Thinking about starting a dog kennel or boarding business? The pet care industry is booming, with millions of pet owners seeking safe and reliable boarding options every year. But before you jump in, thereâs more to success than just loving dogsâyouâll need to navigate licensing, build the right facilities, and put strong operations in place.
This guide walks you step-by-step through the essentials of starting your kennel business, with a special focus on licensing and legal requirements in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia/New Zealand.
Step 1: Understanding Licensing in the USA
In the United States, kennel licensing requirements vary state by state and even county by county. Thereâs no single federal kennel license. Instead, you must comply with:
- State-level regulations (often covering animal welfare and commercial boarding)
- Local county/city ordinances (zoning laws, business permits, noise restrictions)
- Animal care standards (housing, sanitation, staffing, exercise, recordkeeping)
Most states require a kennel license if you board more than a certain number of dogs. For example:
- New York: Requires a Pet Dealer License if you board more than 9 dogs at once
- California: Licensing is handled at the county level. Los Angeles requires a kennel permit for anyone boarding more than 4 dogs
- Texas: Commercial kennel licensing depends on county ordinances, with common thresholds starting at 4-6 dogs
Additionally, you may need:
- Business license from your city or county
- Zoning approval to operate in a residential or commercial area
- Animal care facility permit (name varies by state)
- Fire, health, and building inspections
USA Kennel Licensing Checklist
| Requirement | Details | Where to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Kennel License | Often required if boarding 4+ dogs, threshold varies | State Dept. of Agriculture / Local Animal Services |
| Business License | General operating license for your city/county | City Hall or County Clerkâs Office |
| Zoning Approval | Property must be zoned for commercial/kennel use | County Zoning/Planning Department |
| Health & Safety Inspections | Facility must pass sanitation, fire, and safety standards | Local Health Department / Fire Marshal |
| Animal Welfare Standards | Rules on housing, exercise, recordkeeping, and care | State Animal Welfare Act / Local Ordinances |
Step 2: Licensing in the United Kingdom
In the UK, dog kennels and boarding businesses are tightly regulated under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018. Similar laws apply in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland with slight variations.
Key points:
- You must obtain a boarding establishment licence from your local council
- Licences last for 1-3 years, depending on your councilâs rating system
- You must comply with DEFRA Kennel Boarding Guidance, which outlines minimum standards for space, exercise, staffing, record-keeping, and emergency planning
- Veterinary inspections are usually required before a licence is granted
- Failure to obtain a licence can result in fines of up to ÂŁ500 or closure of your business
Local councils may also enforce additional planning permission and building control rulesâespecially if youâre converting or constructing new kennel facilities.
UK Kennel Licensing Checklist
| Requirement | Details | Where to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding Establishment Licence | Issued by local council; valid 1-3 years depending on rating | Local Council Licensing Office |
| DEFRA Standards Compliance | Must meet minimum welfare standards (space, exercise, staffing, cleaning) | DEFRA Guidance |
| Planning Permission | Required if building or converting property for kennels | Local Planning Authority |
| Veterinary Inspection | Pre-licence inspection by a vet, plus follow-up checks | Local Council-appointed Veterinarian |
| Insurance | Public liability and employerâs liability insurance required | Private Insurance Provider |
Tip: Councils use a âstar ratingâ system. Businesses rated higher can be granted longer licences and promoted as âhigher welfare kennelsââa strong marketing point.
Step 3: Licensing in Canada
In Canada, kennel licensing is handled primarily at the municipal and provincial level. Thereâs no single federal kennel licence, but provinces and cities set strict rules you must follow.
Examples:
- Ontario: Many municipalities (Toronto, Ottawa) require a kennel licence if boarding more than 3-4 dogs
- British Columbia: Boarding kennels fall under local bylaws; zoning approval is typically required from the regional district
- Quebec: Governed by the Ministère de lâAgriculture (MAPAQ), which sets welfare rules for commercial boarding facilities
Key requirements usually include:
- Municipal kennel licence (often based on number of dogs)
- Compliance with provincial animal welfare acts
- Zoning approvals for property use
- Fire, sanitation, and building inspections
Canada Kennel Licensing Checklist
| Requirement | Details | Where to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Municipal Kennel Licence | Often required if boarding 3+ dogs, varies by city/town | City Clerk / Bylaw Office |
| Zoning Approval | Confirm kennel use is permitted on your property | Municipal Planning Dept. |
| Provincial Animal Welfare Act | Standards for animal housing, care, and record-keeping | Provincial Ministry of Agriculture |
| Health & Safety Inspections | Local inspections for sanitation, fire, and building safety | Local Health Authority |
| Insurance | Public liability and employee coverage required | Private Insurers |
Step 4: Licensing in Australia & New Zealand
In Australia and New Zealand, kennel licensing is largely controlled at the state and local council level. Both countries require strict compliance with animal welfare legislation.
