Animal boarding establishments
New Animal Licensing Regime
On 1st October 2018, The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 came into force. These regulations replace a number of pieces of existing legislation set to be repealed at the end of 2018 and will provide a new single licensing regime for a number of animal licensing activities.
Those undertaking the following activities will need to be licensed under the new regime:
- Selling animals as pets
- Providing or arranging for the provision of boarding for cats or dogs (including day care)
- Hiring out horses
- Breeding dogs
- Keeping or training animals for exhibition
Licences held under the current system relating to pet shops, animal boarding establishments, riding establishments or dog breeding will continue in force for the rest of their term – 31st December. Licence holders will then need to make an application for a licence under the new regime and comply with the new requirements.
The new Regulations set nationally applicable conditions that licence holders must comply with. A ratings system will be introduced whereby licence holders will be given a rating dependant on specified criteria. Current licence holders are advised to consider the conditions contained within the new regulations which will need to be complied with.
The Regulations can be found at:
Fees and a policy will be determined by the authority.
Zoos and Dangerous and Wild Animals will continue to be licensed under existing legislation.
Animal Boarding Establishments - apply for a licence
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
Guidance Notes for Boarding Cats:
Guidance Notes for Dog Boarding Kennels:
Guidance Notes for Dog Home Boarding:
Guidance Notes for Day Care for Dogs:
Please read all the applicable guidance before submitting an application.
Application for an Animal Activity Licence:
Application for an Animal Activity Licence - to type into (351KB)
Application for an Animal Activity Licence - to hand write (642KB)
Animal Licences Fees & Charges:
Report an Unlicensed 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 establishment please contact the Public Health & Regulation Team.
See also:
Need assistance? Get in touch:
Licensing Unit, Public Health & Regulation
Page last updated: 08 April 2020