To run a boarding kennel or cattery, or board dogs in your own home, 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.
A local authority may authorise an officer, veterinary surgeon or practitioner to inspect licensed premises.
This is an annual registration, which must be renewed after 12 months if you wish to continue to operate as an animal boarding establishment. The same form can be used for new and renewal applications.
An applicant must not be disqualified from:
A summary of the eligibility criteria for this licence
Fees will be payable for applications and conditions may be attached.
The following criteria will be considered when the application is being evaluated:
No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within 28 days, please contact the licensing team. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below. The standard conditions must be met before a licence can be issued.
Apply for a new animal boarding establishment licence or renew or amend an existing licence.
Richmond Magistrates Court has now closed, and applications for appeals should be made to Lavender Hill Magistrates Court, 176a Lavender Hill, London SW11 1JU.
The telephone number for the Court is 020 7805 1445.
We would always advise in the first instance that in the event of a complaint, you contact the animal boarding establishment. If you are not satisfied with their response please contact the licensing team on the details below.
If there are concerns about noise, pollution etc please contact the Council's Commercial Environmental Health team on 020 8891 7994 or by email to foodandsafety@merton.gov.uk. If you have a complaint about an existing licensed premises or a premises suspected of operating without a licence please contact the Council's Licensing team.
If you have any questions or comments please contact Licensing
Licensing
2nd Floor
Civic Centre
44 York Street
Twickenham
TW1 3BZ
Email: licensing@merton.gov.uk