Broadlands Cattery Terms of Business

T&C Updated 01/05/2024

Daily Rates …our rates are charged on a fully inclusive ‘day or part day’ basis; including all care, food and drink (excluding prescription diets)’ cat litter, heating and veterinary insurance.
Out of hours drop offs and collections ... We operate open hours that work for us as a small business, however, if you are unable to attend during open hours, at our discretion and if we are available, we may be able to open out of hours at a specific time to meet an owner. This will incur a one off minimum £25 fee, which increases to £50 on Bank Holidays.
Cats Sharing …sharing of accommodation is only available to cats from the same household with compatible dispositions.
Neutered/Spayed …cats over nine months of age are only accepted if they have been neutered or spayed.
Minimum Charges …although short stays are welcomed, a minimal booking fee charge is made throughout the year of £40
Deposits & Advances ... customers will be required to provide a non-returnable deposit to secure a booking and/or they may also be required to pay the cattery’s full contracted booked boarding period fee, also non-returnable, during especially busy periods.
Boarding Fees …cats cannot be released until full payment has been received. Early Pick-Ups …although collection prior to the contracted departure date is not a problem, please note boarding fees include the day of arrival, the day of departure and all run over days requested too.
Tariff Changes …Very occasionally we have to raise our prices due to the fast changing energy and food costs. Bookings taken prior to a price change will be honoured at the cost stated at the time of booking.
Transport & Contact …cats must be transported in a secure and suitable pet carrier. Contact Number/s …our cattery will require at least one phone and/or mobile number of a friend, relative or the owner/s in the event of any travel delays or unforeseen problems.
Belongings …all personal belongings deposited at our cattery are left at the owner’s risk.
Treatments …any treatment/s requested by an owner, for example, worming, flea treatment, etc, will be carried out using the owners provided product. Unless the cat/s are taken to the vet by us, we are not allowed to put products on your cat/s unless its life threatening. You will be informed if the cat/s need to attend the vets and this will be priced accordingly.
Vaccinations …cats will not be accepted for boarding without their current vaccination card for immunisation against Feline Herpesvirus & Calicivirus (Cat Flu) and Panleukopaenia (enteritis); if you are unsure whether your cat’s vaccinations are up to date, please contact your veterinary surgery.
Medical History …owners must inform our cattery at the time of booking or arrival of any medical history.
Medications …our cattery will administer medication to manageable cats. However, should a cat risk causing harm to our cattery staff or to itself whilst medication is trying to be administered, making it impossible to treat the cat, then it will be necessary for the cat to be cared for by a veterinary surgeon, either at our cattery, or at the veterinary surgery. Any veterinary fees incurred in this situation will be charged to the cat’s owner/s prior to release.
Refusals …our cattery staff reserve the right to refuse admission of any cat/s who in their opinion show any signs of illness, pending veterinary advice.
Grooming …the grooming of cats will be carried out as necessary and we do not charge extra for this service. However, will reserve the right to not groom any cat/s that get distressed or risk causing harm to our staff whilst being groomed.
Insurance …All cats whilst boarding with us are covered under our Veterinary Insurance. Any illnesses or injury that occur whilst the cat/s is in our care, will be referred to our Insurers. Our cattery will not be responsible for any veterinary fees incurred whilst boarding for a cat/s that entered our cattery with an ongoing or reoccurring medical condition, and these fees will be charged to the owner/s.
Illness …in the event of illness and/or accident our cattery veterinary surgeon will be called to attend and/or the cat/s may be removed to the veterinary surgeon’s care at the discretion of the proprietor/s and/or the management of our cattery. If contacting the owner/s or their representative/s is not possible, any treatment deemed necessary will be carried out without the owner/s consent and payment will be sought upon the owners return, for the welfare of the animal.
Responsibility …whilst every care and precaution is taken with every cat/s boarded at our cattery, the proprietor/s and/or management cannot be held responsible for any illness, disease, accident or death that may occur during boarding.

