If you carry out business or an activity involving animals, you may need a licence.
You will require an 'animal activity licence' if you:
- sell animals as pets
- provide for, or arrange for the provision of boarding for cats or dogs (including boarding in kennels, catteries, home boarding for dogs and day care for dogs)
- hire out horses (whether for riding lessons or not)
- breed dogs
- breed, keep or train animals for exhibition (including performance)
There is also a business threshold test which applies if you take more than £1,000 (before cost deductions) or earn a commission or fee from one of the specified business activities. This also means that if you breed dogs and earn more than £1000 (before cost deductions) you will need a licence - even if this is from just one litter.
These guidance documents explain the standards you need to comply with, before a licence is granted or renewed.
Prior to applying we strongly recommend that you check with Chesterfield Borough Council Planning Department to determine if you need to apply for permission for a change of use or to carry out these activities at your address. Their contact details are available here.
Also, if you are intending to operate from a domestic address you may require permission from your landlord or mortgage lender. It is recommended that you contact them and obtain any required permissions before submitting your application.
Guidance and information can also be found on the Canine and Feline Sector Group website.
Animal licensing fees and associated fees
- single licence activity - £331
- additional licence activity - £88
- enforcement visit (unannounced visit during term of licence) - £74
- re-rate inspection (full cost recovery) / reinstatement after suspension - £214
- appeal fee (unless re-inspection gives higher rating) - £214
- lost licence / duplicate licence - £34
- variation that involves further inspection - £214
- variation of licence (admin only) - £34
- vets fees - the applicant or licence holder will be invoiced the amount determined by the vet following the inspection
Please note that all fees are subject to a percentage increase on a yearly basis.
How to apply
Please make sure you complete:
- part 1 general information
- part 2 for each licensed activity you are applying for
- part 3 the declaration
We will not be able to process your application unless all three parts and completed.
| Part 1 Introductory section |  (Word 49 KB) |
| Part 2 Animal boarding dogs and cats | (Word 49 KB) |
| Part 2 Breeding and sale of dogs | (Word 50 KB) |
| Part 2 Hiring out horses | (Word 52 KB) |
| Part 2 Performing animals | (Word 52 KB) |
| Part 2 Pet vending | (Word 52 KB) |
| Part 3 Declaration | (Word 44 KB) |
Send your completed application forms by email to food@chesterfield.gov.uk
Please call us on 01246 345160 to make your payment by debit card over the phone.
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We deal with animal licensing under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) England Regulations 2018.