Public Information
Information about checking that a business is licenced for animal activities and how to make a complaint about licenced/un-licenced businesses.
Checking that a business/individual is licenced
If you are looking for dog home boarding, kennels, catteries, horse riding establishments, pet shops, dog breeders or an animal exhibitor in the Torridge area you should first check that premises has a valid licence. Details of current licences issued can be viewed on our public register here: Animal Public Register (PDF, 267 KB)
Licenced premises will have been visited by a qualified animal licensing inspector and will have been given a star rating (Exhibiting Animals licences are not star rated) indicating how well they have met the licence conditions. They will also receive regular visits to ensure that standards are maintained.
Buying a dog or puppy
If you are looking to buy a dog or puppy as well as checking that the business is licenced you can also find further information on what you need to consider before buying using the links below.
RSPCA Information on buying a puppy (opens in new tab)
Kennel Club Information on buying a puppy (opens in new tab)
Making a complaint
If you want to make a complaint or have concerns about a licenced premises or about an unlicenced premises that you believe requires a licence please contact the licensing team in writing using the contact details below.
Please note that Torridge District Council cannot investigate complaints of animal abuse/neglect in a domestic home, if you have concerns regarding pet animals you should contact the RSPCA Here (opens in new tab)
Contact us
- email: [email protected]
- phone: 01237 428700
- post: Licensing Team, Torridge District Council, Riverbank House, Bideford EX39 2QG
