Keeping or training animals for exhibition licence

Guidance and conditions

General conditions

General conditions apply in respect of:

  • licence display
  • records
  • use, number and type of animal
  • staffing
  • suitable environment
  • suitable diet
  • monitoring of behaviour and training of animals
  • animal handling and interactions
  • protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease
  • emergencies

Other conditions

Specific, extra conditions for keeping or training animals for exhibition set out rules for:

  • insurance
  • emergencies
  • suitable environment
  • monitoring behaviour and training
  • housing with or apart from other animals
  • records
  • protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease

Before a licence is issued an inspection will be undertaken by an experienced council animal licensing officer. This may include a visit from a vet for a new licence holder.

Where a licence holder is expected to have written plans, procedures, or documented checks, officers will wish to see these as part of the inspection.

A licence will run for a fixed period of 3 years. These licences are not star graded.

Full conditions are available on the Gov.UK web site.