Company Policies

BROADLANDS CATTERY
COMPANY POLICY

Licensing and Legal Guidance

BROADLANDS CATTERY is licensed by West Lindsay District Council in accordance with Guidelines for Cat Boarding Establishments as outlined by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health. The Guidelines adhere to legal requirements set out under the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018 The 2018 Act requires anyone who wishes to keep a boarding establishment (i.e. in this contact a cattery) to be licensed by the local authority and abide by the conditions of the license. If they do not they are in breach of the law. In particular the local authority will consider the ability of the establishment to ensure: -
- Accommodation is suitable as respects construction, size, number of occupants, exercising facilities, temperature, lighting, ventilation and cleanliness.
- Adequate supply of suitable food, drink and bedding material for the animals and that they are adequately exercised, and visited at suitable intervals.
- All reasonable precautions are taken to prevent and control the spread of infectious or contagious diseases, including the provision of isolation facilities. Appropriate steps are taken for the protection of animals in the case of fire or other emergency.
- A detailed register is maintained of any animals received into the establishment that is available for inspection at all times.
- Those responsible for a cattery must ensure that a copy of the license and its conditions (maximum number of cats and number of holding units) is displayed prominently in the boarding establishment. No animals other than cats are to be boarded within the licensed facilities without the written approval of the local authority.
Animal Welfare Act 2006
- Sections 1 and 2 of the 2006 Act set out which animals are protected. This includes any animal (vertebrate) other than man (section 1) which is commonly domesticated in the British Isles, or under the control of man whether on a permanent or temporary basis, or is not living in a wild state (section 2). Thus cats and kittens are protected by this piece of legislation.
- Section 3 of the 2006 Act sets out who can be found to be responsible for an animal and this includes on a permanent or temporary basis as well as being in charge of it or owning it. Therefore, the establishment owner as well as their employees can be found liable under this piece of legislation. No one under the age of 16 years can be deemed to be responsible for an animal.
- Section 4 of the 2006 Act sets out offences concerning unnecessary suffering. An offence is committed here if someone’s act or failure to act causes an animal to suffer, whether the person knew (or ought to have reasonably known) that the act (or failure to act) was likely to cause such suffering – it is still an offence as the suffering was unnecessary . An offence can also be committed whereby someone permits this to happen. Again, this can apply to not just employees of an establishment but also an owner. In particular the suffering may be deemed unnecessary if it could reasonably have been avoided or reduced, if it was not in compliance with relevant legislation, license, or codes of good practice, if it was not for a legitimate purpose, if it was not proportionate, if it was not the conduct of a reasonably competent and humane person.
- Under Section 9 of the 2006 Act those responsible for animals (in England and Wales) have a duty to ensure reasonable steps are taken to ensure the welfare needs of the animals are met to the extent required by good practice, this includes:
  - Its need for a suitable environment,
  - Its need for a suitable diet,
  - Its need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns,
  - Any need it has to be housed with, or apart from, other animals, and
  - Its need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
  - Other Legislation which is relevant to the running of.

