The Animal Focused Alliance has announced a new Primary Authority Partnership with the City of London Corporation, strengthening its ability to support pet professionals across England with clear, consistent, and legally assured licensing advice.

This partnership follows the Alliance’s earlier agreement with Monmouthshire County Council in Wales, meaning it now has Primary Authority coverage across most of the UK.

The government backed Primary Authority scheme, allows groups of businesses to receive official, assured advice on regulation from a single local authority. That advice must then be respected by other local councils during inspections and enforcement, reducing confusion, improving standards, and increasing confidence for regulated businesses.

The Animal Focused Alliance’s Primary Authority Partnerships support pet professionals covered by the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations, including home boarders, dog daycares, breeders, and animal exhibits.

With the City of London now acting as its Primary Authority in England, the Alliance is able to provide its members with assured advice on areas such as licensing conditions, inspection readiness, welfare standards, and premises requirements.

Susie Pritchard, Assistant Director at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre, where the City of London animal health inspectors are based stated: “We are delighted to have agreed a new Primary Authority Partnership with Animal Focused Alliance. This partnership allows us to support members by promoting better regulation and providing consistent advice on all matters relating to animal activity licensing.”

Founder of the Animal Focused Alliance, Vicky Skinner, said: “This second partnership marks a huge step forward. It means our members, wherever they’re based, can now access licensing advice that’s recognised and assured. It brings clarity to licensing, improves welfare, and allows us to support our members through all aspects of the licensing process.”

For more information and to join, visit www.animalfocusedalliance.co.uk