IF YOU want your pet to enjoy five star accommodation while you're enjoying your own holiday, an animal rescue centre can now help.

The two Margaret Green animal rescue centres in Dorset have just been awarded the top rating for its boarding facilities by local authorities after strict new regulations were introduced last year.

The charity rescues around 1,200 animals every year and money raised from its boarding facilities for cats and dogs help ensure their work helping and rehoming animals can continue.

A spokesman for the charity said: "With the recent changes to the boarding licence regulations that came into effect from October 2018, animal boarding establishments have undergone stricter compliance checks to ensure minimum standards are met for looking after cats and dogs. Without a licence being granted by a local authority, boarding activities cannot legally be undertaken.

"Therefore, it is important when choosing to board your cat or dog at an establishment you ensure that they are licensed to do so.

"When you board your cat or dog at a Margaret Green Animal Rescue centre you can be assured that your pet will receive the best care. All staff are highly trained and qualified in animal welfare so, you know your pets will be well looked after."

The charity's Church Knowle Rehoming and Visitor Centre near Wareham offers cat boarding in a five star rated licensed establishment.

Dogs can enjoy their holiday at Lincoln Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre, Bere Road, Winterborne Kingston, Blandford Forum in recently refurbished kennels. Lincoln Farm also achieved a five star rating as a boarding establishment.

Geoff Wright, CEO at Margaret Green, said: “This is a fantastic result and a testament to the care, support and facilities we offer not just as a rescue centre but also as a boarding establishment.”

For boarding for cats at Church Knowle, call 01929 480474 and to board dogs at Lincoln Farm, call 01929 471340.

For more information about the charity visit www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk

You can see pets who are looking for new homes every Saturday in the Dorset Echo.