What a council star rating means
Since October 2018 anyone in England who boards cats or dogs for money needs a licence from their council. That covers kennels, catteries, home boarders and day care. An inspector visits, scores the business, and gives it a star rating and a licence of one, two or three years.
How the stars are decided
Inspectors look at two things: how well the business meets the animal welfare standards, and how much risk it carries (for example, its track record and how it manages problems). The two scores combine like this:
| Risk | Minor failings | Meets minimum standards | Meets higher standards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low risk | 1 star · 1-year licence | 3 stars · 2-year licence | 5 stars · 3-year licence |
| Higher risk | 1 star · 1-year licence | 2 stars · 1-year licence | 4 stars · 2-year licence |
Source: Defra guidance to councils on animal activity licensing, as published by councils including Wakefield.
Is a 3-star kennel a bad choice?
No. Three stars means the business meets the legal minimum standards and is low risk. Many long-established kennels hold 3 stars. Five stars means it also meets the higher, optional standards. A business can also be newly licensed and have its rating capped until it has a track record.
What boarding costs locally
From the 15 catteries in our list that publish a price, one cat costs between £9.50 and £34.80 a day, with a middle figure of £15. From the 12 kennels that publish one, one dog costs between £18 and £38 a day, with a middle figure of £26.
Based on prices published on business websites, checked 2 November 2026. Some include VAT. Many places charge both the arrival and departure day, and add a supplement over Christmas.
Before you book
- Ask for the licence number and check it matches the business name.
- Check the vaccination rules. Most kennels want proof of a kennel cough vaccine given at least two weeks before the stay.
- Ask whether arrival and departure days are both charged, and about any Christmas or bank holiday supplement.
- Visit if you can. A good kennel or cattery will be happy to show you round.