To run a boarding kennel or cattery in the Waltham Forest area you need a licence from the Council. The number of dogs and cats that may be accommodated will be specified on the licence along with other specific conditions.

A local authority may authorise an officer, veterinary surgeon or practitioner to inspect licensed premises.

No person may keep a boarding establishment for animals without first obtaining a licence.

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

Regulation summary

» See a summary of the regulation relating to this licence on the Business Link web site

Application process

Fees will be payable for applications and conditions may be attached.

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?

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if no representations have been received within 28 days of submitting your application.

Fees

Under 50 Animals Boarded £210

50-150 Animals Boarded £250

150+ Animals Boarded £280

Apply online

Or alternatively:

Application form to keep a Boarding Establishment for Animals (26KB WORD file)

Application form to keep a Boarding Establishment for Animals (112KB PDF file)

If your application failed

Please contact Waltham Forest Direct and ask for the Animal Welfare Team.

Any applicant who is refused a licence can appeal to their local Magistrates' court

Licence holder redress

Please contact Waltham Forest Direct and ask for the animal welfare team in the first instance.

Any licence holder who wishes to appeal against a condition attached to their licence can appeal to their local Magistrates' court.

Please contact Waltham Forest Direct and ask for the animal welfare team for matters concerning:

  • Other redress - include other complaints relating to another aspect of the operation such as noise, pollution or public health

Contact us

Environmental Health and Trading Standards
Environment and Regeneration
Waltham Forest Council
Sycamore House
Forest Road
Walthamstow E17 4JF

Tel 020 8496 3000
Email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk

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