Draft proposal for the 'Assessment and Management of Noise from Dog Kennels' launched
In the run up to Noise Action Week, taking place from 11th – 15th May 2026, the Association of Noise Consultants, Institute of Acoustics and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health have launched a draft version of their joint guidance document, the ‘Assessment and Management of Noise from Dog Kennels.’
Providing information for the assessment and management of noise from dog kennels affecting noise sensitive receptors (NSRs), the guidance applies to noise sensitive uses, including but not limited to, residential dwellings, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and other premises where noise may adversely affect occupants.
Setting out the background to the report, the guide says: “Based upon the issues associated with dog kennels, there is a clear need for guidance as to how the noise issues should be addressed.
“A number of guidance documents have been produced. These are not nationally applied, however, and a consistent assessment methodology, assisted by a range of objective criteria, plus consideration of context, would help in both the planning, design and management phases of these facilities, and any complaint investigations.”
The guide seeks to:
- Outline current relevant legislation that applies to noise from dog kennels;
- Consider the noise sources associated with dog kennels and seek to explain why the main source, dogs barking (vocalisation), is the most disturbing;
- Provide kennel noise source terms/measurements of dog vocalisation to inform assessments of proposed facilities;
- Provide a review of existing guidance;
- Provide proposed methods of assessment for the main source (dog vocalisation) and other sources;
- Recommend suitable baseline data, attended monitoring, and measurement procedures as part of the assessment process;
- Provide a range of assessment criteria to determine the significance of effects;
- Provide elements which form contextual considerations;
- Consider options for mitigation, including the design and siting of new kennels; and
- Provide guidance on the preparation of a kennel noise management plan.
Principal authors of the guidance are Phil Evans (Savills, Chair of the Working Group), John Pollard (JSP Consultants), James Hill (Apex Acoustics), Paul McCullough (Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council), Christina Ioannidou (Mayer Brown Ltd) Tanya Grosle (Grosle Environmental Services) and Andrew Raymond (ADC Acoustics).
An update on the consultation responses will be provided at the ANC conference on 16th June.
Dog barking resources for Noise Action Week
To support both dog owners and neighbours, Noise Action Week have developed a set of practical resources on dog barking. These are designed to help dog owners take reasonable, welfare-positive steps to reduce excessive barking, while also giving neighbours a constructive and collaborative approach for addressing the issue.
Both resources are available in online and printable formats. Local authorities, housing associations and community groups may find them useful to share with residents as part of promoting positive neighbour relations during Noise Action Week and beyond.
Noise Action Week is the UK's campaign to raise awareness and reduce noise pollution. It is organised by the Environmental Policy Implementation Community (EPIC) at the IES. Find out more here.
