To run a boarding kennel, day care facility or cattery, you need an annual licence from your local authority. The number of dogs and cats that may be accommodated will be specified on the licence along with other specific conditions.

This includes home boarding which is defined as the boarding of dogs or cats that are not your own, in your home in exchange for any form of payment.

Falkirk Council may authorise an officer, veterinary surgeon or practitioner to inspect licensed premises.

You must not be disqualified from keeping animals, running an animal-related business, transporting animals, or working with animals under relevant animal welfare law.

Before you apply for a home boarding licence, read the basic conditions for home boarding:

• Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963
• Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006

• Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
• Guidance for Pollution Prevention Stables, kennels, and catteries: GPP 24

To apply, change or renew a licence to run an animal boarding establishment or day care facility, you can complete the form below and return it to us by email:

To apply, change or renew a licence to run a home boarding establishment, you can complete the form below and return it to us by email: 

Please also include the following with your application:

• Site plan and layout of facilities
• Public liability insurance certificate
• Any other supporting documentation with your application.

There is no automatic approval. We must process your application before a licence can be granted. If you have not heard from us within 28 days, please contact us.

You may be able to appeal against licence conditions.

Contact us first for advice. If you still want to appeal, you can contact the Sheriff Court about the process.