Animal Boarding Establishment Licence

To run a boarding kennel or cattery, you 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 specific conditions.

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

• 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

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 a local authority officer, veterinary surgeon or practitioner

Your application will need to consider whether planning permission is required for the proposed licensed activity. You should contact Planning Reception on 01473 825828 or email planningcontrol@babergh.gov.uk. Your application for a licence will not be approved until the planning issue has been decided.

No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within 42 calendar days of a new application (28 calendar days for changes/renewals), please contact us. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below

Apply to run an animal boarding establishment

Tell us about a change to your existing circumstances

Renew your licence to run an animal boarding licence  

Please contact the Local Authority in the first instance.

Any applicant who is refused a licence can appeal to their local Magistrates' court

Please contact the Local Authority in the first instance.

Any licence holder who wishes to appeal against a condition attached to their licence can appeal to their local Magistrates' court

Pet Care Trust (PCT) 

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons