
Getting a dog boarding licence in your area requires meeting specific requirements, which vary depending on your location. The first step is to check with your local council or government agency to determine the necessary qualifications and certifications.
You'll need to ensure that your facility meets the minimum standards for dog care and welfare. According to the article, these standards include providing adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care for the dogs in your care.
Before applying for a licence, you'll need to gather the necessary documentation, including proof of liability insurance and a veterinary certificate. This will help demonstrate that you can provide a safe and healthy environment for the dogs.
To obtain a dog boarding licence, you'll need to submit an application to your local council or government agency, along with the required documentation and fees. The application process typically takes several weeks to a few months to complete.
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Getting a License

To get a dog boarding license, you'll need to apply for one of the relevant license types. A Commercial Kennel - Boarding is a place where more than one animal is kept by contractual arrangement with the owner for any purpose other than medical treatment, breeding, or permanent disposal.
The license types include Animal Shelter, Commercial Kennel - Boarding, Commercial Kennel - Non-boarding, Grooming Parlor, Pet Shop, and Combination. These license types have specific requirements and restrictions, so make sure to choose the one that best fits your business needs.
Here are the different license types and their descriptions:
- Animal Shelter: A facility that accepts from the public impounded, stray, homeless, abandoned, or unwanted animals for temporary housing for a period of time not to exceed six months.
- Commercial Kennel - Boarding: A place where more than one animal is kept by contractual arrangement with the owner, whether for compensation or not, for any purpose other than medical treatment, breeding, or permanent disposal.
- Commercial Kennel - Non-boarding: A place where the owner or occupant of the property keeps at least four and not more than 25 total dogs, including puppies.
- Grooming Parlor: Any establishment, public or private, where animals are bathed, clipped, or combed for compensation.
- Pet Shop: Any person or establishment that acquires, holds, or offers animals not bred and whelped from the facility for the purpose of sale or resale to the public.
- Combination: Commercial kennel with grooming parlor.
Procedure
To get a license, you'll need to follow a specific procedure. This involves ensuring that the animals will be kept in suitable accommodation at all times, including proper construction, size, and facilities for exercising, cleanliness, temperature, lighting, and ventilation.
Suitable food, drink, and bedding materials will also be provided, and the animals will be exercised and visited regularly. This is crucial for their health and well-being.

Steps will be taken to prevent and control the spread of disease among the animals, and isolation facilities will be in place. This will help keep the animals safe and healthy.
Adequate protection will be provided to the animals in the case of fire and other emergencies. This could include things like fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency exits.
You'll also need to keep a register of all animals received, their arrival and departure dates, and the name and address of the owner. This register should be available for inspection at any time by a local authority officer, veterinary surgeon, or practitioner.
Here are the key criteria to keep in mind:
- Suitable accommodation
- Suitable food, drink, and bedding materials
- Prevention and control of disease
- Adequate protection in emergencies
- Registration of animals
License Types
Getting a license for your animal-related business can be a complex process, but understanding the different types of licenses is a great place to start.
There are several types of licenses, including Animal Shelter, Commercial Kennel - Boarding, and Pet Shop.

An Animal Shelter is a facility that accepts animals from the public for temporary housing, with a maximum stay of six months.
To operate a Commercial Kennel - Boarding, you'll need a license, which requires keeping more than one animal by contractual arrangement with the owner.
A Commercial Kennel - Non-boarding is a bit different, as it's for owners who keep at least four and not more than 25 total dogs, including puppies.
Grooming Parlors, on the other hand, are establishments where animals are bathed, clipped, or combed for compensation.
You can also have a Combination license, which is for commercial kennels with a grooming parlor.
Here are the different types of licenses in a handy list:
- Animal Shelter: A facility that accepts from the public impounded, stray, homeless, abandoned, or unwanted animals for temporary housing for a period of time not to exceed six months.
- Commercial Kennel - Boarding: A place where more than one animal is kept by contractual arrangement with the owner, whether for compensation or not, for any purpose other than medical treatment, breeding, or permanent disposal.
- Commercial Kennel - Non-boarding: A place where the owner or occupant of the property keeps at least four and not more than 25 total dogs, including puppies.
- Grooming Parlor: Any establishment, public or private, where animals are bathed, clipped, or combed for compensation.
- Pet Shop: Any person or establishment that acquires, holds, or offers animals not bred and whelped from the facility for the purpose of sale or resale to the public.
- Combination: Commercial kennel with grooming parlor.
Requirements for Private Kennels
To operate a private kennel, you'll need to obtain a private kennel license, which must be renewed annually. This license is a crucial requirement.
You'll also need to obtain pet licenses for each dog, which are also renewed annually. This ensures that your dogs are properly registered and accounted for.
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A fenced area suitable for the breed and number of dogs is essential. This should be designed with the dogs' safety and well-being in mind.
You'll need to provide suitable shelter to protect the animals from excessive heat or cold, sunlight, rain, snow, wind, and other elements. This shelter should be safe and comfortable for the dogs.
Sufficient food and water that is accessible and free from contamination is also a must. This ensures that the dogs receive proper nutrition and hydration.
Private kennels are subject to periodic inspections by an Animal Control Officer. This is to ensure that the kennel is meeting all the necessary requirements.
Here's a summary of the key requirements for private kennels:
Animal Boarding
To operate a business providing accommodation for other people's cats or dogs, you need to be licensed under the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963.
The application process requires several documents, including an application form, public liability insurance, and a plan of the premises.

You can make an application by post or in person at the Civic Centre, but you'll need to make an appointment with the Licensing Department first.
The application fee varies depending on whether you're boarding animals in your home or as a kennels/cattery, with a fee of £247.40 for home boarders and £285.26 for kennels/catteries.
Once your application is received, a licensing inspection will be carried out at the premises by an authorised Veterinary Practitioner to ensure you're meeting all the necessary conditions.
Licences are valid until 31st December of each calendar year.
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