Cheshire East Council is calling on pet-owners to make sure they are employing licensed carers for their animals if they go away this Easter.

The time of year is fast-approaching when many people start to think about heading off for a break, and there's often the need for a family dog or cat to be looked after during this holiday season.

If you are taking some time off and going to be travelling without your pet, then it is important that the place you leave them is appropriate for their needs.

The council's animal health and welfare licensing team strongly advise people not to leave their pets anywhere that doesn't hold a licence, whether that is a traditional kennels or cattery or with a home boarder.

Home boarding offers an alternative service which is different to kennelling or pet-sitting, where someone opens their home to provide care and accommodation for your dog.

Your dog will live in their home while you're away and will have access to a safe and secure garden or outside space and be walked daily. Home boarders will need to be insured and must be licensed by the council.

If you see people advertising a boarding facility for dogs or cats, please ensure you check that they hold the appropriate licence before you leave your family pet there – a list of Cheshire East licensed premises can be found at: Animal welfare and licensing (cheshireeast.gov.uk)

Tracey Bettaney, head of regulatory services for Cheshire East Council, said: "There are many options for people to make sure that their pets are well looked after while they are away. We simply ask that pet-owners check that appropriate licences are held to give them the reassurance that their pet will get the best possible care wherever they decide their pet should stay.

"Dogs and many other pets are huge parts of people's families, and the council acknowledges this. That's why we need to do everything we can to keep them safe and secure, whether they're at home or with a licensed animal carer."