Ensure your pet is being boarded at a licensed kennels or cattery

As residents embark on the summer months in which many families start to head off on their summer holidays in the UK and abroad, there is often the need for family dogs and cats to be well looked after whilst their owners enjoy a well-deserved break.

The council is reminding residents that kennels and catteries are subject to licensing regulations and they must be licensed to board cats and/or dogs by the Local Authority. All licensed kennels/catteries are subject to strict criteria to ensure high standards of care are being met for your pet. This includes criteria on the size and structure of the units, the cleanliness of the premises, the exercise and interaction your pets gets alongside and management of the pet’s food and/or medications.

Unfortunately, the Local Authority has very recently come across a kennels/cattery operating unlicensed in our area.

Unlicensed premises have not been subject to checks to ensure the welfare needs of the animals boarded can be met, or whether the person running the establishment is an appropriate/qualified/ experienced person to do so. Unlicensed premises would likely not be insured should anything happen to your pet during the boarding period.

Everyone wants the best level of care for their pet whilst they are away, and the peace of mind knowing your pet is being well cared for. East Riding of Yorkshire Council have many licensed premises across the area, that can cater very well for the needs of your animals.

The Health, Safety & Licensing Team are urging people to ensure they have undertaken checks on a premises before choosing to board their pet there.

What to check for before you chose to board your pet:

• Does the premises have a licence? This can be viewed on the public registers on the council’s website: https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/business/licences-and-registrations/available-licences/animals/catteries-kennels/#know-what-boarding-. They must also display a licence reference on their websites/ business accounts. If in any doubt, please contact Licensing@eastriding.gov.uk for more information.
• Visit the premises, have a look at what they offer. Premises facilities differ and some may suit your pet better than others. If the premises is offering pick/drop off services, ensure you have visited and seen where your pet will stay whilst you are away first.

Animal boarding premises have a star rating, which does this mean?

• 1 Star: These premises are existing businesses that are failing to meet the minimum standards.
• 2 Star: These premises do meet all of the mandatory minimum standards, however, they are deemed to be higher risk.

A premises could be deemed at high risk because they are a new operator that has been opened or been taken over in the past 12 months or because of non-compliance such as substantiated complaints within the last 3 years.

• 3 Star: These premises meet all of the mandatory standards set out in the new regulations and are providing a high level of animal welfare to the animals on the premises. These premises have been inspected to check that they meet satisfactory standards in areas of accommodation and enrichment.
• 4 Star: These premises meet all of the mandatory standards and a set of higher standards that are specific to the activity they are licensed for. However, they are deemed to be at higher risk. A premises could be deemed at high risk because they are a new operator that has been opened or taken over in the past 12 months or because of non-compliance such as substantiated complaints within the last 3 years.
• 5 Star: These premises meet all of the mandatory standards and a set of higher standards that are specific to the activity they are licensed for which are attached.

Cllr David Elvidge, portfolio holder for community empowerment and voluntary sector at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Whilst we all look forward to a summer break, I know many pet owners have to consider the best options for their beloved animals to be well looked after during that time. It is really important residents in the East Riding only use registered and approved dog kennels and catteries to ensure that high level of care is being met.

“Residents can do their own research on the council’s website for approved options and feel safe in the knowledge they have chosen a secure option for their pet during their time away from home.”

If anyone has any concerns over any licensed or potentially unlicensed boarding facilities in the East Riding, please contact: licensing@eastriding.gov.uk