If you’re applying for a home dog boarding licence in the UK, the inspection is the part most people worry about.
The good news?
Inspectors aren’t looking for perfection.
They’re looking for safety, welfare standards, and proper systems.
Here’s exactly what they check — and how to prepare.
Why Home Dog Boarding Inspections Happen
Inspections are required under the
Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.
Your local council must confirm that your home meets minimum welfare standards before granting a licence.
This includes:
- Environment
- Procedures
- Record keeping
- Risk management
- Animal welfare compliance
It’s about protecting dogs, not catching you out.
1. Safety & Security of Your Property
Inspectors will check:
- Fences and gates are secure
- No escape routes
- No exposed wiring
- No toxic plants within reach
- No hazardous cleaning products accessible
- Safe storage of food and medication
They want to see that dogs cannot escape, injure themselves, or access dangerous materials.
2. Sleeping Arrangements
Each dog must have:
- A clean, comfortable sleeping space
- Enough space to stand, turn and stretch
- Separate areas where needed
You cannot use:
- Garages
- Sheds
- Outdoor kennels (unless specifically licensed for that)
- Children’s bedrooms
- Bathrooms as permanent housing
Dogs must sleep in a safe, temperature-controlled indoor environment.
3. Separation & Isolation Area
You must show you can:
- Separate dogs if needed
- Isolate a sick dog
- Manage new introductions safely
This doesn’t require a quarantine bunker.
A spare room, crate system, or clearly defined space is usually sufficient.
Inspectors want to know you can prevent fights and manage illness responsibly.
4. Cleaning & Hygiene Standards
You’ll be asked:
- What cleaning products do you use?
- How often do you clean bedding?
- How do you disinfect bowls?
- How do you dispose of waste?
Products must be pet-safe.
You should have a written cleaning schedule.
Waste should be double-bagged and placed in household rubbish (unless your council specifies otherwise).
5. Written Policies & Procedures
This is where many applicants fail.
Inspectors expect written procedures for:
- Preventative healthcare
- Introduction of new dogs
- Feeding routines
- Monitoring welfare
- Emergency evacuation
- Isolation of sick dogs
- Record keeping
- Death or escape procedures
You don’t need a novel.
You need clear, simple, written systems.
6. Insurance Documentation
You’ll need proof of Pet Sitting Insurance (Standard home insurance does not cover paid boarding).
7. Record Keeping
Inspectors expect to see systems for:
- Arrival and departure dates
- Feeding logs
- Medication records
- Emergency contact details
- Vet information
This can be:
- Digital
- Paper-based
- Folder system
It just needs to be organised and accessible.
8. Fire & Emergency Planning
You must show:
- Smoke alarms are working
- Evacuation plan exists
- Dogs can be removed quickly
- Emergency contact procedures are in place
Some councils may ask how many dogs you can evacuate safely at once.
Be realistic.
9. Star Rating Assessment
After inspection, you’ll receive a star rating from 1–5.
Higher ratings depend on:
- Compliance
- Documentation quality
- Risk assessment
- Welfare standards
- Experience
Higher ratings can mean longer licence periods.
Common Mistakes That Cause Inspection Stress
- No written procedures
- Poor record keeping
- Unsafe garden fencing
- Using non-pet-safe cleaning chemicals
- No isolation plan
- Overestimating how many dogs your home can handle
Preparation removes 90% of stress.
Pre-Inspection Quick Checklist
Before your inspector arrives:
- Walk your home as if you were assessing someone else
- Check fencing and gates
- Print your policies
- Organise your insurance documents
- Prepare your record system
- Identify your isolation space
- Test smoke alarms
Final Thoughts
An inspection is not an exam designed to fail you.
It’s a welfare assessment.
If your home is safe, your systems are clear, and your documentation is organised, you’ll likely pass without issue.
Preparation is everything.
