Guide
Kennel and cattery star ratings, explained
In England, every licensed boarding kennel and cattery has a council star rating from 1 to 5. Here's what the stars mean, how a business gets them, and how licensing works elsewhere in the UK.
The short answer
The stars combine two things the council judges at inspection: whether the business meets the minimum or the higher standards of animal welfare, and whether it's low or higher risk. Five stars is higher standards and low risk.
The law behind it
In England, boarding cats or dogs as a business is licensed under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, in force since 1 October 2018. It covers boarding kennels, catteries, home boarding for dogs and dog day care. The local council inspects the premises, issues the licence, and gives it a star rating using national guidance from Defra.
What each rating means
| Rating | Welfare standards | Risk | Licence lasts up to |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★★★★★ | Higher standards | Low risk | 3 years |
| ★★★★★ | Higher standards | Higher risk | 2 years |
| ★★★★★ | Minimum standards | Low risk | 2 years |
| ★★★★★ | Minimum standards | Higher risk | 1 year |
| ★★★★★ | Minor failings to put right | — | 1 year |
Of the 946 English businesses we list with a published rating, 481 (51%) hold 5 stars. See the full figures.
Things worth knowing
- New businesses are usually treated as higher risk until they have a track record, so they often start on 4 stars at most, even with excellent facilities.
- Ratings can change. A business can appeal its rating, or ask to be re-inspected after making improvements. A rating also changes at each renewal.
- Stars aren't everything. A 3-star kennel meets all the legal minimum standards. Look at the photos, facilities, house rules and how they look after pets with your dog or cat's needs in mind.
Scotland and Wales
Boarding is licensed by councils across Great Britain, but the star scheme is English. In Scotland, boarding cats and dogs is licensed under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Scotland) Regulations 2021; in Wales, under the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963. Neither gives star ratings, so listings there show “council licensed” instead.
How to check a licence
Licence holders must display a copy of their licence, so you can ask to see it. Councils also publish registers of licensed businesses. Every listing on Paws4Travels comes from those registers and links to its source.
Questions
Do boarding kennels and catteries need a licence?+
Yes. Anywhere in Great Britain, boarding cats or dogs as a business needs a licence from the local council. In England that includes boarding kennels, catteries, home boarding for dogs and dog day care.
What does a 5-star rating mean?+
In England, 5 stars means the council found the business meets the higher standards of animal welfare and is low risk. It gets the longest licence, three years.
Why might a good new kennel only have 4 stars?+
Councils usually treat new businesses as higher risk until they have a track record, which caps the rating at 4 stars at first, even if they meet the higher standards.
Can a business challenge its rating?+
Yes. A business can appeal its rating to the council and can ask to be re-inspected for a new rating once it has made improvements.
Do Scotland and Wales use star ratings?+
No. Boarding is licensed by councils in Scotland and Wales too, but the 1–5 star scheme is used in England only.
How can I check a kennel's licence?+
Ask to see it — licence holders must display a copy — or look up the council's public register. Every listing on Paws4Travels links to the register it came from.
Find a licensed kennel or cattery near you
Every place on Paws4Travels is council licensed, with its star rating shown where the council publishes one.
Browse by countyThis guide explains how licensing generally works; it isn't legal advice. For a specific business, check with the licensing council.