Home boarding and dog day care

Last Updated: 7 May 2024

Businesses need a licence to provide home boarding and day care for dogs.

Defra guidance on home boarding and dog day care

For guidance on home boarding and dog day care consult the CFSG Canine and Feline Sector Grou p legislation and guidance.

To apply for a licence to home board and/or dog day care you should fill in the animal welfare application form (DOC 76KB / 7 pages).

The application form should be returned to the Licensing Team, along with any supporting documentation and the relevant fee:

Existing fees (2024/25):

new application fee: £210.00
renewal application fee: £197.00
variation licence: £36.00, plus inspection & (risk assessment fee,if applicable at £48.00 per hour)
re-evaluation of rating: £136.00
variation of licence – new licensing activity/addition of home boarding host: £36.00 (for each additional licensing activity/additional host) plus inspection & risk assessment fee at £48.00 per hour

Existing licence holders will be sent the relevant application forms about a month before the renewal date.

To apply for a variation to a licence or re-evaluation of the star rating, contact the Licensing team.