Dog owners urged to check out kennels

WITH the summer holidays underway, council chiefs are issuing a timely reminder to pet owners to check anyone offering boarding services is properly registered and licensed.

Officials at Blaby District Council have outlined what residents should look out for in the area when picking a place to look after their animal.

Under the Animal Boarding Establishment Act 1963, all home boarders in Blaby District offering day care for dogs must have completed a behaviour course and adhere to the conditions laid out by licence granted.

Conditions of home boarding and day care boarding include:

A maximum number of dogs kept at any one time to be determined by the local authority, which must not be exceeded

The areas where the dogs are housed must be kept at a minimum temperature of 10°c. In summer temperatures, a maxi- mum temperature of 26°c is realistic in normal circumstances

The licensee should be able to demonstrate competency in the knowledge and care of dogs

Michelle Ikin, senior animal services officer at Blaby District Council, said: “Using premises with these licences will ensure that they are run as safely as possible. They will have been checked and have the appropriate insurance in place. Any licensed animal boarder will be able to show you their licence and this is the best way to ensure your dog will be as comfortable as it can be while you are away.”

Offences for not having an appropriate licence or failing to comply with the conditions of a licence can result in a fine of up to £500 and/or up to three months in prison, depending on individual circumstances. For more information on an animal boarding licences, visit www.blaby.gov.uk/ business or call 0116 272 7782.