Applying for a licence
To apply for a new animal activities licence, the respective application form and written procedures (as required by the licence conditions) must be submitted together when applying to the Council for a new licence. (Please refer to the guidance notes on licence conditions for the respective animal licensing activity on the Council's animal licensing webpage). Incomplete applications received will be rejected.
To apply for a licence renewal, completed licence application forms must be submitted to the Council at least 10 weeks prior to the licence expiry date. Renewal reminders are sent out approximately 12 weeks prior to the licence expiry date.
Upon receipt of a complete application, an invoice will be issued for the licence application fee and grant of licence fee payable. Where a vet is required by the Council to attend the inspection visit, prepayment of vet's fees will also be payable by the applicant. The licence application will only be progressed once all fees due have been paid.
The application, together with supporting documentation, will be examined following which an inspection visit of the business premises will be carried out.
The findings of the inspection visit will be considered and a decision made as to whether all licence conditions are being met or not. A new licence cannot be granted where there are minor failings. An applicant will be given a reasonable period of time to address minor failings before a decision is made to grant or refuse a licence. Where there are major failings, the licence application will be refused.
Where a licence is granted, a star-rating will be awarded. This is based on whether the business either meets the minimum standards or the higher standards set out within the licence conditions and depends upon the risk rating applied. New businesses can only achieve either a 2-star rating, or a 4-star rating. Existing businesses can be awarded a star-rating of either 1, 3 or 5 stars depending on whether they have minor failings, or are meeting the minimum or higher standards. No star-rating is awarded for licences to keep or train animals for exhibition (these licences are for 3 years). The length of a licence is dependent upon the star rating applied (licences are granted for 1, 2 or 3 years).
Businesses can appeal the star-rating, or appeal a decision to refuse a licence. Businesses can also apply to be reassessed any at any time by during the licence period by requesting a re-rating.
More information about the animal activities licensing process can be found by visiting the government's website where more information about the animal activities licensing process can be found.
Animal boarding application form
Selling animals as pets application form
Hiring out horses application form
Keeping or training animals for exhibition
Licence fees for the year 2024 to 2025
Do you have planning permission for your business activities or buildings? You may require planning permission for a change of use of your premises, or for the construction of buildings. For further information contact the Council's Planning Services.
Complaints that may arise from neighbours as a result of your activities.
Businesses must ensure the health and safety of all staff and the public. Advice on health and safety at work can be obtained from our Health and Safety team.
Commercial waste disposal arrangements.
Email: fhsadmin@tendringdc.gov.uk
Address: Environmental Health (Food Health & Safety), Town Hall, Station Road, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex CO15 1SE
Telephone: 01255 686767
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