The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 came into force on 1 October 2018 and were amended on 1 February 2022.

These Regulations have replaced the old licensing and registration requirements for animal activities. More information on the Regulations (legislation.gov.uk).

This legislation applies to the following:

• pet shops
• animal boarding, such as:
  • home boarders
  • kennels
  • catteries
  • doggy day care
• riding establishments (hiring out horses)
• dog breeders
• performing / exhibition of animals

There are no changes to Dangerous Wild Animals Licences or Zoo Licences. 

There are two sets of conditions that will apply to licences:

• a set of general conditions that apply to all licences
• a set of specific conditions that apply to the specific animal activity

It is necessary to comply with both sets of conditions.

Relevant guidance and legislation (gov.uk) for the following:

1. The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018
2. Procedural Guidance for Animal Activities Licensing 2018
3. Guidance Notes for Breeding Dogs 2018
4. Guidance Notes for Boarding Dogs in Kennels 2018
5. Guidance Notes for Home Boarding Dogs 2018
6. Guidance Notes for Doggy Day Care 2018
7. Guidance Notes for Boarding Cats 2018
8. Guidance Notes for Selling Animals as Pets 2018
9. Guidance Notes for Keeping/Training Animals for Exhibition 2018
10. Guidance Notes for Hiring Out Horses 2018

You may also find the following useful:

• Animal Welfare Act 2006 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Association of Dog Boarders (associationofdogboarders.co.uk)
• Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs (gov.uk)
• Code of Practice for the Welfare of Cats (gov.uk)

Apply

Please find the application forms here:

• Licence for Boarding Animals Application (Word)
• Licence to Breed Dogs Application (Word)
• Licence to Hire Out Horses Application (Word)
• Licence to Keep or Train Animals for Exhibition Application (Word)
• Licence to Sell Animals as Pets Application (Word)

Applications can be completed either by post or email - please contact 01785 619000 and ask for the Licensing Team.

To make an application, there are three parts to complete:

Part 1 - Applicant information

Part 2 - For each licensable activity

Part 3 - Declaration

There are two stages to the payment of the fee. Currently a licence issued for one year is £312 on application and before the licence is granted, a further £156 is payable for enforcement costs. The application fee for performing/exhibition of animals only, is £156, then a further £104 for enforcement costs. 

Please note, an additional fee will be payable on applications for dog breeding and riding establishments; we are required to employ the services of a qualified vet to carry out an inspection for these activities.

Guidance providing more details of the system of regulation.

Appeals

If you have been inspected and do not feel the star rating reflects your animal welfare standards or risk level of the business at the time of inspection, you can appeal.

Licensing Register

The Licensing Register