Animal boarding establishments licence

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.

The 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.

Regulation Summary

A summary of the eligibility criteria for this licence

Application Evaluation Process

Fees will be payable for applications and conditions may be attached. Click on the link for a list of fees and charges. (PDF 16Kb)

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 Mid Suffolk District Council, 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 Mid Suffolk District Council by the end of 35 days

Apply online

Apply to run an animal boarding establishment (LINK NOT CURRENTLY LIVE)

Renew your licence to run an animal boarding licence (LINK NOT CURRENTLY LIVE)

Failed Application Redress

Please contact Mid Suffolk District Council's  Environmental Health Department in the first instance.

Any applicant who is refused a licence can appeal to their local Magistrates' court.

Licence Holder Redress

Please contact Mid Suffolk District Council's Environmental Health Department 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, you can contact Mid Suffolk District Council's Environmental Health Department via Customer Service Direct. If you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will also give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Other Redress

If you have other complaints about an animal boarding establishment such as noise, pollution, etc or should one licence holder wish to complain about another you may contact Mid Suffolk District Council's Department via Customer Service Direct

Trade Associations

Pet Care Trust (PCT)

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons