Welfare standards for animal licences
If this is your first application for a licence, you will automatically be considered 'high risk.' This is because we won't have any compliance history to evaluate your application. As a consequence, you will not be able to secure a five-star licence on a first application.
Welfare standards
For some animal licences you will need to prove that you can meet the conditions set out in law, before we grant the licence. The length of the licence we grant depends on the outcome of our inspection and the star rating awarded by us. Once your licence has been granted you will receive a visit or number of visits from us.
Minor failings
These are the ratings awarded to existing businesses that are failing to meet minimum standards.
| Star rating | Length of licence | Visits required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low or high risk | 1* | 1 year | Minimum of 1 unannounced visit within 12-month period |
Minimum standards
These are laid down in the government schedules and guidance.
| Star rating | Length of licence | Visits required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low risk | 3* | 2 years | Minimum of 1 unannounced visit within 24-month period |
| High risk | 2* | 1 year | Minimum of 1 unannounced visit within 12-month period |
Higher standards
These are laid down in the government schedules and guidance.
| Star rating | Length of licence | Visits required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low risk | 5* | 3 years | Minimum of 1 unannounced visit within 36-month period |
| High risk | 4* | 2 years | Minimum of 1 unannounced visit within 24-month period |
