Animal Licensing

The following are licensed by the Commercial Services team in Environmental Health:

• Animal Boarding Establishments
• Dangerous Wild Animals
• Dog Breeding
• Pet Shops
• Riding Establishments
• Performing Animals

Officers from the Commercial Services team inspect these premises annually with an accompanying veterinary surgeon, depending on the licence type, to ensure that they comply with licence conditions. Premises are also subject to additional checks to ensure standards are maintained.

The standards relate to structure, safety, security, infectious disease control, and the suitability of the licence holder. The aim is to:

• Ensure minimum standards of welfare for animals
• Prevent the spread of disease
• Ensure the safety of the public visiting these premises

Periodic inspections are carried out to confirm standards are maintained, and in response to complaints. Our advice to anyone using these premises is always:

• Check they are licensed by the Council, and ask to see the current licence
• Inspect the premises prior to leaving your pet, buying an animal, or taking a riding lesson
• Ensure that riding schools have current public liability insurance

Licences run for one year, and always expire on 31st December, except for Riding Establishment Licences which may be at any time through out the year.

Licence Fees:

Licence fees must be included with the application and vet's fees, as necessary, will be recharged to the business following the licence inspection. The current fees can be found on Commercial Services Fees

Refusal of licence:

Licences may be refused, cancelled or revoked for several reasons (please note that not all the restrictions are relevant to all licences). The courts may disqualify applicants from holding an animal license for a set period of time if:

• The applicant is under 18
• The applicant has been disqualified from holding an animal license or keeping an animal
• Conditions of the licence are not met

Additionally, veterinary surgeons and practitioners, local authority officers, or competent persons authorised by the local authority may inspect licenced premises and any animals found there at any reasonable time. In some cases, warrants could be applied for to gain access to unlicenced premises.

If you would like to apply for an application form or if you have an enquiry or complaint about Animal Welfare Licensing, please contact us on 01628 683820 or use the online form

Complaints of animal cruelty should be directed to the RSPCA Tel: 08705 555999

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