Animal boarding establishments

In order to board cats and dogs within the District of Easington you must hold a valid licence. A valid licence must be current and issued by this council.

About this service

Before being granted a licence the applicant must be able to demonstrate to the Council's Licensing Officer:

• that the animals will at all times be kept in accommodation suitable in respect of construction, size of quarters, number of occupants, exercising facilities, temperatures, lighting, ventilation and cleanliness.
• that animals will be adequately supplied with suitable food, drink and bedding materials, adequately exercised, and (so far as is necessary) visited at suitable intervals.
• that all reasonable precautions will be taken to prevent and control the spread of infectious or contagious diseases, including the provision of adequate isolation facilities.
• that appropriate measures will be taken to protect the animals in case of fire or other emergency, including the provision of suitable fire fighting equipment. A contact name and telephone number must also be displayed on the premises. 
• that a register containing a description of any animal received into the premises, the date of arrival and departure, and the name and address of the owner will be kept, and that the register will be available for inspection at all times by the Licensing Officer.
• a licence may be refused or withheld on other grounds if those grounds are such that conditions were not suitable for the boarding of animals.
• each licence issued is subject to standard conditions that are imposed on all animal boarding establishments licensed by the Council.
• in addition to the standard conditions a licence may also contain special conditions that are only applicable to your premises.   
• declare they have not been disqualified under           

a) The Animal Boarding Establishment Act 1963.
b) The Pet Animals Act 1951.
c) The Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954.
d) The Protection of Animals (Cruelty to Dogs) (Scotland) Act 1934.

Application forms are available at the council offices

What you must do

For us to process your application you must:

• complete an application form and return it to the council offices
• pay the relevant fee
• undergo an inspection of your premises by the Licensing Officer          

What we must do

We are legally obliged to:

• assess your application
• inform you of our decision
• inform you of your right to appeal if refused             

We are obliged to disclose relevant information to other organisations when requested, such as:

• Inland Revenue
• Police
• Department for Work and Pensions
• Customs and Excise
• Child Support Agency             

What happens next?

Once your application is received an appointment will be made to cary out an inspection. 

If the premises are to the required standard the licence will be issued subject to the standard conditions of the council.

If the premises are not to standard then a further inspection may be made once any necessary works have been carried out or the licence may be issued subject to additional conditions which would address the issues.

If considered necessary the licence may be refused.

What are the charges for this service?

The cost of an Animal Boarding Establishments licence is £50 on application and thereafter £50 per year for renewal.

All licenses expire on the 31st of December each year an application for renewal must be made at least one month prior to expiry.

Some frequently asked questions

Who needs an animal boarding licence?

Anyone who takes payment for caring for cats or dogs away from the owners own home. The scale of the business is irrelevant.