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Licensing of Animal Premises

For further information please contact:

Environmental Services

Tel: 01276 707329
Fax: 01276 707365
environmental.health@surreyheath.gov.uk.

Surrey Heath Borough Council
Knoll Road
Camberley
Surrey GU15 3HD

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Licensing costs

The Council enforces a number of animal welfare laws, which require pet shops, kennels, catteries, dog breeders and riding establishments to be licensed. Licences are also required for premises where dangerous wild animals are kept. The main purpose of the licensing is to ensure the welfare of the animals kept on the premises and in some cases to ensure the safety of the public.

The Council has adopted standard conditions for pet shops, kennels, catteries and riding establishments, which are imposed to ensure adequate standards.

Anyone wishing to start one of these businesses in the borough must obtain a licence before starting to trade. Trading without a licence is an offence.

Pet shops
Licensing is required under the Pet Animals Act 1951 for any premises (including market stalls and houses) where animals are sold as pets. Licences must be renewed annually.

Kennels and Catteries
Licences are required under the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963. The fees depend upon the number of animals kept.

Note that the fee for a first licence is 3 times the renewal fee.

Riding Establishments
Licences are required under the Riding Establishments Act 1964 and apply to premises where horses are hired out for riding, or where riding lessons are given. Livery stables do not require a licence.  In addition, the Council has to pass on the costs of employing a vet to carry out an inspection each year, which normally costs £200 - £400, depending on the number of horses.

Note that the fee for a first licence is twice the renewal charge.

Dog Breeders
Licences are required under the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973 and are required for premises where there are more than two breeding bitches.

Note that the fee for a first licence is twice the renewal charge.

Dangerous wild animals
Licensing is required under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 and applies to many types of wild animals, including big cats, monkeys, apes, snakes, bears, large herbivores, large birds, some insects and spiders etc.

Any person thinking of keeping a wild animal should check with the Council to see if it is on the list, which includes any wild animal known, or likely to be dangerous.

Note that the fee for a first licence is twice the renewal charge.

• View the licensing costs