Unfortunately, there are some breeds that we do not cover. These include all breeds banned by the Government and any dog or cat crossed with these breeds. There are also certain other breeds we do not cover including dogs and cats crossed with these breeds. Further details can be found below.

The following lists include the cat and dog breeds that we do not insure:

Banned breeds and dogs crossed with banned breeds.

We do not cover any dog that is:

• Banned in Great Britain, as defined in the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 or any breed crossed with these dogs. These currently are:
• Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa/Tosa Inus
• Dogo Argentino/Argentine Dogo/Argentine Mastiff
• Fila Brasileiro.
• From 1 February 2024, this includes XL Bully in England and Wales. Please note that the American Bully, XL Bully and Pocket Bully breeds (including any breeds crossed with these dogs) are excluded from cover with Animal Friends.

If we receive veterinary evidence that your pet has been crossed or mixed with any of the banned breeds listed above, we will need to cancel your policy. This is true, even if you didn’t know your pet was crossed or mixed with a banned breed.

We’ll ask you to provide us with a DNA test result for your pet. You are responsible for any costs for the DNA test. If the DNA test shows that your dog is mixed with any dog types listed on the Dangerous Dogs Act, we’ll void your policy and give you back any premiums you’ve paid, minus any amount we’ve paid for your claims. We’ll do this no matter what percentage of the banned breed your dog’s DNA test results show.

What do I do if I own, or think I own, an American Bully XL or a dog crossed with an American Bully XL?

On 31 October 2023, the Government announced that the American Bully XL, also known as the XL Bully, type dog has been added to the banned breeds list in England and Wales.

From 1 February 2024, it will become illegal to own an American Bully XL dog unless your dog has a Certificate of Exemption. If you own or think you may own an American Bully XL, please visit the Government website for more information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-for-the-ban-on-xl-bully-dogs.

If you know that your dog is an American Bully XL

We won't be able to continue cover for your dog from 1 February 2024. Please get in touch with us as soon as possible to cancel your policy.

If your dog is crossed with an American Bully XL

You will need to get a DNA test for your dog and send us the results to review and discuss with a veterinary expert before we decide whether we can continue to provide vet fee cover. Please note, that even if we are able to continue cover for vet fees, we will not be able to provide cover for Public Liability. As this is a Government requirement you will need to arrange this with another insurance provider to meet the requirement of the Certificate of Exemption.   

After 1 February 2024, if Animal Friends discover your dog is an American Bully XL or crossed with an American Bully XL your policy will be voided and we will give you back any premiums you’ve paid in this policy year, minus any amount we may have paid for any claims.

What happens if we find out your pet is crossed or mixed with an excluded breed?

If we receive veterinary evidence that your pet has been crossed or mixed with any of the excluded breeds listed above, we may need to cancel your policy. This is true, even if you didn’t know your pet was crossed or mixed with an excluded breed.

We’ll ask you to provide us with a DNA test result for your pet and you are responsible for any costs for the DNA test. We won’t be able to review your claim, or any future claims, until we receive the results of the DNA test.

If your pet’s DNA test results show they have 50% or less of an excluded breed, we’ll continue covering your pet. If your pet’s DNA test results show they have more than 50% of an excluded breed, we’ll void your policy and give you back any premiums you’ve paid. If we’ve already paid a claim in this policy year, we’ll continue cover for the remainder of the policy year – but we won’t renew your policy.

Please see your Policy Booklet for more information.