Licence - boarding animals

No person may keep a boarding establishment for animals without first obtaining a licence from their Local Authority.  This includes petsitting in your own home.

Licensing of animal boarding establishments

Application for a licence must be made to the Local Authority and a licence may be issued if the applicant is not disqualified under any of the following Acts:

1. The Animal Boarding Establishment Act 1963.
2. The Pet Animals Act 1951.
3. The Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954.
4. The Protection of Animals (Cruelty to Dogs) (Scotland) Act 1934.

There is an application fee which must be paid at the time an application is made.

Where a licence is granted, that licence and any subsequent licence will expire on 31 December of the year to which the licence relates and must be renewed before that date if the premises are to continue as an animal boarding establishment.

Conditions of licence

Standard conditions apply for Catteries and Kennels.

Your right of appeal

Any person aggrieved by a refusal to be granted a licence or by any conditions to which a licence is subject may appeal to the Magistrates Courts who may give such directions regarding the licence or its conditions as it thinks proper.

Offences and penalties

The following offences and penalties apply to the keeping of animal boarding establishment:

• anybody found guilty of keeping an animal boarding establishment without a licence may be subject to a fine not exceeding £500 or to three months' imprisonment or both
• anybody found guilty of failing to comply with the conditions of their licences may be subject to a fine not exceeding £500 or to three months' imprisonment or both
• anybody found guilty of obstructing or delaying an inspector, or authorised veterinary surgeon or veterinary practitioner in the exercising of their powers of entry may be fined up to a maximum of £500.

If found guilty under this Act, the defendant's licence may be cancelled and they may be disqualified from keeping an animal boarding establishment for such length of time the court thinks fit.

Further Information

Copies of the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 and other legislation mentioned in this information sheet can be purchased from The Office of Public Sector Information.

A copy of the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 can be inspected at the council offices where you may also obtain an application form and further help or advice.  Contact licensing on 01707 357925 or licensing@welhat.gov.uk