Dog boarding establishments licence and guidance notes

The principal legislation dealing with Animal Boarding Establishments is the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 which addresses the areas to be covered by the licence relating to animal welfare and management. It is essential that consumers and those responsible for premises management are aware of the licence conditions:

A copy of the licence and its conditions must be suitably displayed to the public in a prominent position in, on or about the boarding establishment.

If displayed externally the licence and its conditions should be protected from the weather. Preferably the licence should be displayed in the reception area.

The number of dogs for which the premises is licensed, the number of isolation and holding kennels must be specified on the licence. Guidance to their numbers are found in the notes below.

Other Legislation and issues to be taken into consideration by kennel owners are:

Adequate insurance indemnity should be arranged by the operator of the premises. This should be maintained at a sufficient level to cover the maximum number of dogs boarded. Several companies offer policies specific to animal boarding establishments. Details are often advertised in pet publications.

Proprietors of animal boarding establishments are able to insure purely the liability aspect by taking out third party liability cover. In addition, you can insure against veterinary fees for accident and illness, death from accidents, death from illness and loss from theft and straying. You must insure against public liability.

Employers Liability Insurance is mandatory for boarding establishment owners who employ staff. Employers Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969.

Certificates of insurance must be prominently displayed.

Adequate staff toilet and washing facilities must be available for staff in accordance with the health and safety requirements.

An adequate First Aid kit must be available for staff use.

Staff should be adequately trained in the safe handling of dogs, emergency procedures to be followed, and all other aspects of the licence conditions which are pertinent to their work. Staff should also be regularly vaccinated against Tetanus.

When the granting of the licence is being considered by the local authority, there will be a presumption against cats and dogs being kept within sight of each other, unless good reason can be made otherwise.

In consideration of "Good Reasons" existing facilities and management must be taken into account.

For more information or to access copies of the licence application form use the boxes at the right.

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