Animal Boarding Establishments Licence
Information on licensing a boarding
kennel or cattery.
Summary
To run a boarding kennel or cattery, you will need a licence
from the local authority. The number of dogs and cats that may be
boarded will be specified on the licence and there may
be other specific conditions. A licence is required even if
you want to provide boarding in a private home.
Eligibility Criteria
A local authority may authorise an officer, veterinary surgeon
or practitioner to inspect licensed premises.
An applicant must not be disqualified from any of the
following at the time of the application:
- keeping an animal boarding establishment;
- keeping a pet shop under the Pet Animals Act 1951;
- keeping animals under the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act
1954;
- owning, keeping, being involved in the keeping or being
entitled to control or influence the keeping of animals, dealing in
animals or transporting or being involved in the transportation of
animals under the Animals Welfare Act 2006;
Regulation Summary
Application Evaluation Process
The local authority is required to specify such conditions in
the licence as appears to it necessary or expedient before securing
all or any of the following objectives:
- That the animals will be kept in suitable accommodation at all
times. Suitable accommodation takes into account the construction
and size of the accommodation, the number of animals to be housed
in it, facilities for exercising the animals, cleanliness and
temperature, lighting and ventilation provisions.
- That suitable food, drink and bedding materials will be
provided and that the animals are exercised and visited
regularly.
- That steps are taken to prevent and control the spread of
disease among the animals and that isolation facilities are in
place.
- That adequate protection is provided to the animals in the case
of fire and other emergencies.
- That a register is kept. The register should contain a
description of all animals received, their arrival and departure
date and the name and address of the owner. The register should be
available to be inspected at any time by a local authority officer,
veterinary surgeon or practitioner.
Standard
conditions relating to the licence (Cats).
Standard
conditions relating to the licence (Dogs).
Standard
conditions home Boarding - Cats (PDF, 42k).
These conditions are without prejudice to the local authority's
discretion to impose additional conditions or refuse a licence.
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How long will it take to receive the
licence?
Following receipt of the application form and any necessary
attachments including the relevant fee, you can expect to hear
from us within 60 days.
Tacit Consent applies: this means that you will be able to act
as though your application is granted if you have not heard from us
by the end of the target period. If you have not heard
from us within a reasonable period please contact us. You
can do this
online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use
the contact details below.
Apply online
In order to make an application online, you must complete one
of the following forms:
Alternatively if you do not wish to apply online, you may
download an application form from the Form Links section of this
page.
Fees
Failed application and licence holder
redress
Any applicant who is either refused a licence or wishes to
appeal against a condition of the licence can appeal to the
local Magistrates' Court, however contact us in the first
instance.
Consumer complaints
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the
first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the
form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if
you are located in the UK,
Consumer Direct will give
you advice. From outside the UK contact the
UK European Consumer Centre.
Other Redress
Contact details