Licence to run a business involving animals

If you’re thinking about running a kennel, cattery, riding stable, pet shop, home boarding or dog breeding facility, you’ll need to apply to us for a licence. 

It’s an offence to run such businesses without a licence. Before you apply you can take a look at our guidance notes and frequently asked questions to help you.

Applications

You'll need to: 

  • read about the standards and conditions that you’ll have to meet before you can open any business involving animals. You can find these in the Animal Welfare Regulations legislation and the relevant DEFRA guidance below.
  • complete and return the relevant application form.
  • pay your licence application fee by calling (01226) 773743. You can pay using a Visa, Visa Debit, MasterCard or Maestro.

DEFRA guidance documents

Licence application forms

Renewals

DEFRA requires us to notify you about your licensed premises three months before the expiry of your licence and requires you as a business to apply for a renewal of your licence 10 weeks prior to its expiry.

Star ratings

From 1 October 2018 businesses will be given a star rating on inspection to indicate whether they meet the minimum or higher standard under the legislation and DEFRA guidance. The guidance indicates under each section the requirements that could achieve a higher standard.  

As part of this process we'll assess whether your business is higher risk or lower risk by completing the risk assessment matrix DEFRA guidance document. This will determine whether your licence is renewed on a 1, 2 or 3 year basis. The intention is that businesses operating to the highest standards will save money.

Fees and charges

Please contact us for details of current fees and charges