Animal Welfare Licensing

With some exceptions, premises where animals are kept for certain purposes need to be licensed by the Council and the application forms can be downloaded. These are:

To apply online

To apply online you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader version 9 or later. This is available to download free here. [link: http://tryit.adobe.com/uk/acrobat9/?sdid=EKBXD ]

Application for a licence to keep a pet shop

Application for a licence to operate an animal boarding establishment

Application for a licence to operate a riding establishment

Notification to operate as a zoo

Application for a licence to operate a zoo

Licences are issued subject to conditions dealing with the welfare of the animals themselves and when appropriate, public safety. In most cases, premises will be subject to an annual inspection by a veterinary surgeon and Council officers.

It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the Health and Safety Team within a reasonable period, please contact 01993 861060.

Definitions

Pet Shop - business (including at private dwelling) of selling animals as pets and keeping them with a view to being sold as pets.

Animal Boarding Establishments - business (including private dwelling) where accommodation is provided for other people's animals.

Dog Breeding Establishments - business (including private dwelling) of breeding dogs with a view to being sold.

Zoo - establishment where wild animals are kept for exhibition to the public and the public have access with or without payment. This does not include circuses.

Riding Establishment - business of keeping horses for either riding or hire, or the purpose of instruction for the return of payment.

Dangerous Wild Animals - the keeping of certain wild animals requires a licence. A list can be provided.

More Information

The licensing regime is currently under review. The Defra website provides information about the Animal Welfare Act 2006 that could have an effect on the provisions outlined above.

If you have any queries about animal welfare licensing, please contact the Health and Safety team by phoning 01993 861060 or use the online service on the right of this page.

Trade Associations

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Pet Care Trust

Association of British Riding Schools

British Dressage

British Equestrian Federation (BEF)

British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA)