Animal boarding
You need an animal boarding licence if you provide any of the following:
- boarding kennels or catteries
- home boarding for dogs - looking after other people's dogs in your home
- day care for dogs - looking after other people's dogs during the day, either in a home or other premises
A licence is also needed for businesses that arrange boarding. This includes companies or platforms that connect pet owners with sitters, even if sitters are only paid minor expenses.
These activities are licensable whether or not you are making a profit.
Who does not need a licence
A licence is not usually needed if you:
- look after a friend or relative's pet and no payment is involved
- board animals only as part of veterinary treatment
- provide occasional pet sitting in the animal's own home (not in your home or premises)
See the DEFRA statutory guidance on animal boarding.
How to apply
To apply or renew your licence, you will need to complete and submit the application form.
Send your application to:
Email: Environmental.Health@cumberland.gov.uk
Licence conditions
If you are granted a licence, you must meet conditions covering:
- accommodation, enrichment, feeding and exercise
- record keeping and identification of animals
- hygiene, disease control and emergencies
- staff training and supervision
Each licensed business is awarded a star rating from 1 to 5, based on welfare standards and compliance. This rating must be displayed with your licence. Details of how star ratings are calculated are set out in the the DEFRA Procedural Guidance for Local Authorities.
See Schedule 2 and 4 of the 2018 Regulations for the full conditions.
Guidance
Find more guidance about boarding for cats or dogs licence on GOV.UK