Obtaining a Cattery Licence

Obtaining a licence to run a boarding cattery is not as straightforward as it might appear. Primarily it is the business which will be licensed, but if you are found to be in any way negligent in your care and attention to a cats welfare, the licence can to taken away. This would happen even if the buildings complied with every condition.

Where To Apply for a Licence

In the first instance you must obtain a copy of the licensing conditions from your local environmental health office. There are strict rules and regulations relating to the size of pens/chalets, and the overall conditions where cats will be housed. Depending on the size of the cattery there will be a limit set on the number of cats you will be allowed to board at any one time. When you feel you can comply with the regulations as stated, you can then apply for your licence.

When To Apply for a Licence

If you take over an existing cattery boarding establishment it should already have an up to date licence. You should inform your local council that you are taking over the business and someone from the environmental office will pay you a visit, just to make sure you are the type of person that will run the business in a responsible manner.

If they gave a licence to unsuitable applicants and something went wrong they would get blamed. If you are building a new business you must comply with all the guidelines and rules when you submit your cattery plans, then you can apply for the licence.

Why do I Need a Licence?

The aim of the licence is to make sure that standards of cat care, and Health and Safety are complied with at animal boarding establishments. In effect they act as a safeguard for cat owners, who know if a cattery is licensed it meets with the standards required by the local council. When you advertise your business you should always make sure you state 'Council Licensed' somewhere on the advertisement. Establishments that trade without a licence are breaking the law.

Conditions of The Licence

The conditions of a licence to board cats are many and varied. They might differ slightly from area to area depending on the council involved. They will all set out a minimum space that a cat is entitled to when boarded, this must be adhered to when planning the building. If you take over an existing business where some of the conditions will be difficult to comply with, the authority will probably make some allowances. In a new build every condition must be adhered to.

How Often Must I Apply for a Licence

The licence to run a cattery boarding establishment has to be renewed each year. A council officer from the Environmental health department will pay you a surprise visit at any time,normally in the high season when you are at your busiest. They will carry out an inspection and make a report on you and your premises.

If they find anything wrong, be it in the record keeping, the cleanliness or condition of the building, they will write to you and give you the chance to put things right before they visit you again and issue your licence. There is no reason why anything should be amiss and once you have a licence you should be able to keep it for as many years as you wish to.

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