Commercial pet boarding (kennels, catteries, home boarding) requires a licence from the local authority under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018. Dog walkers who take more than four dogs at once also require a licence.

• Home boarding (more than occasional) requires local authority licence
• Dog walkers: more than 4 dogs at once requires licence
• Animal welfare laws require provision of five welfare needs
• Veterinary authority: service provider should have permission to authorise emergency treatment
• DBS check: good practice for home-based carers with access to client properties

Legal reference: Animal Welfare Act 2006; Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018