By law, pet shops, boarding kennels, dog breeders, dangerous wild animal collections, catteries, home boarding for dogs and horse riding establishments must all be licensed by the local authority. To be licensed, they must meet strict guidelines set out to provide the best care for the animals and for the staff who work with them.
At least once a year the Dog Warden (or a Vet, in the case of Riding Schools) will inspect each licensed premises to see that all standards are met. Our Dog Warden, who often works in conjunction with the RSPCA, is responsible for dealing with complaints about the welfare of animals kept at licensed establishments. Complaints about unlicensed establishments (e.g. Puppy Farms, animal sales in Village halls) are also investigated.
For any other animal welfare concern, contact the RSPCA.
Do I need a licence? (Please note that there is no such thing as a 'Dog Licence')
You do need a licence if:
- You run a business selling animals for pets, you need a pet shop license, even if you are based at home. (Pet Animals Act 1951).
- You breed dogs, and sell the puppies (Breeding & Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999).
- If you keep animals named on the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.
- You look after other peoples' cats or dogs as a business, you need an animal boarding establishment licence (Boarding Establishments Act).
- If you look after other peoples' dogs in your own home, you need a animal boarding establishment licence for home boarding (Boarding Establishments Act).
- You own horses, and teach people to ride, you need a riding establishment licence (Riding Establishment Act 1964 and 1970).
Licence fees including VAT from 1 January to 31 March 2010
|
Type of Licence
|
Price of new Licence
|
Price of renewal Licence
|
| Animal Boarding |
£232.00
|
£87.00
|
| Home Boarding of Dogs |
£81.20
|
£81.20
|
| Dangerous Wild Animals |
£254.00
|
£254.00
|
| Dog Breeding |
£208.00
|
£86.00
|
| Pet Animals |
£208.00
|
£86.00
|
| Riding Establishments |
£305.00
|
£305.00
|
If applying for a renewal of a licence you will need to supply:
- Completed application form.
- Correct payment.
If applying for a riding establishment licence you will need to supply:
- Completed application form.
- Correct payment.
- Any necessary documents concerning experience of teaching.
- A valid Insurance Policy, as specified by question 11(ii) on the application form. A current certificate of insurance or a letter from the underwriters specifying the maximum liability in respect of claims, which should not be less than £1,000,000 are adequate for this purpose.
- If held by the applicant or members of staff, a copy of the British Horse Society Riding and Road Safety Certificate or equivalent qualification.
- Veterinary Certificate of Health for any new animals. It is necessary to provide us with a Veterinary Certificate of Health for any new animals before they are used under the Terms of the Acts within the Establishment.
If applying for a brand new licence as well as the above you will need to supply a copy of the planning consent.
Application forms for licences can be obtained from the Environmental Health and Licensing Services.
Environmental Health and Licensing Services
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BB
Tel: 01483 444371
Fax: 01483 444546
Email: environmentalhealth@guildford.gov.uk