Animal Boarding Establishments

Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963

Before booking a cat or dog into boarding accommodation it may be worthwhile to visit more than one establishment as some catteries/kennels may suit the needs or temperament of your cat/dog better than others.

All animals must be up to date in terms of vaccinations before being accepted at a boarding establishment and proof of such will need to be provided to the proprietor upon arrival.

Licensing of Animal Boarding Establishments

The keeping and running of animal boarding establishments (Catteries and Kennels) is controlled by the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963.
No person may keep a boarding establishment for animals without first obtaining a licence from their Local Authority.

Application for a licence must be made to the Local Authority and a licence may be issued if the applicant is not disqualified under any of the following Acts:

The Animal Boarding Establishment Act 1963
The Pet Animals Act 1951
The Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954
The Protection of Animals (Cruelty to Dogs) (Scotland) Act 1934

There is an application fee which must be paid at the time an application is made.

Currently the fee is £194 per year.

Where a licence is granted, that licence and any subsequent licence will expire on the 31st December of the year to which the licence relates and must be renewed before that date if the premises are to continue as an animal boarding establishment.

Please Note:
If you have a complaint regarding an establishment which is licensed by South Bucks District Council or an establishment which you think may be unlicensed  please download the complaints form and return it to the Licensing Office to enable us to undertake an investigation.     

Useful links/ Information

• RSPCA  (opens new window)
• Defra (opens new window)
• Fab  (opens new window)