs should have the opportunity to relieve themselves every 6 hours. Elderly and more senior dogs can be left for between 2-6 hours alone, depending on their individual health issues and stress levels. Keep in mind that pups will need to pee more frequently, and aren't used to being alone, so shouldn't be left for more than two hours. Although crate training your dog is recommended, leaving your pal confined to their crate is not good for their well-being so they should only be confined to their crate for two hours at the most.
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