Newark & Sherwood District Council

The Government has published updated legislation for animal businesses and these changes will take effect from 1st October 2018. Under the new laws, 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 licence conditions for businesses providing animal-related services.

Businesses operating with these activities will need to comply with the new conditions, and will be assessed before the 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 new licence conditions for each of the animal activities covered are set out below:

• Providing boarding for dogs in kennels (PDF File, 325kb)
• Providing boarding for cats (PDF File, 1,399kb)
• Home boarding dogs (PDF File, 490kb)
• Dog day care (PDF File, 416kb)
• Hiring out horses (PDF File, 454kb)
• Breeding of dogs (PDF File, 562kb)
• ‌Keeping or training animals for exhibitions (PDF File, 514kb)
• The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018

Any person who wishes to sell animals either from a domestic address, commercial establishment or over the internet requires a licence.

There are strict guidelines and conditions applied to the licence to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all the animals.

Making an application

You can apply, renew a licence and pay via GOV.UK.

The licence fees for 2018 is initial £165 and renewal £120. 

Once the application is received, it will be processed and an officer from the council will visit to inspect the establishment. If it is found to be satisfactory a licence will be granted.

For further advice or to check if you require a licence, please contact us.