Providing or arranging for the provision of boarding for cats or dogs

Licence summary

Schedule 1 of the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 defines Animal Boarding in the following way:

"Providing or arranging for the provision of accommodation for other people’s cats or dogs in the course of a business on any premises where the provision of that accommodation is a purpose of the business."

In scope

This would include:

  • businesses which provide accommodation for other people’s cats and dogs, where the provision of that accommodation is part or solely the activity of the business.
  • businesses which arrange for the provision of accommodation for other people’s cats and dogs, for example, businesses that connect pet owners with people willing to look after their animals for no fee (just minor expenses).
  • this applies regardless of whether the business is arranging for dog boarding in kennels, cat boarding, home boarding or dog day care.

Out of scope

This would include:

  • businesses where accommodation is provided for other people’s cats and dogs, but where the provision of that accommodation is not the purpose of that business, for example, veterinary practices where the accommodation provided is  part of the treatment of the animal.

Regulation

"Sufficient numbers of people who are competent for the purpose must be available to provide a level of care that ensures that the welfare needs of all the animals are met."  Competence can be demonstrated by holding an appropriate qualification, but can also be demonstrated through suitable experience or training.

General and specific conditions activities:

The Guidance notes for the general and specific conditions for each activity can be found below:

New applications

Before any Animal Activity Licence is issued Warwick District Council must:

  • Consider the current and previous conduct of the applicant to determine whether they are a fit and proper person to carry out the licensable activity
  • Inspect the proposed site to assess if it is likely to meet the licence conditions (in some cases this may require a veterinarian to be present as well as the Local Authority Inspector)
  • Consider the contents and recommendations of the inspectors report
  • Ensure that the correct application form and fee have been received

The Animal Activity Licence, can be variable in duration, lasting between 1 and 3 years. Each licence issued will be determined by the outcome of the risk assessment undertaken during the inspection. Further information on this process can be found in the Procedural guidance notes.

Renewing a licence

Warwick District Council should advise each licence holder that their licence needs to be renewed 3 months before the current licence expires.  The licence holder must apply for a renewal licence at least 10 weeks before their current licence expires, if they wish to continue to operate the licensable activity without a break.  An inspection of the premises must be completed before a licence can be renewed.

The application form is available below in an editable word format or in a PDF format.  Applications can be made via email or post to the Licensing contact details below.

Fees

Please Note: As the duration of the licence is variable, the licence fee is payable upon the granting of the licence. 

Licensing fees and payments

Will tacit consent apply?

No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted.

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