Boarding animals licence
Licence summary
To run a boarding kennel or cattery, you need a licence from us.
The number of dogs and cats that may be accommodated will be
specified on the licence along with other specific conditions.
We may authorise an officer, veterinary surgeon or practitioner
to inspect licensed premises.
Eligibility criteria
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
- Owning, keeping, dealing in or transporting animals under the
Animal Health and Welfare Act 2006.
Regulation summary
Application evaluation process
- Fees will be payable for applications and conditions may be
attached.
The following criteria will be considered when the application
is being evaluated:
- That the applicant in not disqualified
That the premises being proposed are capable of allowing:
- 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 adequate steps are and will, 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.
Will tacit consent apply?
No. It is in the public interest that we must process your
application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us
within a reasonable period, please contact us using the
contact details provided.
Apply for a licence
Telephone or email us for an application form. You should
be able apply for a licence online towards the end of
2010 - apply online for the following licences:
Failed application redress
- Please contact us in the first instance.
- Any applicant who is refused a licence can appeal to their
local Magistrates' court.
Licence holder redress
- Please contact us in the first instance.
- Any licence holder who wishes to appeal against a condition
attached to their licence can appeal to their local Magistrates'
court.
Consumer complaint
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
If you have other issues with regards to a Boarding
Establishments or a licence application please contact us and we
will advise on an appropriate organisation to consider your
issue.
Trade associations