- Training
  - All Broadlands Cattery staff who handle and care for cats are trained in ensuring the cats welfare (as per the Animal Welfare Act) as well as their safe handling. All staff are briefed on emergency procedures, general handling and care procedures along with any updates to operation procedures and policies made throughout the year.
- Supervision/Responsibility
  - The owners of Broadlands Cattery live on site and will be present on a daily basis to exercise supervision and deal with emergencies whenever cats are boarded at the premises. Other staff live within a reasonable travelling distance to the Cattery and hold keys.
- Housing
  - All cats are housed in custom built luxury cat enclosures on site. Separated into individual pens, to ensure a safe, disease free, clean air environment. Heated bedding areas in each pen are controlled with individual temperature monitors and each pen has an individual light to cause minimal disruption to neighbouring animals. The pens are well-equipped with bedding, feeding area and litter trays. Each pen also caters for the cat’s stimulation and exercise needs through provision of shelving, climbing areas, scratch posts and toys.
    - The cattery is constructed with a safety corridor to prevent escape.
    - Every chalet is capable of being turned into an isolation pen to avoid moving sick cats. These are provided for any cat needing isolation from other animals.
    - The construction of our Cattery allows for straightforward hygiene management by staff.
    - All cat units include sleeping accommodation (with solid sides) and an individual attached run.
    - A 2ft gap is situated between all runs to allow for free movement of air and create distance between boarders for minimising of spread of disease.
    - Ancillary facilities including a separate kitchen with hot and cold running water and refrigeration for food, a hand-washing facility for staff and a separate litter tray emptying area. There are also separate rabbit and guinea pig runs within the secure Cattery.
- Sharing
  - Cats from different households will never ever share cat units. Standard Chalets and larger Family pens are provided for cats from the same household where preferred by the owner.
- Access
  - Public access to the cat units are via an automatic closing door leading to the safety corridor. The entrance door will be closed on entry before any individual cat unit doors are unlocked or opened. It is the staff member’s responsibility to ensure that any outside doors are closed and this procedure is followed to avoid any escape from cats. Pens will only be opened individually, one at a time to prevent any cats from different household coming into contact. Each unit is numbered and these correspond to information boards in the ancillary buildings which details the relevant information on each cat.
- Litter Trays
  - All units are provided with one litter tray per chalet, and more when deemed necessary such as multiple occupancy chalets. Litter trays are filled with appropriate straw pelletised cat litter and are situated at least 60cm distance from the resting and feeding areas. They are also placed at floor level as many cats are disabled or blind. Litter trays are cleaned a minimum of three times a day and monitored for additional cleaning as appropriate.
- Bedding and Sleeping Accommodation
  - Each unit is equipped with an enclosed separate sleeping unit with adequate hiding space. These are separate to the exercise run areas in ‘Walk In’ style areas. Access is through cat flap which is pinned open to allow free access. We encourage owners to bring their own cat’s bedding in with them as this will smell of the cats own home environment, thus lowering any stress. However, we can also provide any extra or top up bedding.
- Shelving/Raised Viewing Area
  - Each Cat Chalet is equipped with a large, full-height exercise run with its own shelves and a viewing shelf accessed by a series of shelves inside. Shelving is adequate for cats to sit and lie on with views to the exterior pond area.
- Temperature in Sleeping Accommodation
  - Each unit is equipped with a thermometer detailing the temperature of the sleeping accommodation. This is adjusted by staff to ensure that the chalet temperatures remain above 18 °C. During warmer periods, the chalet doors can be left open allowing for a cooling breeze to circulate the area. Perspex barriers at the front of the Cattery are put up or removed according to the weather. A wire mesh front to the Cattery allows for fresh air to flow through the Cattery, but prevent cats escaping or other animals entering.
- Holding Pens
  - In extremely busy periods, or when through extraordinary circumstances a cat/s hasn’t been collected at its allotted time and another is due into the chalet, we use “Holding Pens”. These are Licenced for short time use in Emergencies. Due to the nature of them, they are smaller, but all homely comforts are still placed in them and the same strict hygiene is observed. These are also used if a cat requires a smaller area after a veterinary operation.
- Safety On Site
  - Fire and Other Emergencies
