Animal Boarding Establishments Licence and Advice

View further information about Licensing of Animal Premises

Opens in a new windowTo run a boarding kennel or cattery, you need a licence from Surrey Heath Borough Council.

The number of dogs and cats that may be accommodated will be specified on the licence along with other specific conditions.

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

What are the conditions of the licence?
There are some conditions attached to this licence. They state that 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
• Owning, keeping, dealing in or transporting animals under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. In Scotland an applicant must also not be disqualified from working with, using, driving or riding animals, providing services to animals that would involve taking possession of them, taking possession of an animal to carry out any of the activities listed or taking charge of animals for any other purpose

The Animal Boarding Establishment Licence is regulated by the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963

How do I apply?

• Apply to run an animal boarding establishment Opens in a new window
• Tell us about a change to your existing circumstances Opens in a new window
• Renew your licence to run an animal boarding licence Opens in a new window

What does it cost?

• View The Animal Boarding Establishment Licence fee.

What information/evidence will I need to provide?
List of documents required with the application (e.g. insurance certificates)

You will need to provide evidence:

• 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.

Please note:

Planning permission may be required. You are advised to contact Surrey Heath Borough Council, Planning Services, Tel: 01276 707222.

Are there inspections/assessments?
An inspection of the premises will be carried out prior to the licence being issued. Further inspections may be carried out during the year to ensure compliance with the licence.

How long does it take to make a decision and issue the licence?

There is no statutory period for determining applications.

If I don't hear from you for 4 weeks, can I assume it's been granted ("tacit consent")?

No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted.

If I'm turned down, how do I appeal?
Firstly, please contact us to see if we can resolve the issue.

An applicant whose application is refused can appeal to the local magistrates' court.

A licence holder who wishes to appeal against a condition can appeal to a local magistrates' court.

How long does the licence last, and what's the renewal procedure?
Licences need to be renewed annually.

How do I tell you about changes of circumstance?
Change an animal boarding establishment licence Opens in a new window

Consumer Complaint
If you have a complaint against a trader, we would advise you first to contact the trader - preferably by letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked and you are in the UK, Consumer Direct Opens in a new window will give you advice. If you outside the UK, contact the UK European Consumer Centre Opens in a new window.

If you have concerns about an animal boarding establishment, please contact Environmental Health Services on 01276 707330.

Where can I go for further information?

• Regulation summary for animal boarding establishments Opens in a new window