Paddy's Pet Services

13/08/2026

Hi everyone, due to the combination of temperature and smoke levels around Merthyr, Any walks in Merthyr Tydfil after 9am are cancelled.

14/07/2026

Well I think this is the first time since I started the business where we've had 3 weeks of non stop hot weather... Weather thats too warm to walk dogs in even at 7 or 8am... Purely because its not cooking down enough from the previous day...

I just want to thank everyone for being so understanding, Cancelling is not easy as it means no bookings so no income. However the safety of dogs outweighs the financial side... fingers crossed next week will be cooler...

30/06/2026

Dot the Dalmatian on her first walk of a 10 day holiday cover 😃

19/06/2026

With another heat wave round the corner please be aware walk times may change. Morning walks I'll try and move earlier to miss the heat, afternoon walks may be cancelled or changed to house visits. Keep an eye on your inbox this weekend as I'll be sending out messages 😊

09/06/2026

Defra has updated the XL Bully guidance with two important changes.

First, from 1 July 2026, owners of exempt banned breed dogs, including XL Bullies, will no longer need third-party public liability insurance as a condition of exemption. Until 30 June 2026, insurance is still required. Defra says Dogs Trust will stop issuing new insurance policies for banned breed dogs after 30 June 2026, but existing subscriptions continue until renewal.

Second, from 1 November 2026, an exempt XL Bully must not be left in close contact with a child under 12 in a private place, such as a home or garden, unless there is adult supervision. Defra says this will become a condition of the dog’s Certificate of Exemption.

Current banned dog types in the UK

The banned types listed on GOV.UK are:

1. Pit Bull Terrier
2. Japanese Tosa
3. Dogo Argentino
4. Fila Brasileiro
5. XL Bully

GOV.UK is clear that whether a dog is a banned type depends on what the dog looks like, not its breed name, paperwork, DNA result, or how the owner describes it.

Current XL Bully rules in England and Wales

It is a criminal offence to own or possess an XL Bully in England and Wales unless the dog has a valid Certificate of Exemption. Applications for exemption have closed. New exemptions can now only be authorised by a court order.

It remains illegal to:

1. sell an XL Bully
2. abandon an XL Bully or allow it to stray
3. give away an XL Bully
4. breed from an XL Bully
5. have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle

The lead must be securely held by someone aged at least 16. The dog must also be kept in secure conditions to prevent escape.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ban-on-xl-bully-dogs

GOV.UK - The best place to find government services and information.

22/05/2026

A great video from Rachel Bean RVN on heatstroke myths.

22/05/2026

I've just seen the forecast for you guys next week, It seems you're in for a scorcher. Here's a quick reminder regarding heatstroke. Worth noting that treatment has changed in the last couple of years, vets now recommend that you DO pour cool water over the dog before transporting to a vet.

18/05/2026

Officially 1 week in and having the most incredible time, I've never felt more comfortable in a foreign country, the people are incredible, so welcoming and hospitable, without being over bearing. The scenery is awe inspiring and the wildlife is fantastic. We may never come home... seriously considering moving here later in life (not for at least 10 to 15 years so don't worry your friendly local dog walker isn't going anywhere yet). We had the most incredible meal last night, We are currently in Banff and they have a 1000m gondola up the side of a mountain to a restaurant at the top, of course we had to do it. Thank god we did because they views took my breath away and made me a bit emotional if I'm honest, so here's a photo of the view from our table. I hope everyone is well and I miss all your dogs greatly 😊

12/05/2026

Well we've officially arrived in Canada, British airways were so lovely, have us a bottle of champagne and a card to congratulate us on our wedding, The car hire upgraded us to a lovely Mercedes and the hotel upgraded us as well. Time to make some memories, see you all in a few weeks 🎉🥳