How to apply
To apply for animal related licences you’ll need to complete and return the relevant application form.
- The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018
- Guidance for animal activity licensing
From 1 October 2018 new rules apply to animal boarding, dog crèche, home boarding, dog breeding, performing animals, pet shop and riding establishments.
Please read through the conditions and guidance documents before applying.
The licences applications available are:
Animal boarding, home boarding, dog crèche
- Application form for animal boarding (cats and dogs)
- Dog day care licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities - GOV.UK
- Home boarding for dogs licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities - GOV.UK
- Dog kennel boarding licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities - GOV.UK
- Cat boarding licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities - GOV.UK
Dangerous wild animals
Dog breeding
- Application form for dog breeding
- Dog breeding licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities - GOV.UK
Performing animals
- Application form for performing animals
- Keeping or training animals for exhibition licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities - GOV.UK
Riding establishment application
- Application form for riding establishment
- Hiring out horses licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities - GOV.UK
Sale of animals
- Application form for the sale of animals
- Selling animals as pets (including breeding and selling cats/kittens) licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities - GOV.UK
Please note: The licences cannot be transferred if the premises or business is sold or taken over by a new operator. If the licence holder dies, their personal representative may assume responsibility for the licence, provided they notify the local authority within 28 days of the licence holder’s death that they are now acting as the operator.
XL Bully
You can and should check who are registered animal licence holders
Registered Animal Licences
Primates
The The Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024 will come into force on 6 April 2026, requiring all private primate keepers to have a licence. You are advised to refer to Licence conditions for primate keepers (Schedule 1) - GOV.UK. In the meantime, please immediately register your primate by emailing trading.standards@bolton.gov.uk, who will provide you with the relevant guidance and application form.
Anyone carrying out any of the activities listed above without the appropriate licence may be prosecuted and could face up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.