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Friday , September , 12 2025
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Animal Licensing
If you are carrying on a business involving animals, under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 you will require a licence for the following activities:
  • Selling animals as pets
  • Providing or arranging for the provision of boarding for cats or dogs (including day care)
  • Hiring out horses
  • Breeding dogs
  • Keeping or training animals for exhibition
These Regulations set nationally applicable conditions that licence holders must comply with.  As part of the licence application, the business will be inspected by a qualified officer to asses compliance with the statutory conditions. If successful, each business will issued with a licence detailing how long the licence is valid for and a star rating which is based on the inspection findings and compliance history. (Note: 'Keeping or Training Animals for Exhibition' are not issued a star rating). The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 can be found to the right on this page.
Further information and fees for each licensable activity can be found on the relevant web pages 
Zoos and Dangerous and Wild Animals are licensed under existing legislation.

Complaints

Please contact us if you have a complaint about the welfare of animals or nuisance caused by any licensed or non licensed animal establishment, or if you become aware of a non licensed premise or have any concerns re a licensed premise, please inform us at [email protected]

 

Dog Grooming / Dog Walking / Pet Taxi Services

Currently there is no licence required to operate a dog grooming, walking or taxi service, however you will need to notify Business Rates and Planning as you are running a business from home.  You will also need to have Public Liability Insurance.

If the dog is kept during the day or over night you would need to apply for an Animal Boarding Licence.

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