A BANBURY councillor has urged pet owners to choose the right carer for their furry friends this summer.

Tony Ilott, the district council's lead member for public protection, said people must ensure that the care service they use is licensed to give them piece of mind.

He added: "Summer is just around the corner so anyone planning a sunny getaway should put booking an appropriate pet sitter at the top of their checklist.

"Friends, professional sitters, kennels and catteries are all legitimate options, but not everyone knows which services require a licence and which don’t.

“Residents paying professional sitters or boarding services to look after their animals should be aware that those services very likely require licensing.

“Licensed kennels and catteries protect against contagious disease and are inspected to ensure the safety and welfare of the animals."

Domestic pet-sitters, such as family friends or neighbours who look after pets on an ad-hoc basis do not require a licence.

But commercial boarding kennels and professional pet-sitters who regularly look after animals in exchange for payment both require a licence to work.

Keeping an unlicensed boarding establishment for cats or dogs is an offence punishable by a fine of up to £500.