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Email: licensing@herefordshire.gov.uk

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Application for animal boarding establishments
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Animal boarding establishments licence

Persons who carry on the business of providing accommodation for animals (e.g. cats and dogs) on behalf of their owners must obtain a licence.

To view the public register of animal boarding establishment licences please contact us.

To apply, change or renew a licence use the links below in the apply online section.



Licence summary 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. A local authority may authorise an officer, veterinary surgeon or practitioner to inspect licensed premises.
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

Fees will be payable and the licence is subject to conditions which can be downloaded from the resources box on the right.

Regulation Summary A summary of the regulations relating to the animal boarding establishments licence
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? 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 us after 12 weeks, please contact us. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details in the box to the right.
Apply online
Failed Application Redress Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance, see the contact details box on the right of the page.

Any applicant who is refused a licence can appeal to their local Magistrates' court.
Licence Holder Redress Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance, see the contact details box on the right of the page.

Any applicant who is refused a licence can appeal to their local Magistrates' court.
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 of 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 None
Trade Associations

 
Herefordshire Council, Brockington, 35 Hafod Road, Hereford HR1 1SH | Tel: (01432) 260000 | info@herefordshire.gov.uk