Doggy daycare licence

Joli2022

hi, I have reached the £1000 limit of looking after dogs and now have to apply for a licence from the council, which I am happy to do. 

Now I have reached the £1000 threshold does that mean I have to stop my business running until I get a licence? 

marcia_

 You would be better ringing and asking the council licensing department this 

Mistral001

Just get the licence if it is a legal requirement in your Council area.

Joli2022

@Mistral001 ok, we have applied and sent off as of weekend. But do I now need to stop and close business until licence granted? 

Nearlyold

Do you mean you've earned more than £1,000 in this tax year ie from 6th April onwards?

Joli2022

Hi @Nearlyold yes since April. I don’t want to get into trouble so I am not sure what to do…

Nearlyold

As others have said, contact the Council tomorrow and ask.

Having read all the guidance are you confident your set up will pass eg with regard to security of fencing, a seperate qualifying room for each of your doggy guests, your dog first aid knowledge, record keeping etc etc?

We used to run a doggy day care/home boarding/ dog walking and pet visits business but retired just before the licensing requirements came in, my wife started it and I subsequently joined her, best thing we ever did - hard work though.

Joli2022

@Nearlyold thank you for your advice. All of you. I think I will call council in the morning. I think it’s strange that you can earn under a £1000 but once you reach the limit you have to apply for a licence…so basically in my head it works like this…I hit £1000 close business and apply for licence, I lose earnings and customers get the licence and have to start all over again…

MalMonroe

Joli2022 said:

@Nearlyold thank you for your advice. All of you. I think I will call council in the morning. I think it’s strange that you can earn under a £1000 but once you reach the limit you have to apply for a licence…so basically in my head it works like this…I hit £1000 close business and apply for licence, I lose earnings and customers get the licence and have to start all over again…

Information in the following link seems to indicate that you should have a licence already?

https://www.mywaggytailsbusiness.co.uk/resources/dog-care-licensing/

Looking after other people's pets can be a complicated business. And it seems that a vet and/or the council have to inspect the premises as well before a licence can be granted. From the information in the link, it seems that you should have already had a licence. 

Obviously, your council will be able to advise you further. 

Joli2022

There is a £1000 threshold that means anyone can looking after dogs or cats without a licence. The government put it in place so people who do it in there spare time didn’t have to pay out for a licence. We never expected it to take off, and it has so we now have applied for a licence. I am just wondering if I now have to close until we receive it. 

JCS1

Are you not confusing two separate things? The requirement from your local council for a licence, and the £1,000 threshold before having to register as self employed with HMRC.