You will need to have licence for the following activities:
- Dog breeding
- Dog or cat boarding (including dog day care)
- Selling animals as pets
- Hiring horses (for example, horse riding lessons)
- Keeping or training animals for exhibition
Businesses will be issued star rating (1-5) that reflects standards. This will be shown on the licence.
National conditions set the out minimum standards required to obtain licence. Higher standards are also specified. These are optional but the only way to achieve higher star rating.
View the statutory guidance for Animal activities licensing for local authorities
How much does it cost?
Licence fees will depend on the type of activity and length of licence.
The application fee consists of two parts, A and B
The Part A fee (non-refundable) must be paid at the time of application. This covers the cost of dealing with the application.
| Type of activity | Part A fee |
|---|---|
| Boarding in kennels for dogs boarding for cats | £223.40 |
| Selling Animals as Pets | £223.40 |
| Dog Breeding | £201.80 |
| Home boarding (6 or more dogs) | £201.80 |
| Home boarding (up to 5 dogs) | £179.20 |
| Hiring of Horses | £201.80 |
| Keeping/training animals for exhibition (up to 5 animals) | £179.20 |
| Keeping/training animals for exhibition (6 or more animals) | £223.40 |
Part B fee is determined following the application and inspection process. You will be asked to pay the Part B fee in full prior to the issue of licence.
| Licence duration | Part B fee |
|---|---|
| 1 year licence (1 Star/2 Start establishments£127.00 | £137.10 |
| 2 year licence (3 Star/4 Star establishments | £213.70 |
| 3 year licence (5 Start establishments) | £277.30 |
Variation to licence - please contact the licensing team to see if an inspection is required for your variation before applying.
| Request for variation | Fee |
|---|---|
| Administrative amendment only | £24.90 |
| Inspector visit (if required) | £96.80 |
| Request for re-inspection (all types) plus vet fees if applicable | £96.80 |
Veterinary Inspection fees, where applicable, are in addition to the fee and are recharged at cost.
Establishments carrying our hiring of horses and new dog breeding establishments will always require veterinary inspection.
How to apply
You will need to:
- log into your MyAccount (or create an account if you don't already have one) to complete the form. MyAccount is an easier and quicker way to interact with us and is available 24/7
- complete the application form
- upload any supporting documents
- pay the appropriate fee, you must pay the part fee before the licence is issued.
- Guidance notes - FHDC animal licensing
Animal activity licence applications
Dog or cat boarding application
Selling animals as pets application
Keeping or training animals for exhibition application
Licence duration
Licences are issued for 1,2 or 3 years. Businesses with higher star rating will receive longer licence.
Licences to keep or train animals for exhibition do not receive star rating and are issued for three years.
What happens next?
We will get in touch if we need any additional information.
We aim to organise an inspection of the premises in 10 working days. This may take longer if vet inspection is required. The inspection will assess whether you can meet the licence conditions.
If we are satisfied that the minimum conditions can be met, we will write to inform you of the decision. You must pay the part fee before the licence is issued.
If we refuse your application, we will write to you explaining the reasons why and how you can appeal.
Licence renewals
Selling animals as pets renewal
Keeping or training animals for exhibition renewal
Licence Variations
Variation of animal activities licence
Further inspections
We may carry our further inspections during the term of your licence to ensure that conditions are being met.
Establishments carrying out hiring of horses will receive an annual veterinary inspection.