Boarding kennel or cattery licence

Use our animal advice or licensing enquiry form if you have concerns about animal welfare or behaviour, or want to ask about animal licensing.

To apply, you must not be 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

To apply

Boarding kennel and cattery licences are issued by us.

Please email us including:

• your name
• address
• other contact details
• details of the licence you want to renew or change

An officer will contact you. 

Fees

Fees are based on your licence requirements. Our officer will be able to advise you. 

We consider the following criteria when we evaluate applications:

• that the animals will be kept in suitable accommodation at all times (this considers the construction and size of the accommodation, the number of animals to be housed in it, facilities for exercise, 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 (this should contain a description of all animals received, their arrival and departure date and the name and address of the owner). It should be available to be inspected at any time by a local authority officer, veterinary surgeon or practitioner

We may attach conditions to your licence, such as now many cats and dogs may be accommodated. 

See a summary of the regulation relating to this licence.

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if no representations have been received within 28 days of submitting your application.

Please contact us.

If you are refused a licence, you can appeal to your local Magistrates' Court.

Please contact us.

Any licence holder who wishes to appeal against a condition attached to their licence can appeal to their local Magistrates' Court.

You can also speak to the Dog Team about other complaints relating to another aspect of the operation, such as noise, pollution or public health.