New legislation took effect from 1 October 2018 reforming animal welfare licensing including the sale of animals, breeding dogs, hiring horses, boarding cats, boarding dogs, home boarding dogs, dog day care and keeping or training animals for performance

Please note: Businesses operating under current licences will be able to continue to do so until the expiry date of their licence.

The definition of existing licensable activities has been amended and new activities have been added.

A single licence known as an 'animal activity licence', with nationally set licence conditions will apply. Please see table below for guidance and conditions.

​Any questions, please contact the Environmental Health team.

How do I apply and what are the fees?

All applicants need to complete the standard application payment and declaration form and the application for the activity they are applying for.

Download application forms here: 

• Animal Boarding
• Breeding and Sale of Dogs
• Performing Animals
• Pet Vending
• Riding Establishments

Visit the fees and charges page to find out more about costs.

What is the "Star Rating" system and how is this scored?

Businesses must be given a star rating, ranging from one to five which must be listed on the licence. Safeguards including an appeal procedure and a mechanism for requesting a reinspection when improvements have been made will apply.

The star rating determines the length of the licence from one to three years (except keeping/training animals for exhibition which must be granted for three years). The cost is the same regardless of the licence length, rewarding compliant businesses and driving up standards in the sector.

• Full details are available in the Guidance Notes

Find out about approved animal welfare businesses?

Animal Activities - Guidance and Conditions