Australia:
- Each state has an Animal Welfare Act (e.g., Victoriaâs Domestic Animals Act 1994)
- Local councils issue kennel licences, usually required for 3+ dogs
- Many councils cap the number of dogs unless operating as a commercial kennel
- Facility inspections and planning approvals are mandatory
New Zealand:
- Covered by the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and local bylaws
- Most councils require a kennel licence if keeping more than 2-3 dogs
- Applicants must demonstrate facilities meet welfare, noise, and neighbourhood requirements
Australia Kennel Licensing Checklist
| Requirement | Details | Where to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Local Council Licence | Required for boarding multiple dogs (threshold varies) | Local Council Licensing Office |
| State Animal Welfare Act | Must comply with minimum housing and welfare rules | State Dept. of Agriculture |
| Zoning & Planning Approval | Approval needed for commercial kennel operations | Planning Authority / Council |
| Facility Inspections | Pre-opening and ongoing checks | Local Council Inspectors |
New Zealand Kennel Licensing Checklist
| Requirement | Details | Where to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Kennel Licence | Needed for 2-3+ dogs, varies by council | Local District or City Council |
| Animal Welfare Act 1999 | National welfare standards (housing, care, transport) | Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) |
| Noise & Neighbourhood Rules | Must prevent nuisance barking/noise | Local Council Bylaws |
| Planning Consent | Needed for new or converted kennel facilities | Local Planning Authority |
Tip: Councils in both Australia and NZ often require public notice of your application so neighbours can provide feedback. Budget time for this process.
Step 5: Operations & Facility Setup
Once youâve navigated licensing, the next step is building strong operational foundations.
Facilities:
- Dogs need adequate space, ventilation, heating/cooling, and outdoor exercise areas
- Many jurisdictions specify minimum square footage per dog (e.g., 4-6 m² per kennel)
Staffing:
- Hire experienced animal handlers
- Industry best practice is 1 staff member per 10-15 dogs in daycare settings
Health & Safety:
- Written cleaning schedules
- Vaccination checks (rabies, distemper, bordetella)
- Emergency evacuation plans
Insurance:
- Public liability
- Property insurance
- Workerâs compensation (if employing staff)
Step 6: Sample Kennel Business Plan Structure
A well-prepared business plan helps secure financing and guide your growth:
đ Crunch your numbers: Use our free Pet Business Revenue Calculator to model your facilityâs income and profit across all your services â with seasonal demand and capacity planning included.
- Executive Summary: Vision, mission, and overview of services
- Business Description: Type of services, target market, and location
- Market Analysis: Research on local pet ownership, competitors, pricing
- Licensing & Compliance: How you will meet local regulations
- Operations Plan: Facility design, staffing model, operating hours, policies
- Marketing Strategy: Branding, website, SEO, local partnerships
- Financial Projections: Start-up costs, monthly expenses, revenue forecasts
- Technology & Software: Systems for bookings, payments, and communication
- Appendices: Floorplans, sample contracts, health and safety protocols
Step 7: Marketing Your Kennel Business
Even the best facilities wonât fill themselvesâyou need a marketing strategy:
- Local SEO: Optimise your Google Business Profile with photos, reviews, and services
- Website: Mobile-friendly, with clear pricing, services, and online booking
- Social Media: Share âpup-dates,â staff introductions, and behind-the-scenes content
- Partnerships: Cross-promote with local vets, groomers, and pet shops
- Referral Programs: Reward loyal customers for referring friends
Step 8: Technology & Kennel Software
Managing a kennel can be overwhelming without the right tools. Spreadsheets and notebooks often lead to missed bookings, lost vaccination records, or unhappy clients.
Benefits of software:
- 24/7 online booking
- Automated reminders for clients
- Digital vaccination record tracking
- Customer database for loyalty and marketing
- Reporting dashboards to spot trends
Modern kennel software reduces admin work, cuts no-shows, and creates a seamless experience for staff and customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a licence to board dogs at home?
Yes. In most countries, even home-based boarding requires a local council or municipal licence if you board more than 1-2 dogs.
How much does it cost to start a kennel?
Start-up costs range widelyâfrom $25,000 for a small home-based setup to $250,000+ for a purpose-built facility. Costs include property, licensing, insurance, equipment, and marketing.
What insurance do I need?
At minimum, public liability and property insurance. If you hire staff, workerâs compensation is usually required.
Can I run a kennel on residential property?
It depends on zoning. Some councils allow it with limits (e.g., max 4 dogs), while others require commercial property.
How can software help?
Kennel software streamlines bookings, reduces admin errors, and improves customer experience. Itâs a growth accelerator, not just a cost.
Conclusion: Turning Your Passion into a Business
Starting a dog kennel business is a rewarding journeyâbut it requires careful planning, regulatory compliance, and strong operations. By following the licensing rules in your country, building a professional facility, and investing in smart marketing and software, you can create a kennel that pet owners trust and dogs love.
Next steps:
- Download your local kennel licence application form
- Draft your business plan using the structure above
- Set up your Google Business Profile and website
- Explore software options to streamline your launch
Related reading: How to Start a Dog Daycare Business, Pet Boarding Business Plan Guide, Kennel Software Complete Guide
