Planning

Most properties have planning permission for residential purposes ie. you have a home which is intended for people to live in. Having a dog is regarded as incidental to your use of the home.

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However, if you have so many dogs that it is regarded that the nature of your home has changed to being a home for dogs rather than people, then the Council may require you to apply for planning permission for change of use.

There is no statutory maximum number of dogs that you may have, as it will depend on the size of your home and the size of the dogs, but many Council’s use 6 as their ‘rule of thumb’ maximum. However, this should not be regarded as the most you may have, as in your particular circumstances, a smaller number may be appropriate. If you apply for change of use, there is no guarantee that it will be granted.

Please note that the above summary only relates to the law in England and Wales. You must not rely on it as constituting legal advice. We do not hold ourselves out as experts in this area so should you have queries we suggest you speak to a planning consultant