How to Choose a Dog Boarding Kennel in the UK
Choosing a dog boarding kennel means checking the operator's licence status, star rating, pricing structure, and visiting before you book. All UK dog boarding kennels must hold a valid Animal Activity Licence issued by their local council. This guide walks through every step so you can book with confidence.
Check the licence first
Every boarding kennel in England must hold a current Animal Activity Licence (AAL). Scotland and Wales operate under similar but distinct frameworks. The licence is issued by the local council and must be renewed annually.
You can verify a kennel's licence by searching the council's public register or using our search tool. A legitimate operator will be able to tell you their licence number and the name of their licencing authority.
Understand the star rating system
England uses a 1–5 star rating alongside two tiers: Standard and Higher. The star rating reflects compliance with the Animal Activity Licensing regulations at the time of the most recent inspection.
A 5-star Higher Standard rating indicates the kennel meets or exceeds additional welfare criteria. Our guide to star ratings explains what each level means in practice.
Visit before you book
Any reputable kennel will welcome a pre-booking visit. During a visit, check that run sizes meet the regulations, that the indoor area is heated and ventilated, and that the staff seem knowledgeable about your dog's breed and temperament.
Ask about their emergency protocol — what happens if your dog becomes unwell overnight or needs veterinary care.
Ask about vaccination requirements
Boarding kennels routinely require proof of vaccination against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Leptospirosis. Many also require Kennel Cough (Bordetella) vaccination. Check our vaccination guide for details on timing requirements.
Compare prices clearly
Boarding kennel prices vary significantly by region and season. Use our price comparison to check the current published rates for kennels near you. Remember that the headline nightly rate may not include feeding supplements, medication administration, or peak-period surcharges.
Read the cancellation policy
Before paying a deposit, read the cancellation policy carefully. Most kennels require a non-refundable deposit to secure a booking, particularly around Christmas and school holidays when demand is high.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I check if a dog boarding kennel is licensed in the UK?
- In England, every commercial dog boarder must hold an Animal Activity Licence from their local council. Ask the operator for their licence number and verify it on the council’s public register, or use our search tool which aggregates council registers.
- What star rating should I look for in a UK boarding kennel?
- A 5-star Higher Standard rating indicates the kennel meets the most demanding welfare criteria the AAL framework sets. 4 stars is fully compliant with some Higher criteria met. 3 stars is fully compliant with the regulations.
- What questions should I ask a kennel before booking?
- Ask about: their emergency protocol if your dog becomes unwell, vaccination requirements and timing, run sizes and exercise routine, whether they take a pre-booking visit, cancellation policy and deposit terms, and how they handle medication if needed.
- When should I book a kennel for Christmas?
- For Christmas bookings, aim 3–6 months in advance for popular operators. Smaller kennels and home boarders may be fully booked by August for the Christmas–New Year period.