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.
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.
| Licence type | New application fee | Renewal fee at expiration date | Star rating re-assessment fee | Licence variation fee |
| Home boarding | £256 | £256 | £177 | £177 |
| Domestic doggy day care | £256 | £256 | £177 | £177 |
| Commercial boarding and doggy day care (1 to 25 cats or dogs) |
£256 | £256 | £177 | £177 |
| Commercial boarding and doggy day care (26 or more cats or dogs) |
£355 | £355 | £197 | £197 |
| Pet sales (small / single species) |
£256 | £256 | £177 | £177 |
| Pet sales (large / multiple species) |
£315 | £315 | £177 | £177 |
| Dog breeding (1 to 10 bitches / stud dogs) |
£285 plus vet fees |
£285 | £197 | £197 plus vet fees |
| Dog breeding (11 or more bitches / stud dogs) |
£355 plus vet fees |
£355 | £197 | £197 plus vet fees |
| Horse riding establishments (1 to 10 horses) |
£275 plus vet fees |
£275 plus vet fees |
£197 | £197 plus vet fees |
| Horse riding establishments (11 or more horses) |
£305 plus vet fees |
£305 plus vet fees |
£197 | £197 plus vet fees |
| Animal exhibitor and trainer (single species) |
£149 | £149 | - | £120 |
| Animal exhibitor and trainer (multiple species) |
£169 | £169 | - | £120 |
| Dangerous wild animals | Price on application | Price on application | - | - |
| Zoo licence minimum annual fee | £585 plus vet fees |
£585 plus vet fees if applicable |
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