Dog boarding - some questions :)

[teacupsofrain]

Hi everyone ,

I want to start up a dog boarding business in the uk and have a few questions . I'm in rented housing sharing with my housemates who are all happy with having dogs in - can you get a license in rented accommodation? What are the kind of things they will want to see or what kind of problems will they be looking out for when they inspect the house? Also, as I'm renting - I may be moving before a year is up (I know you apply for a license for the year) - if I move home, do I have to get a whole other license, paying the full fee or could I transfer the one I have (not having to fork out for another license)? My landlord is fine with it .

Thanks everyone !

 

[Dobiegirl]

I imagine if you were moving out of the area under another county council you would have to fork out the full fee, if you are staying in the current area they will still want to come out and inspect and Im sure they will charge you for that as well. A phone call to your council will Im sure answer all your questions. If you are home boarding you will need Insurance.

 

[AdorableAlice]

Home boarding is different from Dog Boarding. Most Council's will allow a maximum of 3 dogs in a home boarding situation. A dog boarding establishment will be governed by the number and size of kennels available.

I would suggest you speak to the planning department before the licensing officers. A vet will inspect on first application. Your neighbours may not be impressed with noise issues and the coming and going of clients. The planners will advise on possible change of use to the property. It matters not what your landlord says, the Council is the planning and licensing authority.

You need to consider what you do with waste, you may need a trade waste contract. A licence is not transferable from property to property regardless of staying within the same authority or not.

 

[teacups]

Your landlord has no problem, really? I'm surprised. We have done home boarding, and however nice dogs are, you might find that they will inevitably cause damage to the house/furnishings. Perhaps the dog who is fine to be left for a couple of hours/ sleep on his own according to the owners, is actually not and will chew the corners of the kitchen cabinet in frustration...or the one with very long overgrown claws who runs scratches in your flooring/windows. All of this is part of having unknown animals around, but most landlords would not be keen. You should consider the fact that you will have to make good this damage if you leave, and that your housemates may also be liable.
Also, you are responsible for the dogs in your care - can your housemates be relied on not to accidentally feed them things they are not allowed to eat, etc. For small scale home boarding my council said putting the waste in with household waste is fine.

All things to consider, apart from the licence. For the licence, consult your local authority for details and also for tips and advice - I found them very helpful.