Apply for an animal boarding licence

You need a licence if your business provides accommodation for other people's cats or dogs. This includes:

catteries
kennels
dog day care boarding
home boarding

Please read the guidance carefully before submitting your application.

For a full list of criteria and to find out if this applies to you please see the relevant guidance notes below:

Cat boarding licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities - on the GOV.UK website
Dog kennel boarding licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities - on the GOV.UK website
Home boarding for dogs licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities - on the GOV.UK website
Dog day care licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities - on the GOV.UK website

You can apply for, or renew, a dog home boarding licence via our online portal:

After clicking the link you will need to register in order to make an application.
Once registered please click on 'Licensing' - then 'Apply for a licence'.
Then select your local council and scroll down to 'Animal Licensing'
Please select the type of application you are making (apply for, or renew) and follow the steps.

Apply for, or renew, a dog home boarding licence

To find out how much a licence costs please see:

Adur & Worthing Councils - Fees and Charges booklet

Report an unlicensed establishment

It is an offence to board animals without the appropriate licence. As part of the licence application process we inspect premises to ensure they are suitable and the necessary arrangements are in place to protect both the animals and the public.

If you are concerned that a business is operating without a licence please contact the Public Health & Regulation team.