Do You Need an Animal Activities Licence?
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- Nov 14, 2025
- 5 min read
Do You Need an Animal Activities Licence?
Explained for Dog Professionals
If you work with dogs professionally, you may have heard about the Animal Activities Licence (AAL) and wondered whether it applies to you. The rules can feel confusing, especially as some dog professionals do need a licence, while others don’t.
This guide explains who needs an Animal Activities Licence, who doesn’t, and why — so you can be confident you’re operating legally.
What Is an Animal Activities Licence?
An Animal Activities Licence is a licence issued by your local authority under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018. It applies to specific activities involving animals that are carried out as part of a business. [gov.uk], [legislation.gov.uk]
These regulations apply in England only. Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland operate under different frameworks.
Activities That DO Require an Animal Activities Licence
You must hold an Animal Activities Licence if you are running a business that involves any of the following activities in England:
Dog boarding in kennels
Home boarding for dogs
Dog day care
Cat boarding
Dog breeding
Selling animals as pets
Hiring out horses
Keeping or training animals for exhibition
These are defined as licensable activities under the regulations and must be approved by the relevant local authority before operating. [localgover...elfare.org], [casc.org.uk]
Activities That DO NOT Require an Animal Activities Licence
Importantly for many dog professionals:
✅ Dog walking does NOT require an Animal Activities Licence
✅ Pet sitting in the owner’s home does NOT require an Animal Activities Licence
✅ Pet grooming does NOT require an Animal Activities Licence
These activities are explicitly excluded from the Animal Activities Licensing framework in England. [petfederation.co.uk]
However, this does not mean they are unregulated — other laws and local rules may still apply.
Why Dog Walkers Often Get Confused
Confusion usually arises because:
Some local councils require dog walking permits for specific parks or public spaces
Some councils impose PSPO restrictions on dog numbers or lead use
Some insurance policies include conditions that look similar to licence rules
These are separate from Animal Activities Licensing and are enforced under different legal powers.
What Happens If You Need a Licence and Don’t Have One?
If you carry out a licensable activity without the correct Animal Activities Licence, your local authority can:
Order you to stop operating immediately
Issue enforcement notices
Prosecute, with unlimited fines possible
Ban you from holding a licence in future [localgover...elfare.org]
Operating without a required licence is a serious offence.
How Licensing Works (If You Do Need One)
If your business includes a licensable activity:
You apply to your local council
You pay an application fee
An inspection is carried out
You are given a star rating (1–5 stars)
A licence is issued for 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on risk and compliance
Each physical premises must be licensed separately. [localgover...elfare.org]
Key Takeaways for Dog Professionals
Dog walkers do not need an Animal Activities Licence
Dog day care, boarding, and home boarding DO require a licence
Licensing applies only in England
Local council rules and park permits are separate
If in doubt, your local council is the authority, not social media or hearsay
When You Should Double‑Check
You should contact your local council if:
You offer more than one service
You are expanding into day care or boarding
You care for dogs overnight
You operate from your own premises
Local authorities can confirm whether your activity is licensable.
Final Word
Animal Activities Licensing exists to protect animal welfare — not to catch people out. Many dog professionals do not need a licence, but those who do must comply fully. Knowing where your business sits is essential for staying legal, insured, and professional.
A Note on The Dog House, Professionalism & Purpose
This space is written on one clear assumption:
you are a professional, not a casual pet lover with a lead and some spare time.
The Dog House exists because pet care, when done properly, is skilled work. It involves responsibility, judgement, boundaries, risk management, and decision-making — often under pressure and without applause.
Caring deeply does not mean operating loosely.
In fact, the more you care, the more structure you need.
You are allowed to:
• Treat your role as a profession, not a favour
• Expect clients to respect your time, policies, and expertise
• Put systems in place that protect your energy as well as your income
• Talk openly about boundaries, burnout, and business realities
• Acknowledge that loving animals does not mean tolerating poor behaviour from people
• Build a business that fits around your life, not one that consumes it
The Dog House is not about being harsh, cynical, or closed-off.
It is about being clear, grounded, and realistic.
Clarity reduces conflict.
Structure reduces stress.
Professionalism protects everyone — including the animals.
This space is here to support you in doing this work well, ethically, and sustainably, for the long term.
Because pet care businesses built on clarity and self-respect don’t just get by — they last.
About Tori Lynn C. & The Dog House
Welcome to The Dog House — my cosy corner of the TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub. I’m Tori Lynn C., the founder of TLC Dog Walking Limited, mentor to professional dog walkers, and lifelong advocate for dogs and the people who care for them. With over 17 years of hands-on experience in the industry, my mission is to guide you through the realities of running a successful, sustainable dog walking business — from client care and safety to wellbeing, confidence, and professional growth.
The Dog House is where I share the honest, behind-the-scenes conversations we all need: the tricky moments, the funny bits, the business lessons, and the mindset work that keeps us thriving rather than merely surviving. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, you’ll always find support, guidance, and a friendly nudge forward here.
You’re never alone in this journey — you’re part of a community of canine crusaders.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general information and educational purposes only. It is intended to support pet care professionals in understanding common legal considerations when operating a dog walking or pet care business in the UK.
This content does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice from a qualified solicitor or legal professional. Laws, regulations and local authority requirements may change over time and can vary depending on location and individual circumstances.
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date at the time of publication, no guarantees are made regarding completeness or applicability to your specific situation.
By using this website, you acknowledge that:
✓ You are responsible for ensuring your own business complies with all relevant UK laws and local authority rules
✓ You should seek professional legal advice before drafting, using or relying on any contract or legal document
✓ The website owner accepts no liability for loss, damage or legal issues arising from the use of this information
If you are unsure about any legal obligations, contractual terms or liabilities, it is strongly recommended that you consult a solicitor experienced in small business or consumer law.
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