The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018

The Government has now published updated legislation for animal businesses and confirmed that these changes will take effect from 1 October 2018.

Under the new law, animal boarding businesses (including home boarders and day carers), dog breeders, pet shops and riding establishments will be covered under a single type of licence from that date. It will be known as an 'animal activity licence', with new nationally set general and specific conditions for businesses. Businesses operating any of these activities will need to comply with the new conditions, and will be assessed before any licence is granted to make sure they can meet them.

Those businesses operating under current licences will be able to continue to do so until the expiry date of their licence. All applications to renew licences will be under the new legislation.

The individual activity pages include more information about each licence and the application forms and fees.

Dogs

For information about stray dogs, lost dogs, animal nuisance and dogs fouling visit the dog warden scheme page.