The Pet Industry Federation has announced a licensing support package for its members to help them comply with the requirements of the new Animal Activities Licensing (AAL) regulations, which come into force on 1 October 2018.

The new regulations address the huge changes in pet owner attitudes and lifestyles and take account of different business models which have sprung up in recent years and the rise of internet.

There will be one generic licence for commercial pet businesses, regardless of how many licensable activities they undertake and there will be standardised criteria on the various activities providing a framework of minimum standards which businesses must meet in order to gain a licence. In addition, a star-rating system will be introduced for businesses, and there is a requirement within the legislation for trained inspectors.

PIF’s range of measures includes:

• New and updated pet care leaflets on a range of animals have been created to enable retailers to distribute these to prospective new pet owners. These will be freely available to PIF members to download.
  
  
• Policies and information documents to help businesses comply with the written procedures requirements of the legislation. Again, these will be free for members to download.
  
  
• Online training courses, including City & Guilds Level 3 Pet Store Management, and shorter courses on a range of subjects including canine welfare, first aid, small mammals, fish, birds, and reptiles to help businesses comply with the staff training requirements of the legislation. Discounts are available to PIF members.
  
  
• Access to PIF’s Primary Authority scheme, which we operate with the Corporation of London. This scheme can be used by PIF member businesses if they encounter difficulties with their local authority or receive unusual licensing stipulations. Again, this scheme comes as part of PIF membership.

Nigel Baker, PIF chief executive said: "We know that many pet businesses have concerns about complying with the new regulations, particularly if they are falling within the scope of licensing for the first time. We hope that our package of benefits will give members reassurance and take on some of the hard work that businesses would have to do to find suitable documents, leaflets and training courses. Our package will evolve and develop over time to best meet our members’ need and as we act on feedback from them about what they would find most beneficial."

PIF members will be emailed directly with details of this package and how they can access the documents. The full licensing regulations are available to view online at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2018/9780111165485, with the supporting guidance available on the PIF website.

In addition, PIF will be attending PATS Telford (stand A31) where we will be delivering a seminar on both days on the new Animal Activities Licensing regulations. Visitors can talk to the team about PIF membership at PATS; by emailing info@petfederation.co.uk or by telephoning 01234 273933.