Licence summary
Any person offering facilities, within the South Hams area, for looking after cats or dogs away from their owners' home must obtain an Animal Boarding Establishments Licence from South Hams District Council.
The number of dogs and/or cats that can be accommodated will be specified on the licence, in addition to the other relevant conditions.
The Council may authorise an inspection of the premises by a Veterinary Surgeon.
Please note that the granting of a licence does not mean that Planning Permission has been granted - you should contact the Council's Planning Department to check if Planning Permission is required.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants 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 Animals Welfare Act 2006
- owning, keeping, dealing in or transporting animals under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006
A fee, determined by South Hams District Council, will be payable on application.
Regulation summary
A summary of the regulation relating to this licence
Application evaluation process
To apply for an Animal Boarding Establishment Licence, applicants must complete and submit an application form accompanied by the appropriate fee.
South Hams District Council will take into account the following points when considering an application for an Animal Boarding Establishments Licence:
• 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 and adequate food, drink and bedding materials will be provided to the animals and that animals will be 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
To view the Council's current Animal Boarding Establishment Licence Conditions please see the relevant file attachment at the bottom of this page.
Target completion time
Once South Hams District Council have received the completed application and associated supporting documents (if required) from the applicant the target completion time will be 42 days.
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.
Apply online
Apply for a licence to run an animal boarding establishment
Tell us about a change to your existing animal boarding establishment
Renew your licence to run an animal boarding establishment
Forms to download, print and post
Telephone or email us to request an application form, or click below to download an application form.
Animal boarding application form
Home animal boarding application form
The same application form and fee should be submitted for applications for a new licence and for the renewal of an existing licence.
Failed application redress
Please contact The Licensing Department at South Hams District Council in the first instance.
Appeal
Right of appeal exists to the Magistrates' Court within 21 consecutive days of the date of the objection notice.
Fees
Click here to view fees for licence applications.
Contact details
Address
The Licensing Department
South Hams District Council
Follaton House
Plymouth Road
Totnes
Devon
TQ9 5NE
Tel: 01803 861234
Fax: 01803 861294
Email: licensing@southhams.gov.uk
Public register
Click here for information on how to view the public register.
Licence holder redress
Please contact The Licensing Department at South Hams District Council in the first instance.
Consumer complaint
If you wish to make a complaint of any kind about an animal boarding establishment within the South Hams District Council area please contact us on 01803 861234 or write to us at the above addresss. If you are not happy with the service the Council has provided with regard to your application, please contact the Licensing Office of the Council in the first instance, and we will try to resolve any concerns you may have.
The Council also has a formal complaints procedure. Please write to the Licensing Office at the contact address above. You may wish to send your letter by recorded delivery.
If your complaint is still not resolved, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Other redress
Anyone suffering nuisance due to noise, smells or similar because of a commercial premises should contact the Environmental Health Department at South Hams District Council on 01803 861234.
Trade associations
Pet Care Trust (PCT)
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
