Animal Focused Alliance secures Primary Authority partnership for Wales

The Animal Focused Alliance, a pet industry body, has formed a Primary Authority partnership with Monmouthshire County Council to improve regulatory consistency for pet businesses in Wales.

The government-backed scheme allows organisations to receive expert advice from a designated local authority – in this case, Monmouthshire – on how to apply relevant regulations.

These include the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Wales) Regulations and the Animal Boarding Establishments Act.

For businesses such as pet sellers, dog daycares, home boarders, breeders and animal encounter providers, licensing rules can be “overwhelming, inconsistent and confusing”. 

Local authorities may interpret and enforce the regulations differently, leaving businesses uncertain about their obligations.

Through the new partnership, Monmouthshire’s guidance will be shared across the Animal Focused Alliance’s membership, helping businesses meet legal requirements regardless of their local authority.

The announcement comes as the Welsh government considers introducing new regulations for animal sanctuaries and pet grooming services.