Animal licensing

Apply for a licence to provide boarding in kennels for dogs

Under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, a licence is required to board dogs in kennels as part of a business.

When is a licence needed?

If you are:

  • providing boarding for dogs as part of a business and earn a commission or any fee (even if small)
  • arranging boarding for dogs as part of a business and earn a commission or fee

Are there any exceptions?

The following examples are considered out of scope and do not require a licence:

  • If the primary purpose of the dog being boarded is something else, for example, veterinary practices where the dog is being boarded as part of its medical treatment

What should I consider?

Full details are available in the guidance notes below: 

The following may also be of special interest:

  • If you provide day care for dogs, this is now considered a separate activity. You will need to consider the guidance for this. A double inspection would be carried out and a dual licence issued if granted
  • The number of dogs permitted on your premises is as stated on your licence. No further dogs may be allowed on to the premises for any period of time. This includes dogs that are not being boarded such as those being walked only

How to apply

Complete the following online form:

Apply for an animal activity licence

How to pay

The application fee is payable when you have completed the online form. Only the application fee needs to be paid at this time. The grant fee for the issue of the licence is payable following inspection.

Fees

Boarding in kennels

Up to six animals:
  • Application fee including renewals - £170.00
  • Additional costs - Vet fees where applicable throughout the duration of the licence. Recharged at cost.
  • Licence grant fee for one year - £250.00
  • Licence grant fee for two years - £330.00
  • Licence grant fee for three years - £410.00
Seven to ten animals: 
  • Application fee including renewals - £190.00
  • Additional costs - Vet fees where applicable throughout the duration of the licence. Recharged at cost.
  • Licence grant fee for one year - £270.00
  • Licence grant fee for two years - £360.00
  • Licence grant fee for three years - £440.00
11+ animals: 
  • 11 to 30 animals - application fee including renewals - £205.00
  • 31 to 60 animals – application fee including renewals - £240.00
  • 61 to 99 animals – application fee including renewals - £280.00
  • 100+ animals – application fee including renewals - £320.00 
  • Additional costs - Vet fees where applicable throughout the duration of the licence. Recharged at cost.
  • Licence grant fee for one year - £320.00
  • Licence grant fee for two years - £440.00
  • Licence grant fee for three years - £520.00

Variation of licence

  • Application fee - £80.00
  • Vets fees where applicable and recharged at cost plus £85 inspection fee if required.

Minor variation

  • Minor administrative change (for example, name change or additional carer name) - £20.00

Transfer due to death of licensee

  • Application fee - £80.00

Re-evaluation of star rating

  • Application fee - £49.60
  • Inspection fee - £93.70

Copy of licence

  • Application fee - £11.60

Combination of licensable activities

  • Application fee - Highest fee combined with 50% of lowest application fee.
  • Additional costs - Vets fees as required recharged at cost.
  • Licence grant fee for one year - Highest fee combined with 50% of lowest application fee.
  • Licence grant fee for two years - Highest fee combined with 50% of lowest application fee.
  • Licence grant fee for three years - Highest fee combined with 50% of lowest application fee.

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