Animal boarding establishments licence

What's an animal boarding licence?

Establishments boarding animals as a business (including private dwellings) are subject to the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963.

The Act requires such establishments to be licensed by the local authority.

For the purpose of this Act the keeping of such establishments is defined as the carrying on at any premises, including a private dwelling, of a business providing accommodation for other people's cats and dogs. This would include overnight and daytime boarding of cats and dogs in a domestic or commercial setting and includes Kennels, Catteries and "Doggy Daycare" businesses.

Eligibility criteria

A licence is granted at the discretion of the local authority who may take into account the suitability of the accommodation, whether the animals are well fed, exercised and protected from disease and fire.

A licence may be refused or withheld on other grounds if those grounds are such that conditions were not suitable for the boarding of animals.

Fees

View charges on our animal licence fee page. 

You may also be charged an inspection fee (if necessary) in addition to the application fee

How to apply

Download an animal boarding establishments application form (PDF) [476KB] .

Please email complete applications to publichealth@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk

What happens next?

On receipt of the application form the council will arrange for an officer to carry out an inspection of the premises to ensure its suitability for housing animals.

A licence may or may not be issued dependent on the findings of the inspection.

Your application will be processed by our Environmental Health Team

If you don't hear from us about the outcome of your application within a reasonable period phone Customer Services on 0141 577 3001 or email customerservices@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk.