If you’re planning to start a home dog boarding business in the UK, one of the first practical questions you’ll ask is:
How much does the licence actually cost?
The honest answer?
It varies by council, but most applicants can expect to pay between £300 and £600 for a new licence.
Here’s a realistic breakdown of what to budget for.
Average Dog Boarding Licence Costs (England)
Under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, local councils set their own fees.
Typical ranges for a new home dog boarding licence:
- Small district councils: £300–£400
- Larger borough councils: £400–£600+
- London boroughs: Often £500–£700
Renewal fees are usually slightly lower but still vary.
Always check your own council website for current pricing.
Initial Application vs Renewal Fees
Your first application is usually the most expensive because it includes:
- Full inspection
- Administrative processing
- Risk assessment
- Star rating assessment
Once licensed, renewals may be cheaper, especially if you receive a higher star rating and qualify for a longer licence period.
Do You Have to Pay for a Vet Inspection?
Sometimes.
Some councils require an independent veterinary inspection as part of the process.
If required, this can add:
£100–£300+
Not every council does this, but it’s worth factoring in as a possibility.
Insurance Costs
A licence alone isn’t enough, you also need appropriate pet business insurance.
Typical annual insurance costs:
- £70ish per year
Your cover should include:
- Public liability (£5m minimum is common)
- Care, custody and control cover
- Loss or injury protection
This is separate from your home insurance.
Additional Setup Costs
Beyond the licence fee, you may need to budget for:
- Secure fencing upgrades
- Extra baby gates
- Fire safety equipment
- Smoke alarms
- First aid supplies
- Printed policies and record folders
Some applicants spend very little.
Others invest £200–£800 preparing their home properly.
It depends on your starting point.
Realistic First-Year Startup Budget
Here’s a conservative example:
Licence fee: £450
Insurance: £75
Home setup improvements: £200
Printing & admin: £30
Estimated startup total: £755
Does Star Rating Affect Cost?
Yes!
Higher star ratings (4–5 stars) can:
- Extend your licence period to 2–3 years
- Reduce how often you pay renewal fees
Lower ratings may mean:
- Shorter licence periods
- More frequent inspections
Maintaining high standards saves money long term.
Is a Dog Boarding Licence Worth the Cost?
If you plan to board dogs regularly, yes.
Operating without a licence can lead to:
- Fines
- Enforcement action
- Invalid insurance
- Reputational damage
And if something goes wrong while unlicensed, you may be personally liable.
A licence protects:
- You
- The dogs
- Your business reputation
Before You Apply
Before submitting your application, make sure you’ve:
- Checked your council’s current fee
- Confirmed inspection requirements
- Secured correct insurance
- Prepared your home and documents
If you’d like a printable checklist covering what inspectors expect and what paperwork you’ll need:
Download the Free UK Dog Boarding Licensing Starter Checklist
Final Thoughts
Starting a licensed home dog boarding business in the UK isn’t free, but it’s accessible.
With realistic budgeting and preparation, most people can become fully compliant for under £600 in their first year.
Understanding the real costs upfront helps you plan properly, and price your services accordingly.
