Apply for an animal boarding licence

You need a licence if your business provides accommodation for other people's cats or dogs. This includes:

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

Please read the guidance carefully before submitting your application.

For a full list of criteria and to find out if this applies to you please see the relevant guidance notes below:

• Cat boarding licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities - on the GOV.UK website
• Dog kennel boarding licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities - on the GOV.UK website
• Home boarding for dogs licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities - on the GOV.UK website
• Dog day care licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities - on the GOV.UK website

You can apply for, or renew, a dog home boarding licence via our online portal:

• After clicking the link you will need to register in order to make an application.
• Once registered please click on 'Licensing' - then 'Apply for a licence'.
• Then select your local council and scroll down to 'Animal Licensing'
• Please select the type of application you are making (apply for, or renew) and follow the steps.

Apply for, or renew, a dog home boarding licence

Licence costs:

For details of the charges please see:

• Licensing Fees & Charges 2025/26 - Adur District Council (181KB)
• Licensing Fees & Charges 2025/26 - Worthing Borough Council (181KB)

Report an unlicensed establishment

It is an offence to board animals without the appropriate licence. As part of the licence application process we inspect premises to ensure they are suitable and the necessary arrangements are in place to protect both the animals and the public.

If you are concerned that a business is operating without a licence please contact the Public Health & Regulation team.

You may also be interested in:

• Other dog information
• View our public register of licences

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