Animal boarding / dog sitting licences
If you run a business that provides other people's dogs and cats with a place to stay, you must get a licence from us.
What we will check
Before we can give you a licence, we will need to make sure that:
- the animals will be kept somewhere suitable that is well made, large enough, well ventilated, a suitable temperature and light enough
- there won't be too many animals kept together
- suitable food, drink and bedding will be provided and that the animals are exercised and visited regularly
- you understand how to stop illness from spreading among the animals and that you have a place where sick animals can be kept away from healthy animals
- the animals are protected if there is a fire or other emergency
- a register is kept - giving descriptions of the animals, the dates they arrive and leave and details of their owners - and is available for inspection at any time.
Disqualifications
You cannot apply for a licence if you are disqualified from:
- 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
- any dealings with animals under the Animals Welfare Act 2006
- owning, keeping, dealing in or transporting animals under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.
Apply or renew
Fill in an application online using the links below. The links take you to another government website.
Apply for animal boarding establishment licence
Change or renew an animal boarding establishment licence
You can also get an application form from us using the contact details on this page. Please complete the form and return it with the fee to the area licensing office.
You will be charged a fee for this licence.
Appeals
If you don't agree with our decision, you can appeal to your local Magistrates' court.
Contacts
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