Ensure your pet is boarded with a licensed operator

The Council’s Licensing Department is urging Merthyr Tydfil residents to ensure that they use only licensed animal boarders to look after their pets.

Anyone providing accommodation for other people’s cats or dogs, whether overnight or during the day, must be licensed by their local council. This licence is required for both the traditional kennel environment and for boarding in domestic properties.

All licensed premises are subject to strict criteria to ensure high standards of care are met for animals, and inspections are carried out to ensure that the premises are suitable.

A number of reports have recently been received by the department about unlicensed operators. Unlicensed premises have not been subject to checks to ensure the welfare needs of the animals can be met and if the person running them is an appropriate person to do so. They are also likely not be insured should anything happen to your pet.

Merthyr Tydfil has a number of excellent licensed premises across the county borough. A list can be found on the Council’s website: http://bit.ly/3CWcja4

“Everyone wants the best level of care for their beloved pet – and peace of mind - while they’re away or in work, said Cllr Michelle Symonds, portfolio holder for Public Protection, Crime & Disorder.

“It’s really important that our residents use only registered and approved operators to ensure that high level of care is being met. Residents can use the public register on the Council’s website to identify licensed premises and feel safe in the knowledge they have chosen a secure option for their pet.”

If anyone has concerns over any licensed or potentially unlicensed boarding facilities in the Merthyr Tydfil area, please contact the Licensing Department at licensing@merthyr.gov.uk