Peabody council approves cat‑only boarding special permit with health department conditions

The Peabody City Council voted unanimously Sept. 11 to grant a special permit for a cat‑only boarding facility at 6 Bourbon Street, approving the application from Sharon Ramos and incorporating a list of health‑department recommendations as conditions of the permit.

The hearing drew brief public support and no opposition. Ramos said she has operated a cat‑only boarding business in Beverly for 12–13 years and previously worked for a cat‑only veterinarian for 23 years. She told the council she relocated after losing her prior space and was “super excited to come here.”

Councilors discussed proposed conditions from the health department. Councilor Gamache introduced a late communication from the board of health listing suggested requirements; Ramos indicated she already follows those practices. Councilor McGinn and Councilor Rosignol recommended adding the health‑department list to the permit “for the sake of consistency,” noting several items in the list used the word “must.” Councilor Gamache moved to approve the special permit and to attach the nine items recommended by the health department; the motion carried on a 10–0 roll call vote.

The council’s approval sets the facility’s hours at 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and applies the health department’s recommendations to the permit. During the hearing Ramos confirmed the facility will house cats only; it will offer overnight boarding and use security cameras and sprinkler systems; she said the facility is connected to the fire department system and that the site has more safety features than her prior Beverly location.

Councilors noted a separate, state‑level ordinance that requires existing kennels to seek local permits when moving or opening. Councilor Gamache said this local process will put Ramos “on the books” and satisfy that requirement. The council closed the public hearing and approved the special permit with the conditions applied.