If you carry on certain activities involving animals as a business, you may need a licence from North Devon Council under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018. Activities that may require a licence include dog breeding, dog boarding, dog day care, cat boarding, pet sales, hiring out horses and keeping or training animals for exhibition.
Apply for a licence
Before applying, please read the statutory guidance for your activity and prepare any policies, procedures and records that may be required. We aim to determine new licence applications within 10 weeks of receiving a complete application. Some applications may take longer where additional information, inspection arrangements or veterinary input are required.
Existing licence holders should apply to renew their licence at least 10 weeks before their current licence expires to avoid a break in licensing. We cannot accept responsibility for breaks in licence cover where an application is submitted late.
Choose your activity
Select the page that applies to your business. Each activity page should contain the relevant guidance, inspection information, checklists, templates and useful links for that licence type.
| Dog Breeding | Breeding and selling puppies; includes breeding-specific guidance, Lucy's Law, advertising requirements and breeder documents. |
| Dog Boarding | Kennels and home boarding; includes boarding guidance, home boarding checklist, consent forms and example policies. |
| Cat Boarding | Commercial cat boarding; includes cat boarding guidance, checklist, consent form and example policies. |
| Dog Day Care | Day care for dogs during the day; includes day care guidance, cleaning protocols and standard licence documents. |
| Pet Sales | Selling animals as pets; includes pet sales guidance, Lucy's Law, sector links and infection control information. |
| Hiring Out Horses | Riding establishments and similar activities; includes horse welfare guidance, veterinary inspection information and the horses checklist. |
| Animals for Exhibition | Keeping or training animals for exhibition; includes exhibition guidance, public safety information and the exhibition checklist. |
Licensing policy
We have adopted an Animal Licensing Policy to assist with the interpretation and implementation of the regulations and associated statutory guidance. Applicants and licence holders should read the policy before making an application.
Fit and proper person test
Any person carrying on a licensable activity will be treated as the operator of the business and must satisfy the Council that they are a fit and proper person to hold a licence. When assessing applications, we may consider:
- right to work in the UK
- relevant convictions
- existing disqualifications from holding a licence
- knowledge, experience and compliance history
- ability to comply with licence conditions
- arrangements to safeguard animal welfare
- arrangements for staff and public safety where applicable
Disclosure and Barring Service checks
New applicants are required to provide a Basic DBS check as part of the application process. The certificate should be issued no more than three calendar months before the date of application. Existing licence holders are also required to provide a Basic Disclosure Certificate when renewing a licence. A certificate is required for all applicants listed on the licence, including directors and business partners.
Inspections
As part of the application and renewal process, licensed premises will normally be inspected. Inspections are carried out by authorised officers and, where required by legislation, an approved veterinary surgeon. Certain activities, including dog breeding and hiring out horses, require veterinary involvement as part of the inspection process.
Applicants should review the relevant statutory guidance and activity-specific checklist before the inspection.
Fees
Fees are payable for new licences, renewals, variations, veterinary inspections and additional visits where required. Applicants should refer to the current Animal Welfare Licensing Fees Schedule
Star ratings and licence duration
Star ratings will be formulated in line with the DEFRA statutory guidance for local authorities and the following table:
Animals activity star rating system
| Minor failings | Minimum standards | Higher standards | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low risk | 1 star rating, 1 year licence, at least 1 unannounced visit within 12 months | 3 star rating, 2 year licence, at least 1 unannounced visit within 24 months | 5 star rating, 3 year licence, at least 1 unannounced visit within 36 months |
| Higher risk | 1 star rating, 1 year licence, at least 1 unannounced visit within 12 months | 2 star rating, 1 year licence, at least 1 unannounced visit within 12 months | 4 star rating, 2 year licence, at least 1 unannounced visit within 24 months |
Please see the above guidance for more information as to what is deemed a higher or low risk establishment and also what higher and optional higher standards must be met in order to receive the highest star rating.
Licences are awarded with a star rating based on welfare standards and risk assessment criteria. Depending on the rating achieved, licences may be granted for one, two or three years. New applicants will generally receive a one-year licence initially because there is no compliance history available. Premises may also be subject to announced and unannounced inspections during the licence period.
Appeals
If you disagree with the star rating awarded to your business, you may submit an appeal within 21 days of the rating being issued. Applicants should initially discuss any concerns with the inspecting officer before commencing the formal appeal process.
Important information
Licence transfers
Animal Welfare licences cannot be transferred to another person or business. Where ownership changes, a new application will normally be required.
Welfare standards
Licence holders must comply with the licence conditions and welfare standards applicable to their activity. Further details should be provided on the relevant activity page.
Contact us
If you require advice before applying, or are unsure whether your activity requires a licence, please contact the Licensing team for assistance.