Home boarding licence

How do I know who holds an animal boarding licence?

Details of current licence holders for home boarding can be seen on our animal boarding public registers.

You can read further details on our licensing news flash page.

Do I need a licence to board animals at home?

If you want to board dogs you will require an animals activity licence. 

If you are unsure whether you require a licence please contact us using the email address below:

Email: licensing@eastriding.gov.uk

How do I apply for a home boarding licence?

To home-board dogs, you will require an animal activities licence. The accommodation and care provided for dogs does not need to include overnight accommodation to require a licence. 

How to apply

If you wish to apply for a home boarding licence you will need to complete the application form below, and submit it by email to:

Email: licensing@eastriding.gov.uk

Application for an animal boarding licence (word 185kb opens in new window)

Your application must be submitted along with all required supporting documents. Applications without supporting documents will not be accepted. 

Processing

Once you have submitted your complete application you will be contacted by a licensing officer, who will arrange to visit and inspect your home.

If you meet all the requirements, your licence will be granted and forwarded in due course within 10 weeks of a completed application been made:

In order to be granted a licence, you will need to be able to comply with the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) England Regulations 2018.

Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) England Regulations 2018 (pdf 5mb opens in new window) 

Guidance for the home boarding of dogs (pdf 598kb opens in new window)

If you are unable to meet the requirements for a licence, the officer will arrange to revisit you when you have done additional work on your home.

A tacit consent does not apply to this application.

Fees 

The fee for a home boarding licence is £80.

How can I pay for a home boarding licence?

You can pay by credit/debit card by telephone on:

Tel: (01482) 396297

How do I renew a home boarding licence?

If you hold a current home boarding establishment licence issued prior to 1 October 2018, you must apply to for a new licence before the 31 December 2018. 

Due to a change in legislative requirements, you will no longer be able to apply to renew your home boarding licence. All applications made will be considered as a new application under the new regulations. 

The new licence will be issued and considered under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.

How can I apply to change my home boarding licence?

Please contact licensing@eastriding.gov.uk for further advice.

What other permissions may I need?

If you are applying for an animal boarding licence you may also need to contact planning and business rates in relation to the use of your home for a business.

Who regulates animal boarding establishments?

The licensing team is responsible for the licensing and compliance of animal welfare licensing. 

If you have concerns about premises operating under a licence, have a complaint or would like to report a business that you are concerned are operating without a licence you can contact us online.

Alternatively, you can email the licensing team: 

Email: licensing@eastriding.gov.uk

Please ensure you provide as much information as you can to help us.

You will be required to give your name and contact details so that we can ensure that the complaint is genuine.

Your details will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed unless the investigation results in a prosecution at which stage your details would have to be disclosed.

What happens if I do not apply for an animal boarding licence?

If you board dogs, providing them with accommodation, you will require an animals activities licence. 

If you are found to be operating without a licence you may be prosecuted.