Licensing scheme for dog walkers, pet sitters, boarding kennels, using star ratings being rolled out
- New licensing scheme aims to improve animal welfare and public safety.
- Existing dog walking and commercial boarding establishments can apply for a licence from 31 January 2026.
- Businesses applying before 30 April 2026 receive a transitional period until 31 January 2027.
- New businesses established after 31 January 2025 must be licensed before opening.
- Scheme includes a public star rating system.
The introduction of licensing for animal-related businesses and organisations is underway, aimed at enhancing animal welfare, ensuring public safety, and promoting ethical business practices.
Starting from 31 January 2026, existing dog walking services and commercial boarding establishments, including kennels and catteries, will have to apply for licences to operate.
Lorna Chadwick, Animal Health and Welfare Officer, said: “Improving animal welfare is at the heart of this initiative, but this is also about protecting the wider community and other animals by encouraging responsible use of beaches, parks, and recreational spaces.”
Chadwick added, “We will continue to prioritise animal welfare and look forward to working with businesses and the community to make this a success.”
Existing businesses that apply before 30 April 2026 will be granted a transitional period until 31 January 2027, allowing time to implement any required improvements. They have already been contacted.
New businesses launched after 31 January 2025 must secure a licence before beginning operations.
The licence costs are not immediately obvious from the currently material published on the States website, but will vary depending on the size and type of business.
Who Needs a Licence?
The new requirements apply to commercial activities where there is a duty of care to animals.
The list of licensable activities is extensive and includes:
- Pet Care Services: Dog walkers, pet sitters, groomers, and day-care providers
- Boarding & Breeding: Kennels, catteries, home boarding, and those breeding animals (excluding livestock) with the intent to sell
- Specialist Services: Equine farriers, riding stables, pest controllers, and animal trainers or behaviourists
- Paraprofessionals: Equine dentists, animal chiropractors, and physiotherapists
The scheme does not apply to informal arrangements, such as looking after a neighbour's cat or walking a friend’s dog as a favour.
The licensing conditions are built around the "Five Welfare Needs," ensuring animals have a suitable environment, a proper diet, the ability to exhibit normal behavior, appropriate housing with or apart from others, and protection from pain or disease.
Public reaction
During the development of the proposals, a public consultation held in early 2025 drew 266 responses, with a high level of engagement from pet owners and business employees.
While there was wide support for the proposals, several themes emerged:
Support for standards: There was overwhelming support for limiting the number of dogs a professional can walk at once (93%) and limiting the number of litters a female animal can have per year (96%).
Star-rating system: 71% of respondents supported a 1-to-5 star-rating system to help customers identify businesses that exceed minimum standards.
Concerns: Many respondents expressed worry regarding the administrative burden (135 responses) and the potential costs (128 responses) associated with licensing.
Small business impact: Some feedback suggested that smaller, "quality over quantity" businesses might be unfairly disadvantaged if fees are not proportionate to the size of the operation.
In response to the feedback, the States Vet committed to reviewing the fee structure to ensure it does not negatively impact small home-based businesses.
For further guidance, an information booklet outlining the licensing scheme can be accessed online at gov.gg/animalwelfare.
Additional details regarding the licence conditions will be published in the New Year.
The licensing initiative is supported by updated Animal Welfare Codes that emphasise best practices and a commitment to positive welfare outcomes.
These codes can be reviewed at gov.gg/animalownership.
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