Preventative Healthcare Plans for Licensing Regulations: Policy and legislation

The new Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 came into place in October 2018 replacing previous licensing guidelines for breeding dogs and pet shops, and also include newer activities such as doggy day care, home boarding, and online pet vendors. Previously unlicensed animal shows/exhibitions also now require a license. As a part of these requirements, the licensee must be registered with a veterinary surgeon and, for day care, boarding and home boarding, must have a Preventative Health Plan. Such a formal plan is new for many licensees and so they will require the help of their veterinary surgeon in formulating one. John and Kate Chitty of Anton Vets look at what is involved and how to draw up a plan for a license-holder.