Pet owners in Tendring are being urged to check that any boarding kennels, catteries or day care operators have the correct licences.

Such businesses should have a licence from Tendring District Council (TDC) to operate – a legal requirement to help ensure that the provider is meeting the necessary animal welfare standards.

Thc council is urging residents to visit premises before leaving their pets – and not agree to collection from their home unless they have carried out checks on the business and are confident about where their animal will be staying.

The warning follows recent concerns raised about unlicensed operators advertising pet boarding services in the area. In some cases, this has included arrangements where animals are collected and taken to unknown locations without owners being fully aware of where they are being kept.

The council is also reminding residents that some services, such as residential dog training programmes, may include overnight accommodation which requires a boarding licence, even if the training itself does not.

Businesses offering dog walking or play sessions may also need a licence for dog day care if dogs are being looked after for more than a short period. This can include situations where dogs are kept for several hours before or after services such as walking or grooming. Pet sitters or drop-in services where animals remain in their own home don’t need a licence.

Councillor Adrian Smith, TDC’s cabinet member for environment, 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.

“By checking licences, visiting premises and asking the right questions, residents can make informed choices while helping to support high welfare standards across the district.”

A full list of licensed dog boarders, boarding kennels, day care providers and catteries is available on the council’s website at www.tendringdc.gov.uk/content/animal-licensing-registers.