Animal welfare

Animal welfare licensing

The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 has changed the way certain activities involving animals are licensed and regulated.

All new licence applications and renewals will need to comply with these regulations.

Which activities need a licence?

Any person or business operating the following activities will need to apply for a licence:

• Dog breeding
• Selling animals as pets
• Hiring out horses
• Cat and dog boarding
• Keeping or training animals for exhibition

Guidance

The general conditions set by the legislation are as follows:

• Selling animals as pets
• Boarding for cats (Catteries) 
• Boarding for dogs (Kennels)
• Home boarding for dogs 
• Day care for dogs 
• Hiring out horses 
• Dog breeding 
• Keeping or training animals for exhibition 

How to apply

• Complete the application form to get the process started
• We will contact you to take payment.
• As part of the application process we will contact you to arrange an inspection. Depending on the type of application you are making, the Council appointed Vet may also need to inspect your premises. We will advise you if this is the case.
• If your application is approved you will be given a rating based on the criteria contained within the relevant DEFRA guidance which you are advised to familiarise yourself with.

Fees

Animal Licencing Fees (Main Activity)

Additional activities (An additional fee is due for more than one activity)