Animal activity licensing
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 earn more than £1,000 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 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.
Guidance and information can also be found on the Canine and Feline Sector Group website.
Animal licensing fees and associated fees
- single licence activity - £323
- additional licence activity - £86
- enforcement visit (unannounced visit during term of licence) - £72
- re-rate inspection (full cost recovery) / reinstatement after suspension - £209
- appeal fee (unless re-inspection gives higher rating) - £209
- lost licence / duplicate licence - £33
- variation that involves further inspection - £209
- variation of licence (admin only) - £33
- 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.