Penalties for boarding animals without a licence
Boarding other people’s animals for profit without a licence is a criminal offence in England. The penalties are serious, and easily avoided. Here is what the law actually says, and how to put it right.
The offence
Under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, carrying out a licensable activity, such as home boarding, day care, kennels or a cattery, as a business without a licence is an offence. So is breaching the conditions of a licence you hold.
The penalty
The penalty is an unlimited fine and/or up to six months in prison. You may see older web pages quoting “a fine of up to £500 or three months”, that figure comes from the repealed Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 and is out of date for the 2018 Regulations.
The wider risks
Beyond prosecution, operating unlicensed usually voids your insurance, can invalidate contracts with owners, and is increasingly checked by customers. A single incident with an uninsured, unlicensed business can be financially ruinous.
How to get compliant
If you are operating without a licence, the fix is straightforward: stop taking new bookings you cannot lawfully fulfil, contact your council, prepare your documents and apply. PetApproved can produce the written pack for your activity quickly so you can get licensed and trade with confidence.
Frequently asked
What if I only earn a little?
If your trading income is below the HMRC £1,000 allowance you may be exempt, but the council decides. Above that, or if you are clearly trading, you need a licence.
Is breaching a condition as serious as having no licence?
Both are offences under the Regulations. Keeping to your conditions, and being able to evidence it, matters as much as holding the licence.
Does this apply to dog walkers and sitters?
No. Dog walking and looking after an animal in its own home are not licensable. Boarding and day care for other people’s animals are.