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Applicable to Somerset and across England
Understanding the legal requirements for dog boarding—whether in kennels or private homes—is essential for both pet owners and providers. UK law is designed to protect animal welfare and ensure safe, professional standards across the industry.
UK Licensing Requirements
In England, all commercial dog boarding services are regulated under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.
This means:
Anyone boarding dogs for payment (including home boarding) must have a licence
Licences are issued by the local authority (e.g. Somerset Council)
Operating without a licence is a criminal offence
In Somerset specifically:
A licence is required for:
Boarding kennels
Catteries
Home boarding
Dog day care
Businesses must apply, pay a fee, and pass an inspection before approval
Additionally:
Licences are typically issued for 1 to 3 years based on standards and risk
A star rating system (1–5 stars) reflects welfare standards and compliance
Difference Between Kennels and Home Boarding
Kennels
Purpose-built facilities designed to house multiple dogs
Dogs are kept in separate enclosures or kennels
Staff provide care on-site
Home Boarding
Dogs stay in a private home environment
Must be part of the household (not kept in outdoor kennels)
Often marketed as a more “home-like” experience
Key Legal Difference:
Both require a licence if run as a business
Home boarding must meet stricter rules around:
Number of dogs allowed
Living arrangements
Supervision within a domestic setting
Welfare Standards (Legal Requirements)
During licensing inspections, councils assess strict welfare criteria, including:
Accommodation – clean, safe, and suitable space
Food & water – proper nutrition and constant access
Exercise & enrichment – appropriate for breed and age
Disease control – hygiene and isolation procedures
Emergency planning – fire safety, vet access, evacuation plans
Record keeping – details of each animal and owner
Higher welfare standards can result in:
Better star ratings
Longer licence periods
Lower long-term fees
Importance of Using Licensed Providers
Choosing a licensed boarding provider is critical for your pet’s safety.
Why it matters:
Ensures legal compliance and inspections
Guarantees minimum welfare standards are met
Provides accountability through the council
Reduces risk of neglect, overcrowding, or unsafe conditions
In Somerset, residents can:
Check the public register of licensed animal businesses
Report suspected unlicensed operators to the council
Red Flags to Avoid
When choosing a boarding service, watch out for:
🚩 No licence displayed
Legitimate businesses should openly show their licence and rating
🚩 Too many dogs in a home setting
May indicate overcrowding or illegal operation
🚩 Poor cleanliness or strong odours
Suggests inadequate hygiene or disease control
🚩 Lack of paperwork
No contracts, vaccination checks, or emergency plans
🚩 Cash-only or “informal” arrangements
Could indicate an unlicensed business
🚩 No inspection history or reviews
Licensed providers are inspected and recorded
Summary
Whether you choose kennels or home boarding, UK law requires all professional services to be licensed, inspected, and compliant with strict welfare standards. In Somerset, the council actively regulates and monitors providers—helping ensure your pet is safe, healthy, and properly cared for.
Local Somerset Guidance
For official information, applications, and the register of licensed providers, visit:
Google Sites
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