Dogs Trust has confirmed that third party public liability insurance will be removed from its Companion Club membership from 1 July 2026.
The insurance was introduced in 2024 following the ban on XL Bully dogs, which requires owners of exempt dogs to hold valid third party liability insurance.
Why the change is being made
Dogs Trust says the decision follows increasing financial pressure linked to providing the cover.
According to the charity, rising membership numbers and an increase in insurance claims have made the scheme financially unsustainable.
When the cover was first introduced, Dogs Trust stepped in due to a lack of suitable insurance products available in the UK, enabling thousands of dog owners to meet legal requirements.
What this means for members
Dogs Trust has confirmed that existing members do not need to take immediate action.
The timeline is as follows:
- Renewals up to 30 June 2026 will continue to include 12 months of insurance cover
- Renewals from 1 July 2026 onwards will no longer include third party liability insurance
Requirement for alternative cover
Owners of exempt dogs will still be required to hold valid third party liability insurance.
Dogs Trust says that governments have indicated an alternative solution should be available before the current arrangement ends.
Why this matters
The removal of insurance from Companion Club membership may have implications for dog owners who rely on the cover to meet legal requirements.
The change highlights ongoing challenges around access to appropriate insurance products within the UK dog ownership landscape.
Source
Dogs Trust official statement
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/…/companion-club/changes
Add a comment