Animal welfare licences

Apply for an animal welfare licence, including licences for dog and cat boarding, selling animals as pets, dog breeding and hiring out horses.

Contents

Animal welfare licensing conditions and inspections

The licence conditions and standards relate to:

  • structure
  • safety
  • security
  • infectious disease control
  • the suitability of the licence holder

The aim is to:

  • ensure minimum standards of welfare for animals
  • prevent the spread of disease
  • ensure the safety of the public visiting these premises

For more on licensing conditions, go to animal activities licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities – GOV.UK.

Licensing application inspections and star ratings

Before we decide whether to grant a licence, we inspect all premises where licensable activities take place.

As part of this process, our officers will grade the licensable activities and apply a star rating. 

This rating determines the length of licence granted, ranging from 1 to 3 years. Businesses which meet the rating’s higher standard will be granted a higher star and longer licence term.

Public register

Our animal welfare public register contains details of businesses and individuals which hold an animal activity licence, as well as their star rating.

View the licensing public register

Inspections after a licence is granted

After we grant a licence, we make inspections to confirm standards are maintained, and in response to complaints received. Our advice to anyone using these premises is always:

  • check they are licensed by us (Woking Borough Council) and ask to see the current licence
  • inspect the premises prior to leaving your pet, buying an animal, or taking a riding lesson
  • ensure that riding schools have current public liability insurance

Any complaints regarding animal cruelty should be directed to the RSPCA.