    - Appropriate steps will be taken for the protection of the animals in case of fire and other emergencies. The Cattery kitchen is equipped with a smoke detector and fire extinguisher which is easily accessible in the event of an emergency. Further fire extinguishers are sighted along the Cattery corridors. In instances where the Cattery is affected by an emergency such as fire or flood, all animals will be removed into a temporary location in their personal cat boxes. They will be housed either in an Ancillary building whilst the emergency is dealt with. Instructions on evacuation procedures are listed in the Cattery kitchen, along with all emergency contact numbers.
- Food and Drink
  - Water Provision
    - Fresh water is provided for each cat on a daily basis in separate water bowls. Water will be changed once daily or sooner if visibly soiled. Water bowls are positioned at a distance from cat litter trays. Water bowls are kept separate from food bowls.
  - Food Provision
    - Each cat will be fed according to the owner’s preference and the cats dietary needs. Broadlands Cattery provides wet and dry cat food unless the cat is on a special diet specified by their vet or owner. We will work with the owner to ensure their cats dietary requirements and eating habits are met. All food is stored and prepared in the Cattery kitchen. As a minimum all cats will be fed 2 meals per day, 8 hours apart. Food intake and litter tray contents will be monitored throughout the day and veterinary advice sought if a cat has not eaten for 2 days or used the litter tray sufficiently.
- General Welfare
  - Monitoring Noise Levels
    - The Cattery environment should be as calm as possible and to this end we have a radio playing in the corridor during the daytime for different sounds for the Cats and also for staff happiness.
  - Feline Company and Interactions
    - Cats are provided with enclosed hiding spaces enabling them to remove themselves from view of other cats. Cats from different units will not share runs or areas at the same time and all chalets, runs and equipment are thoroughly disinfected between use.
  - Human Company and Interactions
    - On arrival the Cattery staff will find out from the owner and monitor each cat to ascertain how much human contact it wants and adapt to provide this to minimise stress.
  - Handling
    - Cats are always handled humanely and appropriately to suit the requirements of the individual cat – taking into account their age and any disability.
  - Multi-Cat Units
    - Cats in multi-cat units will be monitored to ensure that they continue to cohabit harmoniously. In the event that cats are becoming stressed in a shared situation, staff will assess whether moving a cat to a separate pen would be beneficial. In these instances, the owner will always be contacted. All multi-cat units are equipped with multiple feeding bowls, litter trays and sleeping areas appropriate to the number of cats. The maximum number of cats in one family sized unit is 4.
  - Monitoring Cats
    - All cats at the cattery are fully registered and checked in on arrival, with owners asked to provide details of all medical history and requirements. All cats will be checked regularly throughout the day and checks made for any sign of illness, injury or unusual behaviour. Regular checks will be made no more than 4 hours apart by staff. Eating habits and presence/absence of faeces and urine in litter trays will be noted on the record sheets kept for each chalet. A late-night check on heating and welfare will also be made. The temperatures and cat activity will also be recorded on the sheet.
  - Keeping Records
    - A register will be kept of all cats boarded and made available to key members of staff and to local authority inspectors if requested. Records are kept for a minimum of 36 months. Owners are required to notify the Cattery of any medical history when booking their cat into stay.
  - Disease Control
    - Full attention will be given to ensuring that the risk of transmitting disease between animals is minimised. The cattery procedure dictates that no cats will be allowed to mix with others. Movement of staff and visitors around the cattery will be minimal and where necessary will be supervised. If any rescue cats are boarded then they must be fed, changed and handled last. Where rescue cats or breeding cats are involved, extra precaution for sanitisation and cleaning must be taken to prevent the spread of disease. Where there is concern over the health of a cat, that cat must be handled last. The cat or cats will be isolated from other boarders if there are any concerns.
  - Hygiene
    - All pens will be thoroughly cleaned with animal-friendly detergents and disinfectants after each cat leaves. Regular monitoring of the cleanliness of each pen will be made during a cats stay with any accidents, spillages or other dirt cleaned immediately. Bedding, litter trays and water bowls will be kept clean and replaced as appropriate. Used food trays will be disposed of. All obvious food waste, soiled litter other soiled matter will be removed. Litter trays, scoops, dustpans, beds and any other equipment and toys that have been in a chalet are disinfected after a cat/s leaves and are thoroughly checked and dried before being reused. Water bowls are cleaned with detergent and disinfectant in the kitchen at a separate time. Litter trays and scoops are cleaned with disinfectant spray at each litter tray tidying/emptying during the cats stay. All items provided by the owner will be returned with the cat.
  - Handling Cats
