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
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.