Licence summary
To run a boarding kennel or cattery, you need a licence from the local authority. The number of dogs and cats that may be accommodated will be specified on the licence along with other specific conditions.
Falkirk Council may authorise an officer, veterinary surgeon or practitioner to inspect licensed premises.
Eligibility criteria
An applicant 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. In Scotland an applicant must also not be disqualified from working with, using, driving or riding animals, providing services to animals that would involve taking possession of them, taking possession of an animal to carry out any of the activities listed or taking charge of animals for any other purpose
The basic conditions for home boarding should be considered before applying:
- Downloads
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Basic conditions for home boarding - dogs
DOCX file, 15.2 KB
Regulation summary
Application evaluation process
Non-refundable fees will be payable for applications and conditions may be attached.
| Fee type |
Cost |
| Animal Boarding Establishments Licence |
£276.30 |
| Animal Boarding Establishments Licence (Renewal) |
£128.50 plus Vet's fee if required
|
| Home Boarding Establishments Licence |
£160.60 |
| Home Boarding Establishments Licence (Renewal) |
£90.00 plus Vet's fee if required |
The following criteria will be considered when the 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 a local authority officer, veterinary surgeon or practitioner.
Will tacit consent apply?
No. It is in the public interest that we must process your application before it can be granted.
If you have not heard from us within 28 days, please contact us.
How to apply
To apply, change or renew a licence to run a home boarding or animal boarding establishment, you can complete the forms below and return them to us by email or post:
- Downloads
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Application for a licence to operate a home boarding establishment
DOCX file, 106.6 KB
- Downloads
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Application to renew a home boarders licence
DOCX file, 94.3 KB
- Downloads
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Application for a licence to operate an animal boarding establishment
DOCX file, 119.1 KB
Please also include the following with your application:
- Site plan and layout of facilities
- Public liability insurance certificate
- Any other supporting documentation with your application.
Failed application and licence holder redress
Please contact us in the first instance.
Any licence holder who wishes to appeal against a condition attached to their licence can appeal to their local Sheriff in Scotland.
Consumer complaint
If you have a complaint, please contact the trader first, preferably in writing. If you do this by letter, make sure you get proof of delivery.
If you've done this and feel your complaint still hasn’t been resolved, contact the Citizens Advice Bureau.
But if you do not live in the UK, you’ll need to contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Other redress
For example; complaints about noise, pollution, etc should be directed to Environmental Protection.
The following offences and penalties apply to the keeping of animal boarding establishment:
- Anybody found guilty of keeping an animal boarding establishment without a licence may be subject to a fine not exceeding £500 or to three months imprisonment or both.
- Anybody found guilty of failing to comply with the conditions of their licences may be subject to a fine not exceeding £500 or to three months imprisonment or both.
- Anybody found guilty of obstructing or delaying an Inspector, or authorised Veterinary Surgeon or Veterinary Practitioner in the exercising of their powers of entry may be fined up to a maximum of £500.
- If found guilty under this Act, the defendant's licence may be cancelled and they may be disqualified from keeping an animal boarding establishment for such length of time the Court thinks fit.