To run a boarding kennel or cattery, you need a licence from the council.
The number of dogs and cats that may be accommodated will be specified on the licence along with other specific conditions.
We may authorise an officer, veterinary surgeon or practitioner to inspect licensed premises.
Apply
You can download the relevant application form from the Businesslink website:
- Application for a licence to operate an animal boarding establishment
- Application to change an animal boarding establishment
- Application to renew an animal boarding establishment licence
A fee of £213 is payable upon application.
Tacit approval applies, so you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from us within 40 days.
Contact
If you have any questions about the licence or application process, please email the Licensing team at licensing@cambridge.gov.uk or telephone 01223 457879.
The postal address is PO Box 700, Cambridge CB1 0JH.
Eligibility
You 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 Animal Welfare Act 2006
Evaluation
The following criteria will be considered when the application is being evaluated:
- that 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
