Animal boarding establishment licence

Eligibility Criteria

An applicant must not be disqualified from any of the following at the time of the application:

• keeping an animal boarding establishment under the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963
• keeping a pet shop under the Pet Animals Act 1951
• keeping animals under the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954
• owning, keeping, being involved in the keeping or being entitled to control or influence the keeping of animals, dealing in animals or transporting or being involved in the transportation of animals under the Animals Welfare Act 2006
• owning, keeping, dealing in or transporting animals under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

Regulation Summary

A summary of the regulation relating to this licence

Application Evaluation Process

A fee of £169 is payable for home dog boarders (applicants looking after a small number of dogs in their home in a domestic environment).

A fee of £230 is payable for catteries or kennels for cats or dogs boarded in a non-domestic environment.
 
Please be aware annual licences run from 1 January to 31 December irrespective of the licence issue date.  The following criteria will be considered when the application is being evaluated:

• That the animals will be kept in suitable accommodation at all times. Suitable accommodation takes into account the construction and size of the accommodation, the number of animals to be housed in it, facilities for exercising the animals, cleanliness and temperature, lighting and ventilation provisions.
• That suitable food, drink and bedding materials will be provided and that the animals are exercised and visited regularly.
• That steps are taken to prevent and control the spread of disease among the animals and that isolation facilities are in place.
• That adequate protection is provided to the animals in the case of fire and other emergencies.
• That a register is kept. The register should contain a description of all animals received, their arrival and departure date and the name and address of the owner. The register should be available to be inspected at any time by a local authority officer, veterinary surgeon or practitioner.
• Each application will be considered in line with the standard licence conditions for each specific type of animal boarding establishment (see below) and additional conditions may be attached where necessary.

Before determining an application the Licensing Team may authorise an officer, veterinary surgeon or practitioner to inspect a licensed premises to ensure compliance with the standards licence conditions.

Renewal Applications

Licence holders will receive a reminder letter when their licence is due for renewal. The act requires that licences run from 1 January to 31 December irrespective of the original licence issue date. On receipt of your application you will be contacted by the Licensing Team to arrange an inspection of your premises. Following the inspection the licence will be renewed subject to any additional conditions or officer recommendations .

When should I expect a decision?

Tacit consent does not apply to this application as it is in the public interest that the Licensing Team must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the licensing team within one month please contact us. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.

Apply Online

Apply to run an animal boarding establishment

Tell us about a change to your existing circumstances

Renew your licence to run an animal boarding licence

Application forms can also be downloaded at the below link and sent by post to the licensing team.

Failed Application Redress

Please contact Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in the first instance.

Any person aggrieved by the decision to refuse a licence may appeal in writing within 21 days to the council's Licensing Committee. Alternatively you may appeal within 21 days to the Magistrates Court.

Licence Holder Redress

Please contact Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in the first instance.

Any licence holder aggrieved by a condition attached to a licence may appeal in writing within 21 days to the council's Licensing Committee. Alternatively you may appeal within 21 days to the Magistrates Court.

Consumer Complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Other Redress

If you are not happy about other issues such as nuisance (for example noise, dust and drainage), please contact Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Trade Associations

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Pet Care Trust (PCT)

Applications or general enquiries should be addressed to the Licensing Team at the below address.