Animal welfare licences

On 1 October 2018, the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 came into force. The regulations provide a new single licensing regime for the following animal licensing activities:

View animal welfare fees (google doc).

The new licensing regime requires that all applicants meet the same, up to date, minimum welfare standards for animals across the country. Your business will have to meet these minimum standards in order to hold and retain a licence.

The new regulations do not have any impact on licensing for people who keep dangerous wild animals or operate zoos. Licences for these activities will continue to be issued under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 and the Zoo Licensing Act 1981.

How do I apply?

To apply for a licence you need to complete a declaration and statutory introduction as well as the relevant application form(s):

Application forms

Page updated on: 19 May 2023

Licensing Service

Address

Hackney Service Centre
1 Hillman Street
E8 1DY

Telephone

Opening times

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – 9am to 5pm (telephone)
  • Wednesday – 9am to 4pm (telephone)
  • Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm (visitors to Hackney Service Centre)