Licence - boarding animals
The Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 requires that premises for boarding dogs and cats (kennels and catteries) must be licensed by the Council.
Officers visit each premise to check compliance with the legislation and licence conditions prior to issuing of a licence.
No person may keep a boarding establishment for animals without first obtaining a licence from the Council.
Application for a licence must be made to the council and a licence may be issued if the applicant is not disqualified under any of the following Acts:
- The Animal Boarding Establishment Act 1963.
- The Pet Animals Act 1951.
- The Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954.
- The Protection of Animals (Cruelty to Dogs) (Scotland) Act 1934.
There is an application fee which must be paid at the time an application is made. Currently the fee is £200.
Where a licence is granted, that licence and any subsequent licence will expire on the 31 December of the year to which the licence relates and must be renewed before that date if the premises are to continue as an animal boarding establishment.
Before being granted a licence the applicant must be able to demonstrate to the Council's Licensing Officer that the premises comply with the Council’s standard conditions.
If you would like further information, or would like to apply for a licence, please contact the Council’s Environmental Health Division on 01438 242908/242916, email envhealth@stevenage.gov.uk or, alternatively, download a copy of the application form. (See link below).