Animal Welfare Licences

In April 2018, the Government introduced new legislation to control the licensing of activities involving animals. The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 replaces a number of laws that previously covered the licensing of animals. It also widens the range of activities that will now require a licence.

What activities does the Act Cover?

The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 replaces a number of laws that previously covered the licensing of animals. It also widens the range of activities that will now require a licence.

Licensable activities include:

Selling animals as pets
Providing day care for dogs
Providing boarding in kennels for dogs
Providing home boarding for dogs
Providing boarding for cats
Providing or arranging for the provision of boarding for cats or dogs
Hiring out horses
Breeding dogs
Keeping or training animals for exhibitions

The regulations came into force on the 1 October 2018. However, if you have been licensed before with the Local Authority, you will stay licensed until the licence runs out.

We will write to you no later than 3 months before your licence runs out to remind you to renew it.

You must apply no later than 10 weeks before the end of your licence if you intend to continue to be licensed. Any late applications will be treated as a new application and not as a renewal.

How can I apply?

You can apply for a new licence or a renewal by completing an application form and sending it to us at licensing@swdevon.gov.uk.

Will you inspect my premises?

Once an application is made we will need to visit your premises to carry out an inspection and a risk rating for the activity. The risk rating is used to decide on the length of the licence.

Under the new regulations, a licence will last for either 1, 2 or 3 years. During inspection we will consider two main aspects:

The welfare standards observed, which are based upon assessment of a range of criteria, including records; staffing; the environment; diet, and the protection of the animals from pain and suffering. The inspection findings will decide whether there are 'minor failings', 'minimum standards' are achieved or 'higher standards' have been met.
The risk, which is largely based on the history of compliance of the business, and also upon the licence holder's appreciation of hazards and risks. You will be given either a 'low' or 'higher' risk rating following the assessment.

You can read the inspection pro forma for each activity using the links below.

Before one of our officers visits you to carry out your inspection you may want to use the forms to check you meet all the required conditions, and have all the paperwork we require to issue your licence.

What are the conditions for the Licence?

Previously the Council has used national guidance to set licence conditions; however, now it will be necessary for a licence holder to meet the conditions laid out in the legislation.

If an inspector does not feel confident that you are able to meet the minimum standards then your licence will not be granted.

The standard conditions and optional standards can be found in the statutory guidance for each licensable activity. You can find these here.

The biggest change to conditions will be to those who run home boarding for dogs. If you are a home boarder please read the guidance carefully to make sure you can comply with the conditions. Find out more about the changes here.

How much does it cost?

For fees please see the Licensing Fees page.

If a vet inspection is required, you will be charged the actual cost of the vet inspection fee.

I have not previously had a licence - do I need one now?

If you have not been previously licensed but believe that due to the changes in legislation that you might need to be licensed, please look at the guidance notes to make sure. You can find these here.

If you require a licence for the activity that you are operating then please make an application as soon as possible. Failure to have a licence to cover a licensable activity is a criminal offence.

We have published the details of licensed premises on a register at the top right-hand corner of this page to make it easier for people to check whether a pet vendor, boarder or other types of establishment are licensed.

Dangerous Wild Animals and Zoos

The new regulations do not have any impact upon licences issued under The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 and the Zoo Licensing Act 1981.

I want to complain about a licensed premises, or I am concerned that someone doesn't have a licence.

If you are concerned about the activity at a licensed premises or you believe that a licensable activity is happening on an unlicensed premises in the area, please email licensing@swdevon.gov.uk with as much detail as you are able to provide.

Your complaint will be treated in confidence.

Animal Licence Register

You can download a copy of the current register of animal licences in the downloads section on the right-hand side of the page.

This list is updated monthly.