Animal Welfare Licences

Introduction

Do I need an Animal Welfare Licence?

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

How can I apply?

Apply for an animal welfare licence

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. A licence will last for either 1, 2 or 3 years. 

During inspection we will consider two main aspects:

  1. 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.
  2. 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', the 'minimum standards' are achieved or the 'higher standards' have been demonstrated. This decision will be reflected in the Star Rating attached to your licence. 

Your licence application will be granted or refused based on the two main aspects above, as demonstrated at the time of inspection. Therefore, before applying, it is strongly recommended that you familiarise yourself with the requirements of the licence by reading the online guidance relevant to you. Links to the guidance can be found by clicking on the heading relevant to your application at the top of this page. Failure to do so may result in a low star rating or refusal of your licence. 

If you are a new applicant and an inspector does not feel confident that you have demonstrated that you meet the minimum standards, then your licence will not be granted and you will not be refunded.

If you wish to obtain a 4 or 5-Star Licence, you are required to demonstrate compliance with all of the Required Higher Standards and at least 50% of the Optional Higher Standards. These can be found in the Guidance.

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 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

Visit the page below to view out animal welfare licence register:

Animal Welfare Licence Register