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Animal licensing

The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 apply to:

animal boarding
selling animals as pets
hiring out horses
breeding dogs
keeping or training animals for exhibition

These regulations mean that all licence holders will need to follow an application process and comply with national regulations. As part of this, you will also receive a rating based on your standard, which you will need to display on your premises. The rating will be between one and five, with five being the best you can receive.

You can find guidance on the regulations from the Canine & Feline Sector Group.

The regulations don't apply to dangerous wild animal or zoo licences.

BoardingYou need this licence if you run a boarding cattery or kennel.
Dangerous wild animalsYou need this licence if you keep a dangerous wild animal.
Dog breedingYou need this licence if you breed dogs for sale.
Dog day careYou need this licence if you look after other people's dogs during the day.
Home boardingYou need this licence if you look after other people's dogs in your own home.
Horse riding establishmentsYou need this licence if you keep horses and hire them out for riding or use them for horse riding lessons.
Performing animalsYou need this licence if you train animals to use them in a performance, exhibit them or offer encounters with them.
Pet shopYou need this licence if you sell animals as pets.
ZoosYou need this licence if you keep wild animals for exhibition and allow members of the public to view the animals for seven or more days in a 12 month period.

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Last updated: 01 October 2019

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