Question 1

Do you need a licence to open a dog day care in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In England, commercial day care for dogs is a licensable activity under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, and the licence comes from the local authority after an inspection. Scotland and Wales license boarding and day care as animal boarding establishments under the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963, renewed annually. Northern Ireland operates its own system. Operating without a licence is an offence.

Question 2

How much does a dog day care licence cost?

Accepted Answer

There is no national fee. Councils set their own on a full cost recovery basis, and published 2026/27 fees for a new day care licence range from £429 at Horsham District Council to £1,164.50 at Guildford Borough Council, with some councils charging vet inspection fees on top. Many split the fee into an application part and a part payable on grant.

Question 3

Can you run a dog day care from home?

Accepted Answer

In England, a business looking after dogs in the business owner's own home is licensed as home boarding rather than as day care, according to Defra's statutory guidance. Looking after dogs in the owner's home, as a dog sitter or dog walker does, is not licensable at all. Several councils publish separate fees for day care at domestic and at commercial premises.

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