Animal boarding establishments licence

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.

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

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
owning, keeping, dealing in or transporting animals under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

Regulation summary

A summary of the eligibility criteria for this licence

Conditions of licence

Animal Boarding Establishment - Conditions of Licence (PDF 97kb)

Fees

Click here for a full list of licence fees

All fees are payable on submission of the application and are usually non-refundable.

Cheques or postal orders should be made payable to Caerphilly County Borough Council. Please do not send cash in the post.

Applications may also be subject to an additional fee for a veterinary surgeon's inspection, which will be recharged to the applicant at a later date.

Application evaluation process

Fees will be payable for applications and conditions may be attached.

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.

What happens if your application is not processed within the timescales stated?

If you have not heard from this authority within 28 days you can act as though your application has been granted. The start period runs from receipt of all documentation and payment of relevant fee.

Apply online

You can now apply for your personal licence online via the GOV.UK website where payment (if required) can be taken electronically.

Apply to run an animal boarding establishment

Renew your licence to run an animal boarding licence

Tell us about a change to your existing animal boarding establishment

Applicant must provide a sketch plan of the premises to be licensed and complete the attached form for each block that will accommodate animals.

Notice to Keepers of Animal Boarding Establishments (PDF 154kb)

Failed application redress

Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.

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.

Any licence holder who wishes to appeal against a condition attached to their 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 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.