Short answer: remote training collars (e-collars) are legal to buy and sell across the UK. They are legal to use in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Using one on a dog or cat is banned in Wales. Below is where the law stands in each nation, what has and hasn't changed, and how to use a remote trainer responsibly.
Last checked: November 2026. Laws can change, so we review this page regularly. This is general information, not legal advice.
At a glance
| Nation | Buying and selling | Using on a dog |
|---|---|---|
| England | Legal | Legal |
| Scotland | Legal | Legal, with government guidance |
| Wales | Legal | Banned since 2010 |
| Northern Ireland | Legal | Legal (a ban on use has been proposed) |
England: is there an e-collar ban?
No. You may have read that e-collars were banned in England from February 2024. That ban was proposed but never came into force.
In April 2023 the government laid the Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (England) Regulations 2023 before Parliament, with a planned start date of 1 February 2024. The House of Lords approved them, but they were never approved by the House of Commons, so they were never made into law. Legislation.gov.uk still lists them as a draft that "has not yet been made".
That means remote training collars remain legal to use in England. As with any training equipment, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 still applies: you must not cause a dog unnecessary suffering.
Wales: e-collars are banned
Wales is the only UK nation with a ban. The Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (Wales) Regulations 2010 make it an offence to attach an electronic collar to a dog or cat, or to cause one to be attached.
It is still legal to sell e-collars in Wales, but if you live in Wales you must not use one.
Scotland: legal, with guidance
There is no ban in Scotland. The Scottish Government has issued guidance saying that using aversive training devices, including electronic collars, in a way that causes unnecessary suffering may be an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.
In January 2025, MSPs debated amendments to the Welfare of Dogs (Scotland) Bill that would have banned e-collars. The amendments did not become law. Campaign groups are still pushing for a ban, so it's worth checking for updates.
In April 2025, the Scottish Government's review response committed to consult on remote-controlled static pulse collars (e-collars). As far as we can find, no ban is in force in Scotland as of November 2026.
Northern Ireland: legal, but a ban is proposed
Northern Ireland has no specific law on electronic collars. General animal welfare law applies, as it does everywhere in the UK, through the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. This is the nation where change is most likely:
- From 5 May to 30 June 2026, DAERA consulted on animal welfare reforms, including a proposal to "ban the use of handheld e-collars, choke collars, and prong collars on cats and dogs". The consultation covers use; it does not set out a ban on sale.
- On 5 October 2026 the Northern Ireland Assembly agreed an amended motion calling on the Minister to introduce a ban on the sale, use and ownership of aversive training tools for domestic animals. A motion is not law.
As far as we can find, no legislation has yet been introduced, and the scope and any exemptions are undecided.
Using a remote training collar responsibly
Modern remote trainers are a long way from the crude collars of the past. Systems like the Educator and Dogtra ranges offer fine adjustment over dozens of levels, plus vibration and tone, so most handlers work at the lowest level their dog notices. Good practice:
- Find the lowest working level. Start at zero and go up one level at a time until your dog just notices, such as an ear flick or a head turn.
- Teach it first. Introduce the collar alongside commands your dog already knows, paired with rewards.
- Fit it properly. Contact points should touch the skin snugly but not tightly. Move the collar every couple of hours and don't leave it on all day.
- Use the right contact points for your dog's coat. Longer points reach through thick coats, and comfort pads are available for many models.
- Get help if you're unsure. An experienced trainer can show you how to introduce a remote collar fairly.
Related guides: how to fit an e-collar, how to introduce an e-collar, Mini Educator ET-300 vs ET-302 and Educator vs Dogtra.
FAQs
Are e-collars banned in the UK?
Not across the UK. Using them is banned in Wales only. They are legal to use in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and legal to buy and sell everywhere in the UK.
Wasn't the England ban meant to start in February 2024?
Yes, that was the plan, but the regulations were never approved by the House of Commons, so they never took effect.
Can I buy an e-collar if I live in Wales?
Buying one isn't illegal, but using it on your dog or cat in Wales is. If you live in Wales, we recommend other training methods.
Is Northern Ireland banning e-collars?
Not yet. DAERA consulted from 5 May to 30 June 2026 on banning the use of handheld e-collars on cats and dogs, and on 5 October 2026 the Northern Ireland Assembly backed a motion calling for a ban on aversive training tools. A motion is not law, and as far as we can find no legislation has been introduced.
Are vibration-only and tone collars affected?
The Welsh regulations are aimed at collars designed to give an electric stimulus. If you're in Wales and considering a vibration-only collar, check the Welsh regulations and the product's features first.
Shop remote training collars
Browse our e-collars and remote trainers from Educator, Dogtra and Martin System, all with UK adaptors and free insured next-day delivery. Not sure which suits your dog? Email info@k9store.co.uk and a trainer will help.