NOW the holiday season is upon us the question is what to do with our pets while we are away.

Many readers will have friends or relatives who are happy to take care of their dogs and cats. However, if you don't you may be thinking of using a kennels or a cattery. If you are, City of York Trading Standards offers the following advice.

All animal boarding establishments have to be licensed to operate as kennels or a cattery.

Licences are issued by the local council for the area where the kennels or cattery is based. These are issued annually and have to be renewed every year.

Inspections are carried out to see whether or not the kennels or cattery complies with the licence conditions. If so, a licence is issued.

So, if you are considering putting your pet into a kennels or cattery you should ask to see the current licence which should be displayed on the premises. If the licence is not displayed you should contact the local council to see if the premises are actually licensed.

Once you have found the kennels or cattery you like you will have to make sure that your pet's vaccinations are up to date, as the kennels or cattery will need to see the vaccination certificates.

In fact, these certificates will have to accompany your pet when they go into the kennels or cattery.

You will need to provide details of the vet who normally looks after your animal just in case there is a problem while you are away. You will also be asked to leave instructions in case of an emergency

Remember to let the kennels or cattery know of any particular feeding or other requirements for your pet.

It is a good idea to provide the information in writing to the proprietor so there can be no confusion.

When using a kennels or cattery you enter into a contract with the owner of the business. Make sure you know what care and exercise is included.

As with any contract both parties have rights and obligations. If in doubt ask for written confirmation as to what you can expect for your money. In accepting your pet the proprietor has an obligation to take good care of the animal until you return.

Should any problems arise you should report it to the council that licensed the premises. For York, phone the Trading Standards animal health service on 01904 551530 - the officers there can also supply details of the other local authorities in the surrounding areas responsible for licensing kennels and catteries.

For advice on any other consumer matters, phone City of York Trading Standards on 01904 55162, call in at 9 St Leonard's Place, York, or log on to the website at www.york.gov.uk/business/tradingstandards

Updated: 08:24 Thursday, July 01, 2004