Location: Environment and Planning » Animal Welfare » Animal Boarding Establishments

Animal Boarding Establishments

To run a boarding kennel or cattery, you need a licence, under the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963, 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.

A local authority may authorise an officer, veterinary surgeon or practitioner to inspect licensed premises. Fees will be payable for applications and conditions may be attached. New licence applications will require an inspection by a veterinary surgeon in addition to the licence fee.

You may not apply for an animal boarding establishment licence if you have ever been disqualified from any of the following:-

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.

The following criteria will be considered when the application is being evaluation:

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 the local authority officer, veterinary surgeon or practitioner.

For further information or an application form please contact the Council's Customer Services Centre on 01628 683820 or complete the on line form.