Changes to animal licensing laws
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 below carefully before you apply.
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@bedford.gov.uk
Application forms and guidance
- Procedural Guidance for Animal Activity Licensing
- Guidance notes for conditions for hiring out horses
- Application for a licence to hire out horses (PDF)
- Tips for applying for an animal welfare licence
- Animal licensing fees
Pay for your licence
Go to our online payment page and pay for a licence:
Pay for a hiring out horses licence
GDPR and privacy statements
View the full privacy statement for riding establishment licences