Dog boarding questions, answered

Yes. Anyone boarding dogs commercially in England, Scotland or Wales must hold an Animal Activity Licence (or equivalent) from their local council under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018. Licensed operators are inspected and given a star rating of 1–5.

Ask for their licence number and licensing council, then cross-check it on that council’s public animal-licensing register. Every operator on this site shows its licence number, issuing authority and star rating, sourced from the council register, so you can verify it directly.

Kennel boarding has a median of around £26 per night; home boarding typically runs £5–£15 per night more. London and the South East sit 20–40% above the national median, while many northern and rural areas run 10–20% below. See our live price index for area-by-area medians.

Boarding kennels house your dog in a licensed kennel facility, usually in individual runs. Home boarding places your dog in a licensed carer’s own home for a more domestic setting. Both require a council Animal Activity Licence; home boarding often costs slightly more per night.

Councils rate licensed animal businesses 1–5 stars based on welfare standards and risk at inspection. A 5-star rating reflects higher standards and a longer licence period; lower ratings mean more frequent re-inspection. A "Higher" standard tier indicates the operator exceeds the minimum requirements.

Check the licence is current, note the star rating, confirm vaccination and insurance requirements, ask about group sizes and daily routine, and visit if you can. Match the setting to your dog: kennels suit confident dogs, home boarding suits dogs that prefer a household.

Almost always yes. Licensed boarders require up-to-date core vaccinations and usually kennel cough (Bordetella) before a stay, with proof at drop-off. Requirements vary by operator, so confirm exactly what they need and the timing well before your booking.

For ordinary dates a week or two is usually fine, but peak periods — school holidays, bank holidays and especially Christmas — book out months ahead. Reserve early for those dates and ask about peak surcharges, which some operators apply.

No. Day care is daytime-only care with no overnight stay, priced per day. Boarding includes overnight accommodation, priced per night. Many operators offer both; day care is a good way to settle a dog with a boarder before an overnight stay.

Those are sitter marketplaces that take a booking fee. We’re an independent directory of council-licensed kennels and home boarders — you contact the operator directly, with no commission. We surface licence status, star rating, the Higher tier and verified prices that marketplaces don’t publish.