The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018

PART 4 Providing day care for dogs

Interpretation

19.  In this Part, “premises” means the premises on which the licensable activity of providing day care for dogs is carried on.

No overnight stay

20.  No dog may be kept on the premises overnight.

Suitable environment

21.—(1) Each dog must be provided with—

(a) a clean, comfortable and warm area where it can rest and sleep, and

(b) another secure area in which water is provided and in which there is shelter.

(2) Each dog must have access to areas where it can—

(a) interact safely with other dogs, toys and people, and

(b) urinate and defecate.

(3) There must be an area where any dog can avoid seeing other dogs and people if it so chooses.

Suitable diet

22.  Any dog that requires specific feed due to a medical condition must be fed in isolation.

Monitoring of behaviour and training

23.—(1) All dogs must be screened before being admitted to the premises to ensure that they are not afraid, anxious or stressed in the presence of other dogs or people and do not pose a danger to other dogs or staff.

(2) Any equipment used that is likely to be in contact with the dogs and any toys provided must not pose a risk of pain, suffering, disease or distress to the dog and must be correctly used.

Housing apart from other dogs

24.—(1) Unneutered bitches must be prevented from mating.

(2) Dogs which need to be isolated from other dogs must be provided with alternative forms of mental stimulation.

Records

25.—(1) A register must be kept of all the dogs on the premises which must include—

(a) the date of the dog’s attendance;

(b) the dog’s name, age, sex, neuter status, microchip number and a description of it or its breed;

(c) the name, postal address, telephone number (if any) and email address (if any) of the owner and emergency contact details;

(d) the name and contact details of the dog’s normal veterinarian and details of any insurance relating to the dog;

(e) details of the dog’s relevant medical and behavioural history, including details of any treatment administered against parasites and any restrictions on exercise;

(f) details of the dog’s diet and relevant requirements;

(g) any required consent forms;

(h) a record of the date or dates of the dog’s most recent vaccination, worming and flea treatments;

(i) details of any medical treatment the dog is receiving.

(2) When outside the premises, each dog must wear an identity tag which includes the licence holder’s name and contact details.

Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease

26.—(1) The dogs must be supervised at all times.

(2) A preventative healthcare plan agreed with the veterinarian with whom the licence holder has registered under paragraph 9(8) of Schedule 2 must be implemented.

(3) Any journeys in a vehicle must be planned to minimise the time dogs spend in the vehicle.