Changes to the animal licensing laws

The Government published updated legislation for animal businesses which became effective on 1 October 2018. Under these 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 keeping or training animals for exhibition below.

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 keeping or training animals for exhibition 
• Application for a licence to keep or train animals for exhibition (PDF)
• Tips for applying for an animal welfare licence
• Animal licensing fees 

Pay for a licence 

Go to our online payment page and pay for a licence: 

Pay for a keeping or training animals for exhibition licence