GBC Says: ‘Protect Your Pet, Use a Licensed Boarder’

Published on: 27 Jan, 2023
Updated on: 29 Jan, 2023

Guildford pet owners are being encouraged to use licensed companies to look after their pets when they go away by Guildford Borough Council.

Licenced premises will have passed an inspection and business owners must prove that they know about the animals they care for. This includes understanding how to handle them, providing a safe environment for them and feeding them correctly. Applicants also have criminal record checks and vehicle checks.

Dog day-care centres, kennels, home boarders and catteries are some of the businesses which look after people’s pets. These all need a licence to operate. It is an offence for a business that looks after people’s pets to trade without a licence.

Websites that arrange pet boarding must also be licensed.

All licensed pet carers and companies must clearly display details of their licence on any online advertising. This includes social media advertisements. They must also have a licence at their premises which you should ask to see before leaving your pet with them.

Cllr James Steel

Lead councillor for Environment, Cllr James Steel, said: “As people start to book their summer holidays, they will also be booking their pet care.

“We urge residents to check the register on our website before booking their pet care. A business operating without a licence might not meet the right standards. This can put pets at risk. They might escape or get lost, stolen, sick and injured, or even killed.

“Any insurance held by an unlicensed pet carer is also likely to be invalid. This may lead to expensive vet bills and difficult decisions.”

If you are a pet owner, keep your pet safe by only using a licenced carer. To see if a business is licensed in Guildford Borough, view the online register

If you are a business and you board other people’s pets, please ensure that you have a licence. You can apply online

For more information or if you have concerns about a pet boarding business, please contact regulatoryservices@guildford.gov.uk