Just before Christmas, we had our most recent Animal Activities Licence inspection with the Animal Licensing Authority. They reviewed and inspected our full setup, our written procedures, and the day-to-day reality of how we care for animals — the practical stuff and the paperwork.

I’m genuinely pleased to say we were awarded the highest standard possible at this stage. It’s a brilliant way to go into the new year, and it’s also a good moment to explain what these inspections actually involve — and why an Animal Activities Licence matters so much for animal welfare and customer trust.

Why an Animal Activities Licence matters

An Animal Activities Licence isn’t just a formality. It exists to make sure anyone breeding and selling animals is doing it responsibly — with proper welfare standards, appropriate facilities, and robust processes that protect both the animals and the people buying them.

For customers, it builds trust because it means:

• Our setup and practices are assessed against recognised welfare standards.
• We’re accountable to an independent authority, not just “trust me, mate”.
• We operate with traceability, written procedures, and consistent care.

If you’re browsing online and comparing breeders, the licence is one of the clearest signs you’re dealing with someone who takes welfare seriously.

Helpful reads: If you’d like to dig deeper, we’ll link here to our posts on compliance, animal care, animal welfare, and our training course (internal links coming — I’ll slot these in once you confirm the page URLs).

What the inspectors looked at (Section 12)

The inspection covered everything that sits under “Section 12” requirements — basically, the full picture: facilities, policies, procedures, and evidence that standards are followed consistently.

Here are the key areas they reviewed:

Animal welfare and husbandry

• Enclosure suitability, space, enrichment, and species-appropriate setups.
• Environmental control (temperature, humidity, lighting), and how we monitor it.
• Feeding routines, supplementation, and general condition checks.
• Welfare indicators — what we look for and what we do if something is “off”.

Biosecurity and disease control

• Quarantine procedures for new arrivals or isolated animals.
• Cleaning and disinfection protocols (what we use, how often, and why).
• Cross-contamination controls (tools, tubs, workflows, and handling routines).

Record keeping and traceability

• Animal records, breeding records, and movement / sales traceability.
• Feeding logs or routine care records where appropriate.
• Evidence that processes are followed, not just “written down”.

Policies, procedures, and contingency planning

• Emergency procedures and contingency planning (power loss, heatwaves, illness, etc.).
• Veterinary access and what we do if an animal requires treatment.
• Transport and handling procedures to minimise stress and risk.

Training, competence, and best practice

• Knowledge of the species we keep and breed — and how we apply it in practice.
• Staff competence (where relevant), and how we make sure standards are consistent.
• Our approach to continuous improvement.

Note: Once you share your report, I’ll tailor these bullet points to exactly match what was referenced and how it was phrased — without over-claiming.

Highlights from this inspection

While the full report goes into detail, there were a few areas that were particularly well received. In plain English: they saw a setup built around welfare, consistency, and control — not shortcuts.

• Overall standard: awarded the highest standard achievable at this point.
• Procedures and policies: clear, thorough, and actually reflected in day-to-day practice.
• Training course: this was a standout point — see below.

Why training was a standout (and why we’re sharing it)

One of the most encouraging parts of the inspection was the feedback on the training course we’ve pulled together. The Authority were genuinely pleased with it and recommended that we share it as best practice for other dart frog and amphibian keepers.

That matters because in the amphibian world, formal training options are still surprisingly thin on the ground. A lot of people learn through forums, social media, or piecing together info from different sources — and while the community is full of helpful people, that isn’t always consistent or evidence-led.

Our goal with the Frogfather training course is simple:

• Make good welfare knowledge easier to access.
• Standardise the basics so fewer animals suffer from avoidable mistakes.
• Give keepers a clear framework for husbandry, hygiene, and long-term success.

Internal link: View the Frogfather Dart Frog & Amphibian Training Course

Why licensing builds trust (especially online)

Online animal sales can be a bit of a minefield. Some sellers do things brilliantly, some do the bare minimum, and some are… let’s say “optimistic” with their claims.

A licence helps cut through that because it’s independent. It means we’ve been assessed on:

• Welfare standards and appropriate facilities
• Biosecurity and disease prevention
• Policies, traceability, and record keeping
• Competence and knowledge

And importantly — it’s not a one-and-done. Licensing is about maintaining standards, not doing one big tidy-up and hoping for the best.

Final thoughts: going into the new year the right way

I’m proud of this result — not because it’s a “badge”, but because it reflects the work that happens every day behind the scenes. We’ll keep raising the bar, keep improving, and keep sharing what we learn, because better information leads to better welfare across the hobby.

If you’ve got questions about licensing, welfare standards, or what you should look for when buying from a breeder, check the FAQ below.

Animal Activities Licence FAQ (UK)

Do I need an Animal Activities Licence to sell amphibians in the UK?

In England, selling animals as a business (including breeding and sales) generally falls under the Animal Activities Licensing regime. Requirements can depend on how sales are conducted and whether activity is considered “in the course of business”. If you’re unsure, your local authority is the correct place to check.

What happens during an Animal Activities Licence inspection?

An inspector will typically review animal welfare, accommodation, husbandry routines, biosecurity, records, written policies, contingency planning, and competence/knowledge. The aim is to confirm welfare standards are met consistently in practice.

Why should I buy from a licensed amphibian or dart frog breeder?

Licensing provides independent oversight and helps demonstrate that welfare, hygiene, and traceability standards are being met. It’s one of the strongest trust signals when buying animals online.

Are there training courses for dart frog and amphibian keepers?

There are some learning resources available, but formal training options are still limited. That’s why we’ve built our own structured training course and are making it available to keepers who want to do things properly.

Does a licence guarantee perfect animal welfare?

No system can guarantee perfection, but licensing improves accountability and standards by requiring welfare controls, evidence, and ongoing oversight. It’s a strong indicator that a breeder is operating responsibly.