A boarding kennels and cattery in Kirkby has been placed for sale by its owners, who plan to emigrate.

Blacks Business Brokers is marketing Kirkby Kennels & Cattery with a guide price of £649,995 to take over the freehold on the business premises and neighbouring four-bedroom bungalow.

The business, which has been established for more than 50 years, provides 33 kennel and eight cattery spaces. It was acquired by its current owners, David and Pamela Ibrahim, in 2015 and has built up a loyal regular customer base.

The business operates from two buildings, which include a reception area and pet food and accessories shop, as well as purpose-built pet accommodation, set in an acre of land. The plot also houses a detached four-bedroom bungalow with double garage, which is included in the sale.

The couple currently work in the business full-time, supported by one member of staff. In addition to boarding for dogs and cats the business also cares for smaller pets, including rabbits, guinea pigs, birds and reptiles.

Kirkby Kennels and Cattery is located next to Portland Park.

Callum Pollard, customer service executive at Blacks Business Brokers, said: “Kirkby Kennels & Cattery has established a solid, loyal client base over more half a century, and the inclusion of a large residential property in the sale means that a new owner would not only have a turnkey business but also a new home or, possibly, manager’s accommodation.

“There is also scope to expand the business, which currently has more demand than it can accommodate during the summer months. Given the size of the plot, another 30 kennels could easily be added, and a concerted marketing drive could further add to demand year-round.

“Arguably there has never been a better time to invest in a business like this. With huge pent-up demand for foreign holidays, all those new lockdown pets are going to need to be looked after as travel restrictions lift and their owners head for the airport.”

All enquiries should be directed to Blacks Business Brokers on 0333 370 0000, quoting reference 6848.