Under the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 anyone who wishes to carry on the business of providing accommodation for other people’s cats and dogs must obtain a licence.
Before a licence is issued or renewed the Council must be satisfied that the premises are adequate in terms of:
- construction, size of quarters, number of occupants, exercise facilities, temperature, lighting, ventilation and cleanliness
- that animals will be adequately supplied with food and drink and bedding material,
- that the animals adequately exercised and visited at suitable intervals
- that adequate precautions are in place in case of infectious disease
- that appropriate precautions are in place in case of fire or another emergency
- that a register is kept containing description of animals received together with arrival and departure dates
This Council has model conditions for boarding kennels and catteries and further details are available from: the Licensing Manager at South Hams District Council
All kennels and catteries licensed by this Council are inspected by authorised veterinary surgeons. The main purpose of this licensing is to ensure animal welfare.