The States Veterinary Office is conducting a survey to gather public input on expanding the current licensing system for businesses and organisations that work with animals in Guernsey.

The States of Guernsey agreed in July 2024 to improve animal welfare protections. 

It’s suggested that licensing will help achieve that by ensuring businesses adhere to standards that protect animals, ensuring they’re properly regulated animal businesses, and can contribute to public safety.

The States Vet also suggests licensing encourages businesses to operate ethically, and that a transparent licensing system would allow the public to properly trust the animal care services they use.

The States Vet said these steps would help create a better, more comprehensive licensing system that protects animals, ensures public safety, and supports ethical businesses while giving consumers confidence in the services they use.

His office added that this survey is a crucial part of gathering the needed information to achieve this.

The licensing would apply to businesses and organisations involved in animal-related activities, but does not apply to individuals who informally help friends with pet care, like with dog-sitting for a neighbor, as an example they used.

It will however impact newer enterprises like dog-walkers, pet-sitters, groomers, pest controllers, or veterinary paraprofessionals such as equine dentists or animal chiropractors, as examples.

These kind of businesses would be brought inline with pet shops, boarding kennels, riding stables, farriers and others, which are currently eligible for licensing by the States Veterinary Office.

Grace Hodgkinson, the Deputy States Veterinary Officer said: “With so many animal lovers in Guernsey, it’s vitally important we hear from the broader population – particularly those who regularly work with animals. The feedback from this survey will help shape licensing conditions that will not only enhance animal welfare but also support those working with animals and ensure high standards and service quality for consumers.”

The survey is available HERE, or a paper copy can be requested by contacting the states on 01481 221161, or by  emailing svo@gov.gg.