The BSAVA Big Issues stream at Congress this year featured a session on the changes to animal licensing activities intended to come into force from October 2018 in England. It outlined the impact of the changes on businesses and on those members of the veterinary profession involved in related licensing activities. With the legislation now in place, Adrienne Conroy, BSAVA Head of Policy, reflects on the background to the changes and what they mean in practical terms for businesses and vets, or their clients, who may be involved in this work.