Animal Boarding Establishment Licence
Licence summary
To run a boarding kennel or cattery, you need a licence from the local authority. The number of cats and dogs that may be accommodated will be specified on the licence along with specific conditions. A local authority may authorise an officer, veterinary surgeon, or practitioner to inspect licensed premises.
Eligibility Criteria
An applicant must not be disqualified from any of the following at the time of the application:
- keeping an animal boarding establishment
- keeping a pet shop under the Pet Animals Act 1951
- keeping animals under the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954
- owning, keeping, being involved in the keeping or being entitled to control or influence the keeping of animals
- dealing in animals or transporting or being involved in the transportation of animals under the Animal Welfare Act 2006
- owning, keeping, dealing in or under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006
In Scotland an applicant must also not be disqualified from working with, using, driving or riding animals, providing services to animals that would involve taking possession of them, taking possession of an animal to carry out any of the activities listed or taking charge of animals for any other purpose.
Application Evaluation Process
Fees will be payable for applications and conditions may be attached. The following criteria will be considered when the application is being evaluated:
That the animals will be kept in suitable accommodation at all times. Suitable accommodation takes into account the construction and size of the accommodation, the number of animals to be housed in it, facilities for exercising the animals, cleanliness and temperature, lighting and ventilation provisions.
That suitable food, drink and bedding materials will be provided and that the animals are exercised and visited regularly.
That steps are taken to prevent and control the spread of disease among the animals and that isolation facilities are in place.
That adequate protection is provided to the animals in the case of fire and other emergencies.
That a register is kept. The register should contain a description of all animals received, their arrival and departure date and the name and address of the owner. The register should be available to be inspected at any time by a local authority officer, veterinary surgeon or practitioner.
Regulation Summary
A Summary of the regulation relating to this licence 
Apply online
Apply for registration of an Animal Boarding Establishment
Renew your licence to run an animal boarding licence
Apply by post or email
Please complete this Animal Boarding Establishment licence application form and post or email us
Animal Boarding Establishment licence application
What does this cost?
What happens next?
You will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from us within 40 working days.
What happens if something changes?
Tell us about changes to your existing Animal Boarding Establishment licence
Applicant/Licence Holder Redress
If you are unhappy about the way that we have dealt with your application, the Council has a formal mechanism for dealing with such issues. Please see our website Comments, Compliments and Complaints or call our Customer Service Team on 01462 474000.
Consumer Complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form of a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
