Pet owners in Tendring urged to verify licences for boarding and day care
The warning follows recent concerns raised about unlicensed operators advertising pet boarding services in the area
Pet owners in Tendring are being prompted to verify business licences before booking boarding or dog day care to help ensure the safety and welfare of their animals.
Tendring District Council (TDC) has emphasised the importance of checking that boarding kennels, catteries, home boarding for dogs, and dog day care facilities are licensed by the council.
This legal requirement assures that these services adhere to essential animal welfare standards.
Residents should also consider visiting the premises before confirming a booking to view where their pets will be housed and to pose any care-related questions.
The council advises against paying in full upfront for services not yet received.
Furthermore, pet owners should avoid agreeing to their pet being collected from home unless they have verified the business details and are satisfied with where their animal will be kept.
The warning follows concerns about unlicensed operators advertising pet boarding services in the area.
In some cases, animals have been collected and transported to unknown locations, leaving owners unaware of their pets' whereabouts.
Councillor Adrian Smith, TDC's Cabinet Member for Environment, has encouraged pet owners to seek assurance in licensed and safe settings.
Councillor Adrian Smith said: “We want pet owners in Tendring to feel confident that, when they book boarding or day care, their animals will be cared for in a safe and properly licensed setting."
The council also reminds residents that residential dog training programmes offering overnight accommodation require a boarding licence, even if the training aspect does not.
Additionally, businesses offering dog walking or play sessions may need a licence for dog day care, especially if dogs are kept at the premises for extended periods.
This requirement does not apply to pet sitters or drop-in services where pets remain in their own homes.