diff --git a/src/main/java/org/springframework/samples/petclinic/owner/PetValidator.java b/src/main/java/org/springframework/samples/petclinic/owner/PetValidator.java
index 6422aa8db..b7674f980 100644
--- a/src/main/java/org/springframework/samples/petclinic/owner/PetValidator.java
+++ b/src/main/java/org/springframework/samples/petclinic/owner/PetValidator.java
@@ -47,10 +47,6 @@ public class PetValidator implements Validator {
 			errors.rejectValue("type", REQUIRED, REQUIRED);
 		}
 
-		// birth date validation
-		if (pet.getBirthDate() == null) {
-			errors.rejectValue("birthDate", REQUIRED, REQUIRED);
-		}
 	}
 
 	/**