Unlicensed dog boarder prosecuted after ignoring Council advice for over three years
The case highlights the importance of:
- protecting animal welfare and
- supporting responsible local businesses.
At Guildford Magistrates Court on 27 April 2026, the defendant pleaded guilty to operating a dog boarding business without a licence, contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The court heard that she ran a home boarding and day care service for dogs between July 2022 and October 2025 without the required licence. This is despite being formally advised by us in 2022 that she must not trade unless licensed.
Following the hearing, the defendant was fined £2,400, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £960 and Council costs of £1,419; totalling £4,779.
Peter Burnage, Senior Environmental Protection Officer (Animal Welfare) at Guildford Borough Council said:
"Licensing exists to protect the welfare of animals, and to give pet owners confidence that their dogs are in safe, responsible hands. In this case, the defendant continued to operate for several years despite clear advice and opportunities to comply with the law.
"Unlicensed dog boarding poses real risks, from the spread of disease to inadequate facilities and supervision. It's simply not fair on the many local businesses who do the right thing and meet the required standards.
"We urge pet owners to always check that anyone offering boarding services is properly licensed. We also encourage anyone currently operating without a licence to come forward and work with us; we're here to provide guidance and support to help businesses meet their legal obligations."
Supporting responsible businesses
Licensed dog boarding businesses across the borough invest time and money to:
- meet legal standards,
- provide high-quality care.
Unlicensed operators risk animal welfare but also undermine legitimate businesses by avoiding regulatory costs and insight.
Protecting pets and the public
Under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, anyone boarding dogs in their home must have a licence. This ensures animals are:
- kept in safe, secure environments,
- cared for by knowledgeable individuals,
- protected by appropriate insurance and welfare standards.
Advice to residents
- Always ask to see a valid licence before leaving pets with a boarder
- Check our list of licensed animal boarding establishments
- Report concerns about unlicensed activity
More information about animal licensing, including how to apply for a licence, is on our website.
Published on: 7 May 2026.