Boarding for Cats and Dogs

Boarding Establishments for cats and dogs must be licenced by the local council. The keeping of such premises is defined as the carrying on at any premises (including a private dwelling) of a business of providing accommodation for other people's cats and dogs. There is no legislation regulating the boarding of other types of animals.

A Veterinary Consultant and a council officer inspect on application, and on renewal, all licensed boarding establishments within the district. In addition to this, the premises are subject to an interim, 'spot check' inspection, by a council officer, at some point throughout the licence period.

All licenced boarding establishments must comply with Rochford District Councils standard conditions for boarding establishments and may be subject to additional conditions as specified by the council.

Legislation

Animal Boarding Establishments  Act 1963.

Issuing Department

Waste and Street Scene

Financial Requirements

Please see schedule of fees in Related Documents. If the Licence holder wishes to vary their licence, the fee is half of the annual licence fee plus all Veterinary Consultants Fees.  You will be invoiced for the Veterinary Consultants fees after the premises inspection has taken place.  A Licence will not be issued until all fees have been paid. These fees are reviewed annually on 1st April.

Expiry Date

All Animal Boarding Establishment Licences expire annually on 31st December.

Renewal Of Licences

It is an offence to carry on the business of boarding cats and dogs without a current licence. Therefore licence holders must apply for renewal of their licence at least 2 months before their licence expires.