Licences and permits directory - Animal boarding licence (including kennels, catteries, home boarding and doggy day care)

If you or your business board dogs in kennels or at home, board cats or provide day care for dogs (dog crèches), you will require an animal licence.

The licence runs for one to three years from the date of issue.

You will receive a one to five-star rating on your licence, with a five-star rating the highest possible. The rating will be an accurate reflection of the level of risk of your business and the animal welfare standards you adopt.

To apply, change or renew a licence, you must comply with the licence conditions and guidance.

Professional dog walkers do not require a licence.

View the legislation and licence conditions and guidance

Making an application

Apply to us if your business operates in the Sevenoaks District. If your business operates elsewhere, please to apply to your local council.

Please have the following information and documents to hand as they will need to be supplied as part of your application:

  • A plan of the premises - it does not need to be to scale, but it should include entrances and exits, fire exits, windows, toilets, food preparation areas and any areas dedicated to animals
  • Insurance policy - appropriate insurance must be in place
  • Operating procedures - these should include emergency evacuation plans and daily cleaning, feeding and exercise schedules
  • You must provide details about waste removal and confirmation of any waste contracts
  • Risk assessments, infectious control procedures and safeguarding procedures. These should include:
    • Fire risk assessments
    • Animal isolation processes
    • Dealing with unwell or infectious animals
    • Measures in place to ensure all staff, family and animals remain safe at all times
  • Qualifications – details and copies of any qualifications that are held by the applicant and their staff.

Fees up to 31 March 2024

  • The application fee for animal boarding (kennel and cattery) is £457 (plus any veterinary fees) and the renewal fee is £409
  • The application fee for home boarding and dog day care is £422 (plus any veterinary fees) and the renewal fee is £374.

Fees from 1 April 2024

  • The application fee for animal boarding (kennel and cattery) is £629 (plus any veterinary fees) and the renewal fee is £590
  • The application fee for home boarding and dog day care is £576 (plus any veterinary fees) and the renewal fee is £537.

 

All fees are payable on application.

Download the application form in PDF format