Licence to run a business involving animals

You'll need to apply to us for a licence if you’re thinking about running a:

  • kennel
  • cattery
  • riding stable
  • pet shop
  • home boarding or dog breeding facility

It’s an offence to run one of these businesses without a licence. Before you apply, take a look at our guidance notes and frequently asked questions.

When applying for a home boarding licence you may also find it helpful to read our overview of guidance.

Apply for a licence

To apply for a licence you need to: 

  • Read about the standards and conditions that you have to meet before you can open any business involving animals. You can find these in the Animal Welfare Regulations legislation and the relevant DEFRA guidance below.
  • Complete and return the relevant application form.
  • Pay your licence fee by card by calling us on 01226 773743. You can pay using a Visa, Visa Debit, MasterCard or Maestro card.

DEFRA guidance

Licence application forms

Renewals

DEFRA requires us to notify you three months before the expiry of your licence. It also requires you to apply to renew your licence 10 weeks prior to its expiry.

Star ratings

Since 1 October 2018 businesses have been given a star rating on inspection. This indicates whether they meet the minimum or higher standard under the legislation and DEFRA guidance. The guidance details under each section the requirements that could achieve a higher standard.  

As part of this process we'll assess whether your business is higher or lower risk. We'll do this by completing the DEFRA risk assessment matrix. This will determine whether your licence is renewed on a one, two or thee year basis. The intention is that businesses operating to the highest standards will save money on fees.

Fees

The fees below apply to new licences or renewals dated on or after 1 April 2024.

Licence type New application fee Renewal fee at expiration date Star rating re-assessment fee Licence variation fee
Home boarding £298.76 £298.76 £183 £183
Domestic doggy day care £298.76 £298.76 £183 £183
Commercial boarding and doggy day care
(one to 25 cats or dogs)		 £313.67 £313.67 £183 £183
Commercial boarding and doggy day care
(26 or more cats or dogs)		 £434.27 £434.27 £203 £203
Pet sales
(small / single species)		 £298.76 £298.76 £183 £183
Pet sales
(large / multiple species)		 £385.33 £385.33 £183 £183
Dog breeding
(one to 10 bitches / stud dogs)		 £298.76
plus vet fees		 £298.76
plus vet fees		 £203 £203
plus vet fees
Dog breeding
(11 or more bitches / stud dogs)

£400.13
plus vet fees

 £400.13
plus vet fees		 £203 £203
plus vet fees
Horse riding establishments
(one to 10 horses)		 £298.76
plus vet fees		 £298.76
plus vet fees		 £203 £203
plus vet fees
Horse riding establishments
(11 or more horses)		 £325.44
plus vet fees		 £325.44
plus vet fees		 £203 £203
plus vet fees
Animal exhibitor and trainer
(single species)		 £197.40 £197.40 - £124
Animal exhibitor and trainer
(multiple species)		 Price on application, plus any vet fees that apply Price on application, plus any vet fees that apply - Price on application, plus any vet fees that apply
Dangerous wild animals Price on application Price on application - -
Zoo licence minimum annual fee Price on application, plus vet fees Price on application, plus any vet fees that apply - -

Current licence holders

We maintain a list of premises which are licenced under the Animal Welfare (Licencing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018. This list is updated twice a year. 

Public facing businesses should always display a copy of their current licence. Those trading from home should be able to provide a copy of their licence on request. Licences will display the current star rating for those premises. Premises are rated one to five stars, with highest standard being five.

If you think someone is trading without a licence please contact us online.