Professional dog walkers and boarding establishments reminded to apply for animal welfare licence before end of April
- Commercial dog walkers and boarding establishments such as kennels and catteries must apply for animal welfare licences by 30th April
- Businesses applying by the deadline receive a transitional period until 31st January 2027 to make improvements whilst continuing to operate
- New businesses and those missing the deadline must obtain licences and pass inspections before commencing or continuing operations
- The licensing scheme aims to protect animal welfare, ensure public safety and promote ethical practices
- Most businesses have already applied and inspections are underway, with officials impressed by standards observed so far
Commercial dog walkers and boarding establishments in Guernsey have been reminded they have until Thursday 30th April to apply for an animal welfare licence to continue operating.
The deadline applies to existing commercial dog walking businesses and commercial boarding establishments such as kennels and catteries, though home boarders are excluded from the requirement.
The licensing scheme forms part of an ongoing introduction of regulation for animal-related businesses, designed to protect animal welfare, ensure public safety and promote ethical practices.
Businesses that submit applications by the 30th April deadline will benefit from a transitional period lasting until 31st January 2027. This grace period will allow them to make any necessary improvements to meet licensing standards whilst continuing to trade.
These businesses do not need to meet all licence conditions before submitting their applications, provided they apply before the deadline.
However, any new dog walking or commercial boarding business, as well as existing businesses that fail to apply by 30th April, will face stricter requirements. They will need to obtain a licence and successfully complete an inspection before they can commence or continue operations.
Lorna Chadwick, Animal Health and Welfare Officer for the States of Guernsey, said: "We're really pleased most businesses have already submitted their applications, and inspections are now well underway. We've been impressed by the quality of services and care we've seen so far. We don't want anyone to be caught out by missing the 30th April deadline, as applying on time gives businesses the opportunity to make any necessary improvements at a manageable pace while continuing to operate."
Ms Chadwick indicated that the majority of affected businesses have already submitted applications and that the inspection process is progressing well.
Businesses can find more information and submit applications through the States of Guernsey's Animal Welfare Licensing webpage.
Q&A
Q: Who needs to apply for an animal welfare licence by 30th April?
A: Existing commercial dog walkers and commercial boarding establishments such as kennels and catteries. Home boarders are excluded from this requirement.
Q: What happens if a business applies by the 30th April deadline?
A: They receive a transitional period until 31st January 2027 to make any necessary improvements whilst continuing to operate. They do not need to meet all licence conditions before applying.
Q: What happens to businesses that miss the deadline or start after 30th April?
A: They will be required to obtain a licence and successfully complete an inspection before they can commence or continue operations.
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