Licensable activities involving animals and the relevant establishments

The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 covers animal licensing. This includes home dog boarding, dog day care, boarding dogs in kennels and boarding cats.

From 1 October 2018, all applications and renewals will be under these regulations.  Read the 'new regulations' here.

If you're providing board for any dog or cat in the course of a business, including in a private dwelling, you will need a licence from the local authority.  The number of dogs and cats that may be accommodated will be specified on the licence along with other conditions.

A local authority may authorise an officer, veterinary surgeon or practitioner to inspect licensed premises.

How can I apply?

From 1 February 2022 the statutory guidance has been refreshed. The statutory guidance contains the licence conditions, the guidance to help you to achieve the licence and higher standards that can also be achieved. Please contact us if you need assistance with the application on 01908 252504.

The statutory guidance relates to the below activities.

• Kennels 
• Catteries (cat boarding)
• Home boarding of dogs (including dog day care at home) 
• Dog day care (commercial premises) 

You can apply via one of the following options:

• Apply online through the government website by completing the application form and uploading it
• Apply using our online form
• You can also download our form as a PDF document, and apply by sending the completed form to our team by post or email. You will find our contact details on the form.

How much does the licence cost?

The fees for animal boarding licences, for the 2022 - 2023 period, are as follows:

Kennels and/or catteries

• New licence for kennel AND cattery - £600
• Renewal licence for kennel And cattery - £517
• New licence for kennel OR cattery - £510
• Renewal licence for kennel OR cattery - £445

Home boarding of dogs

• New boarder - £641
• Renewal boarder - £439

Dog day care

• New dog day care - £510
• Renewal dog day care - £445

These fees will change on 1st April each year.