Animal boarding | Wrexham County Borough Council

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.

A licence will run from January 1 to December 31. The licence must be renewed each year to continue operating as an animal boarding establishment, including boarding within your own home.

Eligibility

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, dealing in or transporting animals under the Animal Health and Welfare

Regulation summary

Check the legislation: Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 (external link)

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.

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 the local authority by the end of the target completion period.

Target completion period

48 calendar days.

Fees

Animal boarding establishment (including home boarding):

Up to 50 animals: £386

Over 51 animals: £439

Apply online

GOV.UK: Apply to run an animal boarding establishment (external link)

GOV.UK: Application to change an animal boarding establishment licence (external link)

GOV.UK: Renew your licence to run an animal boarding licence (external link)

Contact

Public Protection Services, The Guildhall, Wrexham, LL11 1AY.

Email: public_protection_service@wrexham.gov.uk

Appeal a failed application

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

Licence holder appeal

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, Citizens Advice Consumer Service (external link) will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre (external link).

Trade associations

Pet Federation (external link)

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (external link)