Find a licensed business to buy, hire or board animals

About licensed businesses

If you want to buy, hire or board an animal, check that the business is properly licensed. 

A business needs an animal welfare licence if they: 

• sell animals as pets
• provide or arrange boarding for cats or dogs
• hire out horses
• breed dogs
• keep or train animals for exhibition 

Licensed businesses need to prominently display their: 

• licence on any premises they use
• name and licence number on any website promoting their business

We have an online directory of licensed animal welfare businesses. It’s voluntary, so it only lists businesses that have asked to be included. 

Check the star rating of an animal welfare licence 

All holders of animal welfare licences have a star rating. 

Check a star rating on our online licence register.

You’ll need the licence number from the licence-holder, or you can contact us for it.