Dewclaw removal: the law by country
Where it is banned, allowed only under conditions or permitted. Each rule names its law and links to the source.
Removing the front or rear dewclaws, usually in young puppies.
- Banned with exemptions: 2 places
- Vet only: 1 place
- Restricted: 8 places
Australia
Australian Capital Territory
Anyone up to 4 days after birth. Later, a veterinary practitioner only, for a prophylactic or therapeutic purpose.
Animal Welfare Act 1992 (ACT), ss 19(2)(d), 19A(2)Checked 4 Nov 2026
Canada
Nova Scotia
Allowed when a veterinarian operates to treat an injury or disease or for other medical reasons necessary or beneficial to the animal's health (s.28(a)), and for agricultural practices in line with the NFACC codes or other prescribed codes (s.28(b)). Applies to any person, not only veterinarians.
Animal Protection Act, S.N.S. 2018, c. 21, ss.27-28Checked 4 Nov 2026
Ireland
Whole country
By a vet (S.I. 304/2017 removed vet nurses), on a pointer, spaniel or terrier or combination, not yet 8 days old, with the dam or proof of her death, on evidence of use in lawful pest control, hunting or shooting; declaration and microchip.
Prohibition on Tail Docking and Dew Claw Removal (Dogs) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 128/2014), as amended by S.I. 304/2017In force since 6 Mar 2014Checked 4 Nov 2026
New Zealand
Whole country
Front and articulated hind dew claws, at any age, and non-articulated hind dew claws from 4 days of age: veterinarian (or supervised veterinary student) with pain relief. Non-articulated hind dew claws under 4 days old are outside those limits.
Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018, r 56In force since 1 Oct 2018Checked 4 Nov 2026
Slovakia
Whole country
May be done only by a person under s.10(2) of the Act. Version of 1 January 2022; a 2025 amendment (307/2025) exists and was not checked.
Act 39/2007 Z.z. on veterinary care, s.22(2)(c)Checked 4 Nov 2026
United Kingdom
England
Permitted; an anaesthetic is required unless the puppy's eyes have not yet opened.
Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (England) Regulations 2007 (SI 2007/1100), Sch. 1 and Sch. 9In force since 6 Apr 2007Checked 4 Nov 2026
Northern Ireland
A lay person may remove dew claws only before the pups' eyes are open; otherwise a vet (s.5(5)).
Welfare of Animals (Permitted Procedures by Lay Persons) Regulations (NI) 2012 (S.R. 2012/153), Sch. 8In force since 2 Apr 2012Checked 4 Nov 2026
Scotland
Exempted for general animal management; the Regulations set no age condition. RCVS guidance cites the Protection of Animals (Anaesthetic) Act 1954: anaesthesia unless before the eyes are open.
SSI 2010/387, Sch. 9In force since 5 Nov 2010Checked 4 Nov 2026
Wales
An anaesthetic is required unless the puppy's eyes have not yet opened.
Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (Wales) Regulations 2007 (WSI 2007/1029), Sch. 1 and Sch. 9In force since 28 Mar 2007Checked 4 Nov 2026
United States
Maryland
Only a licensed veterinarian, using anesthesia when appropriate. Misdemeanor.
Md. Code, Criminal Law s.10-624Checked 4 Nov 2026
Pennsylvania
An offense on a dog over five days old unless a licensed veterinarian does it. Whoever procures it must keep a record until the wound heals.
18 Pa.C.S. s.5542(e)Checked 4 Nov 2026
What each status means
- Banned with exemptions
- Prohibited except under named exemptions, such as certified working dogs or a vet's medical decision.
- Vet only
- Allowed only when a vet performs it, often with pain relief or an age limit.
- Restricted
- Allowed with conditions other than a vet: an age limit, a method, a licence.