Do I need to be licenced for my pet business?

Do I need to be licenced for my pet business?

A quick overview: what is a business licence? This is an official permit issued by a government agency that allows individuals or companies to conduct specific business within the government’s geographical jurisdiction.

Dog Walker

If you are a dog walker in the UK, there is no need to apply for a licence. This makes it easy to set up as a business, however, make sure you are clued up on:

• How to run a business well
• How to keep clients happy
• How to keep yourself covered from any legal action and insurance is always a must – get a free quote from us today!
• NarpsUK - National Association of Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers, has lots of information on their website, and also key rules and regulations.

Pet home boarding

Home boarding requires a licence from your local council. The Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 and Animal Activity Licensing Regulations 2018 state that anyone running “an establishment, whether a private dwelling or not, where a business is conducted for the provision of accommodation for other people’s cats and dogs” needs a licence.

Pet sitting

If you’re looking into becoming a pet sitter, you will not need a licence. However, if you’re holding your client’s keys and entering their house, you will need a DBS check (previously known as a CRB or Criminal Record Check).

British Pet Insurance Services offers a range of pet business cover levels, insuring; dog walkers, pet sitters, pet home boarders, pet groomers, pet trainers, and pet taxis. Public liability up to £5 million plus optional extras — select the level of cover to suit.

Get a quote today