How to start a boarding kennels business in England
Boarding kennels is the most capital-intensive of the boarding businesses, because the buildings must meet detailed standards. Plan the premises and the paperwork together.
1. Land and planning first
Kennels almost always need planning permission, and often a noise assessment given the location. Sort this before you build, because the kennel design has to meet set standards anyway.
2. Build to the standards
Each kennel unit is a sleeping area plus an attached run, meeting minimum sizes (a new-build sleeping area is at least 1.9 square metres, and 2.85 square metres for the higher standard), numbered, with at least half the run roofed and a place for the dog to hide.
3. Confirm the licence and staffing
You need a boarding kennels licence under the 2018 Regulations. Staffing is no more than 25 dogs per person, with one full-time member per 15 dogs for the higher standard, and you must keep muzzles and a catching device on site with a difficult-dog policy.
4. Insurance, vet and documents
Arrange insurance, register with a vet, and prepare the written pack: operating procedures, a kennel accommodation and bedding policy, emergency and fire plans, risk assessments, cleaning and isolation, and the kennel register. PetApproved builds the kennel-specific pack for you.
5. Apply and get inspected
Submit the application, fee, insurance, a scale plan of the kennels and your documents, then pass inspection. Meeting the higher standards earns a longer licence.
Frequently asked
How big do the kennels need to be?
Each unit is a sleeping area plus an attached run, meeting minimum sizes (new-build sleeping area at least 1.9 square metres, 2.85 for the higher standard), with at least half the run roofed.
Can I run kennels and another activity on the same site?
Yes, but any other animal activity must be kept entirely separate from the boarding kennels, with separate equipment and precautions.
What does it cost to set up?
The buildings are the main cost; the licence fee, insurance and documents are smaller by comparison. Fees vary by council, with a vet inspection fee common for kennels.