To protect animal welfare, help ensure public safety and encourage ethical business practices, existing dog walking and commercial boarding establishments such as kennels and catteries will be able to apply for a license to operate from the end of January, and their licences would go live from the end of January 2027.
Early applications are being encouraged to enable businesses to use a transitional period to make improvements. Existing businesses and organisations have been contacted directly by the States Veterinary Officers who are offering support throughout this process. Any new businesses will need to be issued with a licence before they can operate.
‘Improving animal welfare is at the heart of this initiative, but this is also about protecting the wider community and other animals by encouraging responsible use of beaches, parks, and recreational spaces,’ said Lorna Chadwick, animal health and welfare officer. ‘We’ve been in direct communication with existing businesses and organisations, but we want to ensure that any prospective new businesses are also aware of this.
‘We will continue to prioritise animal welfare, and look forward to working with businesses and the community to make this a success.’
A public consultation into the licensing of animal businesses carried out earlier this year showed that a clear majority supported proposals to expand the island’s existing animal welfare licensing system. It received more than 260 responses, with most people, including those working in the sector, keen to encourage ethical business practices and improve public safety and consumer confidence.
The survey wanted to see licensing primarily of breeders and those importing potentially dangerous animals and restricted dog breeds. Lowest priority was given to pet shops and pet groomers.
Nine out of 10 wanted to see a public register of licensed businesses. Concerns were also raised about professional dog walkers, who, it was argued, should need third party insurance, canine first aid qualifications and experience and competency to become licensed, and be subject to a limit on the number of dogs which could be walked at any one time.
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