Application

Procedure

How to apply for a Boarding Establishment Licence (BEL)

Fees

Boarding Establishment Licence Fee: HK$3,810 per year

Points For Attention

Points for attention for applicant

You have the responsibility to ensure that the applied premises meet the requirements of other government departments and related organisations, e.g. the requirements of Lands Department, Environmental Protection Department and Town Planning Board Secretariat, etc.

You shall keep a boarding establishment only after the BEL is granted. You must also observe the Code of Standards, additional conditions and other related conditions at all times.

Additional Conditions

Some of the additional conditions attached to the licence

(Applicable to Boarding Establishment authorised to board cats and dogs)

• Dogs over the age of 5 months kept in the licensed boarding establishment must be microchipped and have a valid dog licence.
• All dogs and cats kept in the licensed boarding establishment must be vaccinated by a registered veterinary surgeon against Canine Distemper, Canine Parvovirus and Infectious Hepatitis for dogs, or Feline Panleukopaemia, Feline Respiratory Disease Complex for cats. A valid and up-to-date original or copy of the vaccination certificate of the animal shall be available for inspection by an authorised officer of AFCD when needed. (Bearing the microchip number for dogs).
• The licensee must maintain an up-to-date register of all boarded animals in a format prescribed by AFCD (The template for the Register for the boarded animals can be obtained from AFCD’s office, address: 5/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon) detailing the microchip numbers, dog licence numbers and validity dates, for inspection by an authorised officer of AFCD. The register must be kept for a minimum period of one year by the licensed boarding establishment.

Validity Period

The licence is valid for one year beginning on the date it is granted.

Renewal

The licensee will receive a licence renewal notification issued and posted by AFCD at least two months before the licence’s expiry date.

Complete and sign the reply slip section of the notification and post or fax it to AFCD, AFCD will then arrange for the renewal procedures.

Alterations

Alterations after grant of licence are prohibited.

Unless with permission in writing from the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, the licensee should not make any material alteration or modification to the primary enclosures, housing facilities or outdoor areas after the licence is granted.

Penalty

Any person carrying on a business of providing food and/or accommodation for animals in return for a fee or other money consideration paid by the owner or person having control of the animals without a licence shall be liable to a maximum fine of HK$2,000.

Contact Us

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

Code of Standards

Excerpt from the Code of Standards that you should observe:

1. Any pen, cage, compartment, hutch or structure used to restrict animals shall: -
   • be maintained in good repair;
   • be kept dry and clean;
   • allow animals to have convenient access to food and water; and
   • allow animals to move about freely and to stand, sit or lie comfortably.
2. Any room, building, premises or other places shall: -
   • be maintained in good repair;
   • contain adequate supplies of drinkable water and suitable drainage for the escape of excess water;
   • have sufficient space for the storage of fresh food and bedding;
   • have sufficient fresh air ventilation;
   • have ample lighting of good quality.
3. Outdoor area shall provide: -
   • sufficient shade to protect animals from direct sunlight;
   • adequate shelter to protect animals from unpleasant weather.
4. Standards of rearing and hygiene
   • The animals shall be fed at least once daily with wholesome and nutritious food;
   • all food and water dishes for the animals shall be readily accessible to the animals;
   • the animals shall be supplied with adequate and drinkable water;
   • all excreta and other waste matter shall be removed not less than once daily;
   • the cages, housing facilities and outdoor areas shall be maintained in a sanitary condition and shall contain adequate and dry bedding;
   • a programme for the control and destruction of pests and rats shall be maintained;
   • animals shall not be housed in the same primary enclosure unless they are of the same or a compatible genus;
   • animals under treatment for a communicable disease shall be kept separate from other animals;
   • The licensees should, in accordance with good husbandry, ensure that such boarded animals are not kept in overcrowded conditions;
   • Licensed boarding premises can only be used for boarding.

Legislation

Ordinance related Boarding Establishments

The Public Health (Animals) (Boarding Establishment) Regulations, Cap. 139I, regulates a person who carries on a business of providing food and accommodation for animals in return for a fee or other money consideration paid by the owner or person having control of the animals.

If you run a boarding establishment for animals, you must apply for a BEL from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) before business begins.

You can find the details of the above regulations here.

Related Ordinances the applicant should take note of

You should ensure that requirements under other Ordinances, such as the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap. 132, the Dogs and Cats Ordinance, Cap. 167, the Dangerous Dogs Regulation, Cap. 167D, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, Cap. 169, The Wild Animals Protection Ordinance, Cap. 170, the Rabies Ordinance, Cap. 421, the Rabies Regulation, Cap. 421A, and the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, Cap. 586, are also complied with.

Leaflets & Posters

Leaflet "Animal Boarding Establishment Licence (ABEL)"

FAQs

PDF format e-Form  iAM Smart

Downloads

Application Form
Code of Standards
Additional Conditions
Licensed Boarding Kennels List