Home Boarding

Application Forms                                  

Application Process

When determining the application for an Animal Boarding Establishment licence, the Vale of Glamorgan Council will take into consideration whether or not the applicant can meet the requirements outlined in the Standard Conditions.

In order to confirm the above requirement a Licensing Officer will visit the premises to ensure that it complies with the above. In certain circumstances a veterinary inspection may also be undertaken.

Background and Eligibility Criteria

In accordance with a Home Boarding Licence, dogs must live in the home as family pets. There must be no external construction of buildings, cages or runs.

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB) consider that due to the free nature of cats they are not recommended for home boarding and that this practice should be discouraged.

Anyone can apply unless they are disqualified:

- from keeping a boarding establishment under Animal Boarding Act 1963

- from keeping a pet shop under the Pet Animals Act 1951

- from having the custody of animals under the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954 under section 34(2), (3) or (4) of Animal Welfare Act 2006

The Animal Welfare Act 2006, places responsibilities for care and welfare of an animal, on persons who are in charge of or are responsible for the animal, whether on a permanent or temporary basis.

How long does the licence last?

A licence is valid for one year and operates from 1 January (or the date granted after that date) to 31 December.

In the event of the death of a person who is keeping a boarding establishment, the licence shall be deemed to have been granted to his personal representatives and shall remain in force until the end of the period of three months beginning with the date of death and shall then expire.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council may extend this period on application if satisfied that the extension is necessary for the purpose of winding up the deceased’s estate and that no other circumstances make it undesirable.

Conditions

Standard conditions apply to all Home Boarding Licences. Additional conditions may be applied by the Licensing Authority if deemed necessary.

Fees

Application for a home boarding licence £155.00

All costs associated with determining the application of the licence or any veterinary costs incurred by the Vale of Glamorgan Council during the period of the licence will be charged to the licence holder. 

Offences and Penalties

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 level 2 on the standard scale 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 level 2 on the standard scale 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 subject to a fine not exceeding 

level 2 on the standard scale

Authorised officers of the Council and/or authorised veterinary surgeons/practitioners may enter and inspect a boarding premises at any reasonable time.

If found guilty under the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963, the Protection of Animals Act 1911, Pet Animals Act 1951, or any offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, sections 4,5,6(1) and (2), 7 to 9 and 11 the defendant's licence may be cancelled and they may be disqualified from keeping an animal boarding establishment for such length of time as the Court thinks fit.

Complaint and Other Redress

•  Failed Application Redress

  Please contact the Licensing Team in the first instance:

   

  Tel: 01446 709105

  Email: licensing@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

   

  Any person aggrieved by a refusal to be granted a licence may appeal to the Magistrates Courts who may give such directions regarding the licence or its conditions as it thinks proper.

•  Licence Holder Redress
  Please contact the Licensing Team in the first instance:

   

  Tel: 01446 709105

  Email: licensing@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

   

  Any person aggrieved by any conditions to which a licence is subject may appeal to the Magistrates Courts who may give such directions regarding the licence or its conditions as it thinks proper.

•  Consumer Complaint
  We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you, preferably in the form of a letter with proof of delivery. 

   

  If that has not worked and you are located in the UK Consumer Direct will be able to give you advice.    

   

  If you have a complaint from across Europe contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Regulations and Guidance

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)  DEFRA