Beginner’s Guide on Starting a Boarding Kennel and Cattery Business in the United Kingdom

Starting a boarding kennel and cattery business is a choice of lifestyle. Many people find it enormous to work with animals, be a boss, and live in the countryside. However, it is not easy to own and manage a boarding kennel or cattery. Before you dive, you need to consider some aspects.

Kennel and Cattery business is commonly associated with locations of good land area. They are mainly in the countryside or partly rural. UK company registration might be expensive and time-consuming for environmental concerns such as trash disposal, drainage, and noise issues. Animal spaces must be suitable; otherwise, Animal Boarding Establishment License is at risk.

Statistics show that the UK has an estimated 8 to 9 million dogs and 7 to 8 million cats. People have altered their behavior towards their animals throughout the years and considered them part of the family. A trend not so good for the pet boarding sector is the growth in popularity in the UK for short getaways and vacations. Animal boarding and animal seating became popular alternatives to boarding kennels, making them a rising competitive source for kennel business.

In April 2007, the Animal Welfare Act simplified and reinforced legislation to guarantee the safeguarding or monitoring of all animals. It expanded the current authority to enact secondary welfare laws resulting in new license terms. The enforcement of the new regulation in October 2018 required dog and cat boarding facilities license obtainment. The 2014 Dangerous Dog Act amendment implied that a dog’s lead is punishable by dangerously uncontrolled circumstances in public and private.

 

What Is a Boarding Kennel and Cattery Business?

Kennel and cattery imply any facility involving private pet owners in boarding cats and dogs or other animals. This sort of company offers pet boarding services for those owners on holiday. It is a whole or part of a day, pet seating amenities, and short-term boarding for non-veterinary and observation purposes. All boarding kennels and catteries engaged in the breeding business must be permitted to rent, sell, or barter.

This business is convenient for individuals wishing for their animals to be cared for during the day while at work. Among these are individuals not permanently working overseas and working people who refuse to abandon their dogs throughout the day. Animal charities that occasionally house rescued animals and unfit police dogs expected to be adopted also benefit from this service. Home pet boarding services must be commercially licensed, but pet-boarders do not require a license.

 

Business Registration Process

You might choose to buy an established kennel and cattery business instead of beginning afresh. You may expect to discover customers, regular sales, staff, premises, and equipment already available when you acquire an ongoing company. You may also use the support of UK corporate registration services to help you register for business. It is accessible on the gov.uk website to create a single trader, partner, or limited business.

To assure timely and correct tax payment, companies must, at least, register with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Starting a Boarding Kennel and Cattery Business differs depending on the type and firm structure. Additional registration conditions depend on the size and expansion of the firm. Keep watch the self-assessment deadline of all spending receipts to avoid a gross surprise.

VAT online account creation to register for VAT is possible via the Government Gateway. The VAT registration certificate is obtainable for up t0 30 working days. Online registry is accessible for enterprises under one VAT number. VAT returns are essential for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The methods for registering EU and international trademarks vary. Only your brand in the UK is protected by a registered trademark in the UK so that counterfeiters may be liable by law. You may use a trademark to add the sign to your mark and sell it or license it. If no one complains, the registration process might take a maximum of four months. Trademarks shall be valid for ten years.

 

Licenses & Permits

Following the Animal Welfare Regulations for 2018, anyone providing boarding cats and dogs in Britain must apply for an animal activity license from their local government. Before issuing a license, inspectors assess the applicant’s behavior as the operator of a licensable activity. The inspectors selected by the local authorities shall inspect the premises. A license granted is payable for one, two, or three years.

The terms and conditions of the general license involve the obligation to display the license and to keep records. The quantity and type of animals for boarding are inclusive. Personnel needs, environmental appropriateness, food requirements, and animal contact are comprehensive. This license also covers the protection against discomfort, agony, and sickness, as well as emergency operations.

Unlicensed operations and sanctions for breaches of these licensing criteria involve fines or imprisonment. Any unexpired license is valid for the remainder of its term under the Animal Boarding Establishments Act1963 in line with transitional conditions. The commercial supply of dog houses or daycare in England is equally subject to the necessity for a license to operate on animals. Fire safety is crucial in pet boarding facilities since there are enormous amounts of fuel-fired bedding materials.

Animal housekeepers and home boarding providers might choose to verify their customers with a background criminal record, but no statutory obligation is present. In general, adequate and suitable insurance cover is a pet-boarding facility license condition and needs insurance certificates. Contact 3E Accounting for insurance and company pieces of advice. They will provide significant insight into the cost.

 

Legislations Covering Boarding Kennel and Cattery Business

In addition to the obligation to license all boarding kennels, under the Animal Boarding Establishments Act, the company must adhere to:

Animal Welfare Act

The Act deals with animal welfare and cruelty prevention. It covers maltreatment, inflicting undue pain, and neglect. DEFRA developed welfare standards of practice to enable cats and dog owners and to stick to the Act.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations

It controls the use and storage of potentially dangerous compounds such as chemicals for cleaning and disinfection. The standards also address the control of the danger of zoonosis and salmonellosis caused by microorganisms.

Waste Regulations

Animal excrement is industrial wastes subject to the necessity for particular disposal. Cesspits or septic tanks for waste storage in many kennels are necessary. Collected garbage is disposable at an authorized place by a licensed waste collector. Trash disposal arrangements by the local environmental health agency are negotiable.

Dangerous Dogs Act

It sets limits on some dog breeds. Admission to the kennel requires an official Certificate of Exemption and a third-party insurance certificate accompanied by the dog designated as hazardous. Amendment to the Act will also make it a crime for a person failing to take responsibility for any dangerous behavior, public or not.

Environmental Protection Act

It includes the management of waste and requires companies to properly discard trash via licensed disposal facilities and registered carriers. It stipulates noise and odor nuisances, which boarding kennel may have to consider.

The Welfare of Animals Transport Order

As part of the business, the movement of animals requires permission to be an animal carrier. Vehicles must be inspected and authorized for extended travel (above 8 hours). A certificate of competence is held for by drivers guards responsible for transportation of animals beyond 65 kilometers.

 

How to Grow a Boarding Kennel and Cattery Business?

Building up in an area in which boarding kennels are already in good service is likely to lead to market problems. In most regions of the UK, the demand for boarding kennels and catteries will be minimal, although, in less rich sections of the nation, it may be less.

For several reasons, the placement of a boarding carriage is crucial. You can purchase an existing kennel when you start your business. Planning approval for Starting a Boarding Kennel and Cattery Business may be tough to establish from the start. Boarding houses too far from the main path may lose business because customers cannot locate them. Delivery drivers may have comparable difficulties.

Fees can vary significantly based on the geographical location, standards and facilities, reputation, and the necessity or non-business of the owner. Check the current pricing in your region for the type and level of service you want to give. From time to time, you may want to make unique offers. The ideal time to do it is probably at the quietest period of your business.

Almost everyone has a cost, whether cash, time and effort, or both. Advertisement and marketing are all costly. You have to ensure that your advertising efforts have the benefit of spending time and money. A corporate service provider like 3E Accounting United Kingdom can help you get started on establishing a kennel and cattery business in the United Kingdom!