Animal boarding establishment - applying for or renewing the licence

For more information contact us(link sends e-mail).

Licence summary

To run a boarding kennel or cattery, we need to issue you with a licence. The number of dogs and cats that may be accommodated will be specified on the licence along with other specific conditions. We 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 Animals Welfare Act 2006
• Owning, keeping, dealing in or transporting animals 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 fee is based upon an application and operating fee. Should the application not be granted, you will be refunded half the fee. If you require any assistance throughout the application process, please contact us using the details below.

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 one of our officers, veterinary surgeon or practitioner.

Trade Associations

Pet Care Trust (PCT) 
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons