Overview
You need a licence to carry out certain animal-related businesses such as boarding, dog breeding or selling pets.
Licences for animal activities are required under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.
Which activities need a licence
You will need to apply for an animal welfare licence if you are:
- dog breeding
- animal boarding - including kennels, catteries, home boarding and day care for dogs
- keeping or training animals for exhibit
- selling animals as pets - including pet shops and online sales
- hiring out horses - businesses that hire out horses or ponies
Which activities do not a licence
Currently, you don't need a licence to run the following services:
- dog grooming
- dog walking
- pet taxi service
You will need to notify Business rates and Planning if you are running a business from home.
Before you apply
You must be at least 18 years old.
Only individuals can apply for an animal welfare licence.
Applications cannot be made by any individual who has:
- a special disqualification
- had certain licences removed from them in the past
Details of disqualifications are set out in the Schedule 8, of the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.
You should also consider:
- whether you have the knowledge and experience to care for the animals properly
- the cost of providing suitable accommodation, food and veterinary care
- whether you have insurance to cover public liability and animal welfare