GuideAnimal boarding

Show all parts of this guide

1. Running a dog or cat boarding business

Overview

A licence under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 is required by anyone who home boards dogs, runs a dog day care centre, or kennels dogs or cats.  A licence is also needed by most people who breed dogs for sale on a commercial basis.  These licenses are issued by the Environmental Health team at East Devon District Council and will include conditions which must be complied with.

Restrictions

You won't be given a licence if you’ve committed any animal health or welfare offences, or if you’ve been banned from:

  • running a riding establishment

  • running a pet shop

  • keeping animals, including in a boarding kennel or cattery

Applications, renewals, surrendering and changing licences

Please see the following to apply, renew, surrender or change your licence: 

Complaints

Please report concerns about a licensed premises for animals either online or by contacting the environmental health team by phone, 01395 571517, or email environmentalhealth@eastdevon.gov.uk

Inspections

  • Before a new licence can be issued the premises must be inspected by an officer from the environmental health team

  • Inspections are also carried out before the licence is renewed, and during the year, particularly if improvements are needed

Fees

There will be a fee for each application or renewal.  See licence charges for animal boarding establishments.

Public Register

Animal Licence activities and Establishments