Animal boarding establishments licence

Licence summary

To run a boarding kennel or cattery in the Sevenoaks District, you need a licence from Sevenoaks District Council. The number of dogs and cats that may be accommodated will be specified on the licence along with other specific conditions.

The Council may authorise an officer, veterinary surgeon or practitioner to inspect licensed premises.

The licence is subject to a fee of £205. There may also be additional veterinary inspection fees if required.

Eligibility criteria

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

keeping an animal boarding establishment
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

Please also see the Conditions and Guidance for CAT boarding ( PDF File 87KB file details) and Conditions and Guidance for DOG Boarding ( PDF File 90KB file details)

Regulation summary

View a summary of the eligibility criteria for an animal boarding establishment licence.

Application evaluation

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.

Will tacit consent apply?

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from Sevenoaks District Council by the end of the target completion period, which is 28 working days from the date a valid application was made.

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

Apply by post or in person

Download, print and complete the Animal boarding licence application form ( PDF File 48KB file details). Post the form with £205 payment to the Council's Environmental Protection Team or bring the completed form and payment to the Council's Sevenoaks offices.

Failed application redress

In the first instance, please contact Sevenoaks District Council's Environmental Protection Team.

Any applicant who is refused a licence can appeal to their local Magistrates' Court.

Licence holder redress

In the first instance, please contact Sevenoaks District Council's Environmental Protection Team.

Any licence holder who wishes to appeal against a condition attached to their licence can appeal to their local Magistrates' Court.

Consumer complaints

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 wish to make a formal complaint about a nuisance or other issues e.g. about noise, pollution, etc or complain about another licence holder, please contact the Council on 01732 227000 or environmental.protection@sevenoaks.gov.uk.

Trade associations

Pet Care Trust (PCT)
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Sevenoaks District Council,
Council Offices,
Argyle Road,
Sevenoaks,
Kent
TN13 1HG

01732 227000