PIF represents a range of businesses which will directly affected by the outcome of the review; pet retailers and boarding establishments primarily, but there is also scope in the review to cover other areas such as pet grooming. The Federation will be representing the pet industry in its response to the consultation and will be submitting views which will help ease the regulatory burden on business and ensure that animal welfare is the prime consideration.

To help it formulate its response, PIF has put together an online survey and is asking pet businesses to take a few minutes completing it in order to put forward their views and ensure that their voice is heard.

Nigel Baker (left), PIF’s chief executive said: "The licensing consultation offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to overhaul a range of legislation regulating pet businesses that is outdated and not in keeping with pet-owning habits in the 21st century.

"It is essential that we get it right and create a regulatory environment which underpins animal welfare through the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and removes the inconsistencies and anomalies that the various legal frameworks over the decades have created.

"PIF represents the pet industry on two major groups that report directly to DEFRA. We will therefore be submitting our views to the consultation not only through those groups, but also directly to government through close collaboration with other industry stakeholders.

"We are asking all pet businesses, whether currently licensed or not, to visit our survey and spend a little time writing down their thoughts. Most pet businesses will be affected by any new legislation, either directly or indirectly, so it’s vital that they take advantage of this opportunity to engage with the consultation."

Visit: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ZVJCNYC to access the online survey, which will close at 5pm on Friday 19 February 2016.