Licence - boarding animals
Anyone who boards animals will need a licence to comply
with the Animal Boarding Establishment Act 1963. You
can download the licence application or fill in the
online application form below. For the cost of this licence please
see our fees and charges page.
Animal boarding establishments licence
To run a boarding kennel or cattery, you need a licence from the
local authority. The number of dogs and cats that may be
accommodated will be specified on the licence along with other
specific conditions.
Licence summary
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:
Eligibility Criteria
- 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 (Scotland) Act 2006. In Scotland an
applicant must also not be disqualified from working with, using,
driving or riding animals, providing services to animals that would
involve taking possession of them, taking possession of an animal
to carry out any of the activities listed or taking charge of
animals for any other purpose
Regulation Summary
A
summary of the regulation relating to this licence
Fees will be payable for applications and conditions may be
attached.
The following criteria will be considered when the application
is being evaluated:
Application Evaluation Process
- 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 an authorised local
authority officer, veterinary surgeon or practitioner.
Will Tacit Consent Apply?
No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process
your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard
from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact
it. You can do this
online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use
the contact details
below.
Apply to run an
animal boarding establishment
Failed Application Redress
Any applicant who is refused a licence can appeal to their local
Magistrates' court or, in Scotland, to their local Sheriff.
Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.
Licence Holder Redress
Any licence holder who wishes to appeal against a condition
attached to their licence can appeal to their local Magistrates'
court or, in Scotland, to their local Sheriff.
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
E.g. about noise, pollution, etc. Also should one licence holder
complain about another.
Trade Associations
Pet Care Trust
(PCT)
Royal College of Veterinary
Surgeons
Feline Advisory Bureau