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. The licence involves payment of a
fee.
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.
Regulation Summary
The main legislation covering this permission is the
Animal
Boarding Establishments Act 1963.
Application Evaluation Process
The following criteria will be considered when the application
is being evaluated:
- 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.
Will Tacit Consent Apply?
Yes. 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 completion period of 42 days.
Apply online
Downloadable forms and other documents.
If you wish to complete an application by hand and return it to
us by post, you can
download the application form.
Failed Application Redress
Please contact us in the first instance.
Any applicant who is refused a licence can appeal to
North Somerset 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 North Somerset Magistrates'
Court.
Consumer Complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the
first contact is made with the licensee by you - preferably in the
form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked,
contact the Food and Safety Team.
Trade Associations
Public Registers
Please contact the Food and Safety Team for more information on
the registers held.
Contact Details
For more information please contact the
Food and Safety
Team.
