Animal Licensing

All inspections and licensing of the following are carried out by North Norfolk District Council's Licensing Team. If you would like advice or information or if you have any complaints or concerns, please contact the Customer Service Team on (01263) 516189 or 516301


Animal Boarding

Annual licence which requires any person who keeps a boarding establishment for cats and/or dogs to be licensed under the Animal Boarding Establishment Act 1963. The aim of the licensing requirements is to achieve certain standards in the management of the accommodation and to ensure precautions against disease and fire. This is done by attaching relevant conditions to the licence to ensure that animals are kept in suitable accommodation. You can download the application form and supporting documentation below:

• Animal Boarding New Application Form (PDF, 23KB)
• Animal Boarding Renewal Application Form (PDF, 25KB)
• Attachment to Animal Boarding Application Form (PDF, 24KB)
• Animal Boarding Register (PDF, 25KB) is to be used by establishments for each animal being boarded
• Cat specific information:
  • Cat Boarding Conditions (PDF, 48KB)
  • Guidance Notes for Cat Boarding (PDF, 63KB)
• Dog specific information:
  • Dog Boarding Conditions (PDF, 48KB)
  • Guidance Notes for Dog Boarding (PDF, 66KB)

Before booking a cat or dog into boarding it may be worthwhile to visit more than one establishment as some catteries/kennels may suit the needs or temperament of your cat/dog better than others. All animals must be up to date in terms of vaccinations before being accepted at a boarding establishment and proof of such will need to be provided to the proprietor upon arrival.



Dangerous Wild Animals

Annual licence which ensures that private individuals who keep dangerous wild animals do so in circumstances which create no risk to the public and which safeguard the welfare of the animals. Animals which are classified as "dangerous wild animals" are identified in an accompanying schedule to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.

In addition to powers of inspection, the Act also gives the Council powers to seize any animal being kept on premises which are unlicensed. Zoos, pet shops and circuses are exempt from the provisions of the Act as these premises are subject to separate licensing conditions. You can download the application form below:

• Dangerous Wild Animals Application Form (PDF, 23KB)

Dog Breeding

Annual licence required under the Breeding of Dogs Acts 1973 and 1991. A "breeding establishment" applies to any person who carries on a business of breeding dogs with a view to their being sold in the course of such business. The Act prescribes standards of management and accommodation and provides for process of inspection. You can download the application form and supporting documentation below:

• Dog Breeding Application Form (PDF, 31KB)
• Attachment to Dog Breeding Application Form (PDF, 24KB)
• Guidance Notes for Dog Breeding (PDF, 37KB)

Pet Shops

Annual licence which regulates the sale of pet animals from licensed pet shops and provides for powers of inspection by an Officer from NNDC at all reasonable times under the Pet Animals Act 1951. One of the legislative provisions is that a pet animal, as defined, cannot be sold to a person under the age of twelve. You can download the application form and supporting documentation below:

• Pet Shop Application Form (PDF, 27KB)
• Attachment to Application Form (PDF, 23KB)
• Pet Shop Conditions (PDF, 29KB)

Riding Establishments

Annual licence for stables which hire out horses or ponies for riding or instruction under the Riding Establishments Acts 1964 and 1970. In addition a report is also required from a veterinary surgeon or practitioner. You can download the application form and supporting documentation below:

• Riding Establishment Application Form (PDF, 60KB)
• Fees Example for Riding Establishments (PDF, 15KB)
• Riding Establishment Conditions (PDF, 22KB)

Zoos

Licence required under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981. A "zoo" is classed as any establishment, other than a circus or pet shop, where animals are kept for public exhibition. Initially, licences are granted for four years, and then are renewable every six years. The Act also requires that, at least twice during the term of the licence, an inspection must be carried out by an Inspector appointed for that purpose by the Secretary of State. You can download the required application form below:

• Zoo New Application Form (PDF, 29KB)
• Zoo Renewal Application Form (PDF, 23KB)