Animal boarding establishments

An animal boarding establishment is a business that provides accommodation for other people's dogs or cats. This includes:

• kennels
• catteries
• dog day care boarding
• home boarding

Under the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 those who run such establishments must obtain a licence from the Local Authority. All applications for an animal boarding licence are treated on their own merit but when issuing a licence Adur & Worthing Councils may impose a number of conditions to secure the following licensing objectives:

• Dogs and cats are kept in accommodation suitable in respect of construction, size, temperature, lighting, ventilation and cleanliness
• They are adequately supplied with food and drink, and are visited at suitable intervals
• The animals are kept secure
• Reasonable precautions are taken to prevent the spread of infectious disease
• Appropriate steps are taken in the event of an emergency
• A suitable, consistent, level of management is maintained

Adur & Worthing Councils have produced a guide to the licensing of Animal Boarding Establishments to assist the public, business operators, enforcement officers and councillors:

• Guide to Animal Boarding Establishment Licensing (179KB)

Licence holders & applicants should note that the legislation dictates that all animal boarding licences expire on 31st December irrespective of when the licence was applied for or granted. A full year's fee is required to be paid on application irrespective of the time of year application is made.

Apply for an animal boarding establishment licence

Costs for an Animal Boarding Establishment licence are:

• Domestic Premises catering for up to 5 animals £140.00 (reflects cost of provision)
• Commercial Premises catering for over 5 animals £300.00 (reflects cost of provision)

Licence fees are subject to an annual review and come into force in April. Prices quoted correct as at 1st April 2017.

Apply for an animal boarding establishment licence

Report unlicensed home boarding establishment

It is an offence to board animals without the relevant licence. Adur & Worthing Councils when issuing licences inspect premises to ensure their suitability and the arrangements in place to protect the animals and the public. If you have knowledge of an unlicensed Animal Boarding Establishment or Home Boarding Establishment please contact the Public Health & Regulation Team.

See also:

• Other dog information

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