Dog licences in England: what kennels, boarders, day care and breeders need

Some dog businesses need a council licence by law in England. Here's which ones, what the licence asks of them, and how to check.

Boarding, home boarding and day care

You need a licence from your local council in England if you run:

a boarding kennel;
a dog day care business;
a dog boarding business in your home;
a business that arranges boarding for other people's dogs.

Breeding

You need a dog breeding licence if you run a business that breeds and advertises dogs for sale, or if you breed three or more litters in any 12 months and sell any of the puppies.

What the licence means

The council inspects, and decides what the licence costs and how long it lasts: one, two or three years. A licensed business must keep dogs in suitable accommodation, give them enough food, water and bedding, exercise them, protect them from pain, injury, suffering and disease, keep records, and show its licence number in its adverts.

Working without a licence, or breaking its conditions, can mean an unlimited fine; working without one can also mean up to six months in prison.

Buying a puppy: Lucy's Law

Since 6 April 2020, puppies under six months can't be sold in England by a third party, such as a pet shop or dealer, unless they bred the puppy themselves. Buy directly from the breeder, or adopt from a rehoming centre.

Which don't need a licence

Dog walking, dog grooming and training aren't among these licensed activities. The RSPCA notes that dog grooming is unregulated, so check training and insurance instead.

On Pooky Dog

Every kennel, home boarder, day care and breeder you can book on Pooky Dog has shown us a council licence in date, and we keep its end date.

Questions owners ask

Do I need a licence to look after dogs in my home?

In England, yes, if you run a dog boarding business in your home. Apply to your local council.

How long does a dog boarding or breeding licence last?

One, two or three years. The council decides, along with the cost.

How many litters can I breed without a licence?

In England you need a licence if you breed three or more litters in any 12 months and sell any of the puppies, or if you run a business that breeds and advertises dogs for sale.

Do dog walkers or groomers need a licence?

No. England's animal licences cover boarding, day care and breeding; walking and grooming aren't among them.

Find one near you

Every business you can book on Pooky Dog is checked: ID and insurance, and a council licence where the law needs one.

Where this comes from

Checked against these on 4 October 2026. The law can change: check the source before you rely on it.