Application

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 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 card.
  

Renewal

DEFRA requires us to notify you about your licensed premises 3 months prior to 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 will assess whether your business is higher risk or lower risk by completing the Risk Assessment Matrix DEFRA guidance documents. 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

The fees and charges below are applicable to new licences or renewals dated on or after 1 April 2019.

For new licences processed before this date the fee will be given upon application.