Liverpool City Council is urging dog owners to check that their pet boarders are properly licensed, after a local woman was sentenced for running an illegal dog boarding business.
Earlier this year, Ms Emma Guy of Liverpool, L27 was found to be offering home boarding services under the name Perfect Pets Home From Home, advertising across multiple websites without holding the required licence.
Despite being contacted by the Council and informed of the legal requirements for home boarding, Ms Guy failed to respond and continued to promote her services online.
A subsequent inspection of these advertisements raised serious concerns, including images showing dogs being fed potentially harmful human food and kept in close proximity to young infants.
With no further communication from Ms Guy, the Council escalated the matter to the courts. She failed to attend two hearings and was found guilty in her absence on Thursday 23 October. She has now been ordered to pay £1,444 within 28 days.
Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, individuals providing home boarding for dogs as a business must hold a valid licence.
This is put in place to protect the wellbeing of animals and ensure that all pet care businesses operate responsibly.
The Council is reminding residents to always check that a boarder is licensed before booking. If anyone suspects an illegal activity, they can inform the Council online.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture said: “Licensing ensures that animals are cared for in safe, clean, and properly supervised environments.
“Our pets are part of the family, and these regulations are in place to protect them while they’re away from home, giving owners peace of mind. “This case serves as a reminder that unlicensed operators put pets at risk and undermine responsible businesses.”
