Apply for animal activity licences

Under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (opens new window) you must have a licence for the following: 

• dog daycare 
• breeding dogs 
• selling animals as pets 
• hiring out horses  
• keeping or training animals for exhibition 
• home boarding of dogs 
• boarding of dogs in kennels 
• boarding for cats 

Further information and guidance (opens new window)

We offer pre-application advice on this licence.

We have also adopted a policy covering the Licensing of Animal Activities (PDF, 587 KB)

Register of premises operating under a valid Animal Licence

The register covers all licences under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 Act in our Borough.

View the register of premises operating under a valid Animal Licence (opens new window)

All premises will be inspected before your licence can be granted. The inspector will be checking the applicant has the following:

• knowledge in the animals they are caring for and a clear understanding of its needs. This includes the animal's mental and physical health and feeding. The applicant should be able to show that they have researched and followed guidance to carry out their role
• understanding the risks involved in caring for the animal. Including a risk assessment and policies and procedures that are reviewed regularly. These documents should be available for the inspector
• training in place to make sure staff know what is expected of them, and good supervision of staff

The premises will also be assessed so we can be sure the licence holder can meet the laws relating to the environment in which the animals will be kept.

Based on the information we get, we will assess the risk rating and award star ratings. 

Information on animal licensing legislation (opens new window)

No, tacit consent does not apply. We will aim to respond to your application within 10 working days. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please get in contact. We must process your application before the licence can be granted. 

View the register of premises operating under a valid Animal Licence. (opens new window) The register covers all licences under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 Act in our Borough.

How to pay 

Pay with a debit or credit card over the phone once you have emailed your forms to us. Call us on: 01483 505050

How to apply

Download and complete the relevant application form.

Provision of Boarding for Cats and Dogs (PDF, 270 KB)

Breeding Dogs (PDF, 277 KB)

Hiring Out Horses (PDF, 289 KB) 

Keeping or Training Animals for Exhibition (PDF, 272 KB)

Selling Animals as Pets (PDF, 296 KB)

Amend a Schedule of Animals (PDF, 163 KB)

Check the requirements

Before you submit, ensure you have all the required documents ready to supply with the application form.

• completed application form
• DBS Certificate (dated within 3 months)
• proof of Right to Work (passport, birth certificate)
• proof of Planning Permission
• plan of the premises
• public liability insurance (minimum £5 million cover)
• standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• emergency response plan
• infection control procedure
• staff qualifications and training records
• disqualifications and convictions disclosure
• veterinary details
• payment proof - call our customer service centre on 01483 505050 to make payment

Submit your application

Complete all sections of the animal activity licensing form that is relevant to your business and return all forms by email to regulatoryservices@guildford.gov.uk.

Additional information

We have also put together some useful tips to help you complete your application (Word doc, 20 KB)(opens new window).

Email regulatoryservices@guildford.gov.uk if you have any further queries.