Last updated: 28/01/2026
Longcourse Cattery is a local authority 5-star rated cattery, and we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of care, cleanliness, safety, and animal welfare at all times.
These Terms & Conditions apply to all bookings made with Longcourse Cattery (“we”, “us”, “our”). By making a booking, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms.
1. Bookings
All boarding stays must be booked in advance.
A booking is only confirmed once availability has been checked and acknowledged by us.
We reserve the right to refuse or cancel a booking where a cat is unsuitable for boarding, health requirements are not met, or welfare concerns arise.
2. Booking Process
To ensure we can provide the highest standard of care and the correct accommodation for every cat, all bookings must follow the process below.
Step 1 – Check Availability First
Owners must contact us to check availability before submitting a booking form. Availability depends on dates requested, number of cats, and accommodation required.
Booking forms submitted without prior availability confirmation may not be accepted.
Step 2 – Health & Care Requirements
All cats must meet UK cattery licensing health requirements before arrival, including vaccination and parasite treatment.
Step 3 – Deposit (If Requested)
In some cases, we may request a deposit to secure a booking. Deposits are not required for all bookings.
Where requested:
- Deposit amounts typically range from £20–£80
- Deposits must be paid before proceeding
- Deposits are non-refundable for general cancellations, although discretion may be applied
Step 4 – Booking Form
Once availability is confirmed and any requested deposit has been paid, owners will be asked to complete a booking form. This allows us to gather essential information relating to feeding, medication, health, and veterinary details.
3. Pricing & Charges
Boarding is charged per day.
A full day is charged on both the day of arrival and the day of collection, regardless of drop-off or collection time. This allows flexibility for owners.
No refunds are given for early collection.
Additional services requested during the stay, such as collection and delivery, may incur extra charges.
4. Payments
Payment may be made:
- In cash
- By card (card machines available)
- By BACS, if arranged in advance
Unless otherwise agreed, payment is due on the day of arrival.
5. Health, Vaccination & Parasite Requirements
Owners confirm that their cat:
- Is in good health at the time of arrival
- Is eating normally
- Is free from infectious or contagious disease
- Has not been exposed to illness in the 14 days prior to boarding
All cats must be fully vaccinated in line with current UK government cattery licensing requirements, with vaccinations completed at least 14 days prior to arrival.
All cats must be treated for fleas and parasites prior to arrival, in line with our published guidance.
Vaccination records must be provided and may be checked or copied on arrival.
We reserve the right to refuse admission if these requirements are not met.
6. Medication
We are happy to administer routine medication at no additional charge, provided clear instructions are supplied.
Owners must provide all medication required for the duration of the stay.
7. Illness, Injury & Veterinary Treatment
If a cat becomes unwell or injured during their stay:
- We will make reasonable efforts to contact the owner or emergency contact provided
- We will attempt to contact the owner’s nominated veterinary practice
Owners acknowledge that in emergency situations, veterinary treatment may need to proceed without prior contact where delay would compromise welfare.
If an owner’s nominated vet does not provide emergency or out-of-hours care, treatment will be sought from our veterinary practice, Staveley Vets, who provide an emergency service.
All veterinary fees and associated costs are the responsibility of the owner.
Transport to and from the veterinary practice by us will not be charged.
Veterinary consent for treatment is governed by Section 8 below.
8. Veterinary Consent Agreement
For the welfare and safety of all cats in our care, owners are required to provide veterinary consent as part of the booking process.
By agreeing to these Terms & Conditions, owners confirm that they understand and agree that:
- Longcourse Cattery is authorised to seek veterinary advice and treatment for their cat if deemed necessary during the stay
- Every reasonable effort will be made to contact the owner or emergency contact before treatment where possible
- In emergency situations, treatment may proceed without prior contact where delay would compromise the cat’s welfare
- If the owner’s nominated veterinary practice does not provide emergency or out-of-hours care, treatment may be sought from Staveley Vets, who provide an emergency service
- All veterinary fees, treatment costs, and associated expenses are the sole responsibility of the owner
If an owner is contacted regarding a cat’s health and advises that no veterinary treatment should be sought, Longcourse Cattery will consider the cat’s welfare as the primary concern. Where, in our reasonable judgement or on veterinary advice, treatment is necessary to prevent suffering or serious deterioration — including, but not limited to, situations where delay may result in pain, suffering, permanent injury, or significant deterioration — we reserve the right to seek veterinary care regardless of the owner’s instruction.
Owners acknowledge that they remain fully responsible for all veterinary fees incurred in such circumstances.
Owners further acknowledge that caring for animals carries inherent risks, including illness, injury, or, in rare cases, death, and accept these risks when boarding their cat with us.
Veterinary consent is recorded via a tick-box on our booking form. By submitting a booking form and agreeing to these Terms & Conditions, owners confirm that consent has been given.
9. Loss of a Cat Whilst in Our Care
Caring for cats is a responsibility we take extremely seriously. Unfortunately, even with the highest standards of care, cats may become seriously unwell or, in rare cases, pass away due to age, underlying health conditions, stress, or sudden illness.
By boarding with us, owners acknowledge that:
- Some cats may deteriorate rapidly without warning
- Pre-existing, age-related, or stress-related conditions can result in serious illness or death
- Boarding is undertaken with the understanding that these risks cannot be completely eliminated
We will always act with compassion, professionalism, and care, and will contact owners as soon as reasonably possible should such a situation arise. Every cat in our care is treated as if they were our own.
10. What to Bring
Owners must bring:
- A valid vaccination record
- Any medication required
- A grooming brush if grooming may be required
We provide food, litter, bedding, and enrichment as standard. Owners are welcome to bring their own items if they prefer.
All cats must be brought in a secure and suitable pet carrier.
11. Food, Belongings & Personal Items
While every reasonable care is taken, Longcourse Cattery cannot accept responsibility for the loss of or damage to personal items such as bedding, toys, bowls, carriers, or other belongings left with a cat.
Items may become damaged, soiled, or destroyed as a result of normal use, washing, cleaning, or typical cat behaviour.
Owners are advised not to leave valuable, fragile, or irreplaceable items with their cat.
12. Arrival Day
On arrival, owners are asked to:
- Bring their cat in a secure carrier
- Ring the doorbell and wait patiently
- Have vaccination records available
- Ensure flea and parasite treatments are up to date
Owners are welcome to help settle their cat into their accommodation before leaving.
13. Photographs & Updates
We are always happy to provide updates during your cat’s stay.
Owners are encouraged to contact us if they would like an update at any time, ideally via WhatsApp.
We may take photographs or videos of cats for the purpose of providing updates to owners.
Images or videos may also be used on our website or social media unless we are informed otherwise in writing.
14. Opening Hours
We are open from 9am to 6pm daily, except on dates specified on our Opening Hours page.
13. Collection & Delivery Service
We offer a collection and delivery service:
- Minimum charge of £5 up to 5 miles
- £0.75 per mile thereafter
15. Owner Conduct & Trust
When leaving a cat in our care, trust and respectful communication are essential.
Abusive, aggressive, or inappropriate behaviour towards staff will not be tolerated.
If trust breaks down or communication becomes inappropriate, we reserve the right to refuse or terminate a booking.
16. Right to Refuse Service
We reserve the right to refuse or terminate a booking if:
- These Terms & Conditions are breached
- A cat’s welfare is compromised
- Continued boarding is deemed unsafe, unsuitable, or impractical
17. Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.