If your dog thrives outdoors or indoor living isn't feasible, constructing a dedicated kennel in your garden offers a practical solution. This secure, weatherproof enclosure provides your pet with a safe, comfortable space of their own. However, depending on the kennel's design and size, you must adhere to local town planning regulations to ensure compliance.
A kennel shelters one or more dogs from the elements while prioritizing animal welfare and hygiene standards. As veterinary and construction experts emphasize, it must be hygienic, functional, and comfortable for your pet.
The setup should minimize disturbances to neighbors, such as noise or odors. Proper waste management is crucial—consider installing an independent septic system for droppings, separate from your home's main sewer.
For kennels housing fewer than nine dogs, you are exempt from the stricter Departmental Health Regulations (RSD), which apply mainly to professional breeders with larger operations and require prefecture approval. These guidelines help local authorities enforce hygiene standards.
Before starting any kennel project, verify permit requirements with your local municipality. Planning permission is required for new, independent structures—even without foundations—exceeding 20 m2 in footprint.
Submit your application via registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt or in person at the town hall. Include all necessary documents, detailed on the Ministry of Territorial Cohesion's website.
For kennels between 5 and 20 m2, a prior declaration of works is needed instead of a full permit. Note: Any new construction, including kennels, requires authorization if located near a historic monument, regardless of size.
Structures under 5 m2 and 12 m in height typically need no municipal approval.
