The Government published updated legislation for animal businesses which became effective on 1 October 2018. Under the new regulations, 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 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. Please, therefore, consider the conditions below before making an application which must be submitted at least 10 weeks before expiry.

Before you apply 

Please read the guidance notes for conditions for selling animals as pets. (below) This provides guidance on each of the conditions which you/the premises must be able to meet before you apply for a licence. Determination of a licence will be based on the findings of the authorised officer at the time inspection visit.

The Procedural Guidance for Animal Activity Licensing will give you an overview of how the Licensing authority will assess your application and determine the licence.

If you need further information please contact us at licensing@beford.gov.uk

Application forms and guidance 

• Procedural Guidance for Animal Activity Licensing
• Guidance notes for selling animals as pets
• Application for a licence to sell animals as pets (PDF)
• Tips for applying for an animal welfare licence
• Schedule of fees (PDF) 

How to apply for a licence 

When you are satisfied that you will be able to meet all of the conditions for the relevant licence please complete the application form in full, attaching the following supporting documents and the application fee:

• Plan of the premises which states the name and address, designated areas clearly labelled with name and measurements
• Valid Insurance policy
• Operating procedures
• Risk assessments (including fire)
• Infection control procedure
• Qualifications
• Training records

Any other supporting documents required by the legislation must be available at the inspection visit.

The completed application form and supporting documents should be sent to:

Licensing
Room 318 Borough Hall
Cauldwell Street
Bedford 
MK42 9AP

or delivered by hand to:

Customer Service Centre
Horne Lane
Bedford
MK41 9TG

Pay for your licence 

Pay for a licence to sell animals as pets

Public register of animal activity licences

See below for a list of animal activity licences granted by Bedford Borough Council.  

Note - Star ratings are an indication of the degree of compliance with licensing criteria under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, as at the time of the last application, and may not necessarily reflect the quality of service or provision of care for animals which is delivered at that business. Ratings do not constitute any form of recommendation by or from Bedford Borough Council.

Download the Public Register of Animal Activity Licences.

GDPR and Privacy Statements

View the full privacy statement for pet shops