    - Hand sanitiser is available in all cat care areas and hands washed thoroughly. Hand gel must be used between handling of each cat. Gloves are provided for all staff when preparing food and cleaning areas. Kittens and young cats should be handled before adult cats.
  - Vaccination, Fleas, Worms and other Parasites
    - All cats must have up-to-date vaccinations prior to coming to the cattery. Any specific advice from vets on cats’ individual health and vaccination history should be provided by the owners to staff on arrival. Vaccinations (including boosters) must have been completed, at the very least, 2 weeks before the cat’s arrival. Homoeopathic vaccination is not acceptable.
  - Veterinary Treatment and Health Care
    - If a cat requires veterinary treatment during their stay, we will attempt to contact the owner and/or their emergency contact before making an appointment with the vet. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that somebody who can advocate for their cat is able to respond to us immediately in case of an emergency. If we cannot contact the owner and we believe that the cat needs medical attention urgently, we will make an appointment with the vet and refer all decisions to him/her. We are not financially responsible for any medical bills that arise during your cats stay at Broadlands Cattery. All veterinary fees are the responsibility of the client and will be payable at the time of departure. If medication is necessary, it will be given according to the dosage and frequency details set by the cats’ vets. Medication will only be used for the cat for which it is prescribed and following a veterinary surgeon’s instructions. Medications will be clearly labelled and stored safely at the correct temperature. All unused medicines will be returned to the owner on departure. All diabetic cats will be accepted along with sufficient needles and insulin for their stay. Needles will be disposed of in a secure container. Where cats require wiping of eyes, grooming or other cleaning regimes, these will be carried out frequently enough to keep the cat clean and comfortable providing it is safe to do so.
  - Transportation of Animals
    - In the event of Broadlands Cattery having to transport a cat to the vet for treatment, the vehicle used will be considered an extension of the cattery site and will be subject to the same regulations for cleanliness and safety as the cattery building. Insurance cover is in place for this transportation. Transport is chargeable to the customer. No animal shall be transported without the use of a suitable, lockable carrier box. No animal will be left unattended in the vehicle or kept in the vehicle other than during the transportation.
  - Death and Euthanasia
    - In the extremely rare event that a cat passes away whilst boarding, the nominated emergency contact will be notified straight away. In the situation where a cat passes away during its stay with us, the body can be taken to the owners nominated veterinary practice (unless distance prevents this) to be stored until the owners return. It is up to the owner to contact the veterinary practice to arrange collection or cremation. If a cat is presented to a veterinarian who believes it is in that cat’s best interest to be euthanised, the veterinary practice or management of Broadlands Cattery will contact the nominated emergency contact to discuss. Euthanasia will not take place without owners consent unless it is imperative for the cat’s welfare.
  - Missing Cats
    - If a cat was ever to escape from Broadlands Cattery a plan is set in place to ensure all is done to retrieve the cat. All veterinary practices local to the area will be informed, the microchip company will also be informed (if applicable). The grounds of the cattery will be checked vigorously. The nominated emergency contact will be notified in the first instance. If the cat is subsequently found, discussion will be had with the owners and veterinarians about a check over at our Veterinary practice.Privacy and cookie

Who we are

Broadlands Cattery is a luxury cat and small animal/bird boarding and lodging service based at Searby Top, near Humberside Airport, Lincolnshire. Our website address is: https://www.broadlands-cattery.co.uk What personal data we collect and why we collect it Broadlands Cattery does not actively collect personal data for marketing purposes. The only data we store is covered by the key lawful basis for data processing set out by ICO in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Your name and contact information will be stored with your consent (or implied consent such as making an enquiry on our website) so that we may contact you in relation to your enquiry.

We may contact you in relation to an ongoing contract.

We have a duty of care to your pets before, during and after their stay. We are therefore required to maintain information about yourself and your pet. We will retain these records after your pets stay with us in case we need to contact you. For example, if in the unlikely event that one of the cats in our care is unwell during their stay, we may need to contact you.

We may contact you in relation to legitimate business interest.

Your data will be kept on record for financial accounting purposes which we are legally required to maintain records of.

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