Leaving your pet with a boarding facility or kennel means trusting a business with a family member. Most pet boarding contracts contain liability limitation clauses that severely restrict what you can claim if something goes wrong — from injury and illness to escape or even death. Cancellation policies can also be punitive, with some facilities charging full fees for late cancellations regardless of the reason. Understanding what the boarding facility is actually liable for, and what your cancellation rights are, helps you choose a reputable provider and avoid nasty surprises.
What is a Liability and Cancellation?
A pet boarding contract is an agreement between a pet owner and a boarding facility (kennel, cattery, home boarder, or doggy daycare) for temporary care of your animal. The contract typically covers the duration of the stay, daily rates, feeding requirements, veterinary authorisation, liability limitations, and cancellation terms. In England, commercial pet boarding requires a licence under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, which sets minimum welfare standards. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have equivalent licensing requirements.
Red flags to watch for
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a trader cannot exclude liability for loss caused by their own negligence. A clause saying 'we accept no responsibility whatsoever' is likely unfair and unenforceable.
Reputable facilities should contact you before any veterinary treatment except in genuine emergencies. A contract that gives blanket authority to treat without consulting you could result in unwanted procedures and costs.
While reasonable cancellation fees are lawful, charging the full amount for cancellations made well in advance may be considered an unfair penalty under CRA 2015 Schedule 2.
All commercial boarding facilities in England must hold a licence under the 2018 Regulations. Operating without one is a criminal offence and suggests the facility may not meet minimum welfare standards.
Some contracts state that if you do not collect your pet within 7-14 days, ownership transfers to the facility. While facilities need protection against abandonment, very short timeframes are concerning.
You should be informed promptly if your pet becomes unwell or injured. A contract with no notification obligation suggests poor duty of care.
Your legal rights
Pet boarding facilities in England must be licensed under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, which impose minimum standards for accommodation, exercise, health monitoring, and record-keeping. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 applies to boarding contracts as consumer service contracts: the service must be performed with reasonable care and skill (s.49), and unfair terms in the contract (including excessive exclusion of liability) may be unenforceable under Part 2. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 imposes a duty of care on anyone responsible for an animal, making neglect a criminal offence. If your pet is harmed due to negligence, you may have a claim in tort for damage to property (pets are legally classified as property), and the boarding facility's insurance should cover such claims.
Questions to ask before you sign
- 1Can I see your animal boarding licence, and when was your last local authority inspection?
- 2What is your veterinary emergency procedure — will you contact me before authorising treatment?
- 3What happens if my pet becomes ill or is injured while in your care — what is your liability?
- 4What is your cancellation policy, and is there a sliding scale based on notice given?
- 5What insurance do you hold, and does it cover injury or death of animals in your care?
- 6What happens if I cannot collect my pet on the agreed date — what are the overstay charges and procedures?
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contract law varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified legal professional before making decisions based on this information.