Licence summary

To run a boarding kennel or cattery, within the Borough of Runnymede, you need a licence. The number of dogs and cats that may be accommodated will be specified on the licence along with other specific conditions.

The Council may authorise a member of staff, veterinary surgeon or practitioner to inspect licensed premises.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must not be disqualified from any of the following when you making an 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

Regulation summary

A summary of the eligibility criteria for this licence
• Regulation Summary - Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963
• Regulation Summary - Animals Welfare Act 2006
• Regulation Summary - Pet Animals Act 1951
• Regulation Summary - Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954.

Application evaluation process

We will acknowledge receipt of your application within three working days. If you do not hear from us within this time, please contact us.

If you do not supply the correct information, documents or fee, your application will not be processed.

To apply for an Animal Boarding Establishment Licence, applicants must complete and submit an application form, with the appropriate fee

The following criteria will be considered when your application is being evaluated:

• 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 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 our officers, a veterinary surgeon or practitioner.

How much will it cost?

Application and renewal fees

• new application - £215
• renewal - £215

Re-apply for licences, irrespective of date of issue, before 1 January each year.

Will tacit consent apply?

Tacit consent does not apply to applications. It is in the public interest that the Council must process an application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period (three days), please contact us. You can do this online here if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.

Apply online

You can apply and pay for your licence online:

• apply to run an animal boarding establishment
• application to change an animal boarding establishment licence
• renew your licence to run an animal boarding licence.

Can I view a register of licences?

No. If you wish to inspect the public register of licences, contact us.

Contact us

To find out more about animal boarding licensing, within the Borough of Runnymede, please contact:

Commercial Team, Runnymede Borough Council, Technical Services Department, Runnymede Civic Centre, Station Road, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 2AH.

Tel: 01932 425131 Fax: 01932 838384
Email: environmental.protection@runnymede.gov.uk