Napo ‘first pet insurer’ in UK to offer medical cover for XL Bullies

Pet insurer Napo has said it has become the first pet insurer in the UK to offer medical insurance cover for XL Bullies.

XL Bullies were added to the UK’s list of banned breeds earlier this year, with owners having had to apply for an exemption certificate in order to keep their pet.

Napo said it was now offering health insurance cover to such dogs as long as the owner is in possession of a valid exemption certificate.

It made the move after finding that some pet parents were struggling to access healthcare following the governement’s decision.

Chief executive and founder of Napo Jean-Philippe Doumeng said: “Every pet deserves healthcare, no matter the breed.

“We decided to create this policy after speaking to several pet parents who’ve struggled getting access to healthcare even after going through the rigorous ban exemption process.

“We’ve been passionate about fixing this for a long time and I am delighted that we are now able to offer the UK’s first health insurance cover for XL Bullies.”

The ban

The decision to ban XL Bully dogs was made after the government saw a rise in fatal dog attacks.

Up until 2021 there were around three fatalities per year – but there have been 23 since the start of 2021, with the XL Bully being involved in many of these attacks.

Owners with an exemption certificate must keep their dog on a lead and muzzled when in public.

And to ensure these dogs cannot continue breeding, they must also be neutered.

For most dogs, this will be by 30 June 2024 and for dogs under one year old, this should be by the end of the year.

“We have delivered our pledge to bring in this important measure to protect public safety,” environment secretary Steve Barclay said.

“We expect all XL Bully owners to comply with the strict conditions.”