Choosing a Safe and Licensed Pet Boarder: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

With holidays, weekends away and busy periods coming up, many pet owners start looking for someone they can trust to care for their much-loved animals.

A quick search on social media can bring up lots of people offering pet sitting, dog boarding or home boarding services — but before handing over the keys (and your furry family member!), it is important to make sure you are choosing a professional, responsible and properly licensed animal care provider.

Did you know pet boarding requires a licence?

In England, businesses offering animal boarding services, including boarding dogs or cats, kennels, catteries and home boarding, must hold the appropriate animal activity licence from their local authority.

These licences are there to help protect animal welfare and make sure that licensed providers meet required standards for things such as accommodation, cleanliness, food and water, exercise, disease prevention, emergency planning and record keeping.

A professional boarder should be happy to show you their licence details and answer any questions you have about how your pet will be cared for.

Be careful when choosing from social media

Social media can be a great way to find local recommendations, but a friendly post or lots of likes does not always mean someone is a suitable animal professional.

Before booking, ask:

✔ Do they have the correct animal boarding licence?
✔ Are they insured for the services they provide?
✔ Can you visit the premises before booking?
✔ What happens if your pet becomes unwell?
✔ Do they have clear emergency procedures?
✔ Will your pet be cared for in a safe and suitable environment?

A genuine professional will welcome these questions — after all, they understand that your pet is part of your family.

Why licensing matters

A licensed animal boarding provider has gone through checks to ensure they are meeting the required standards. This gives owners extra confidence that their pets are being cared for properly while they are away.

A cheaper option is not always the best option when it comes to your pet’s safety and wellbeing.

Your dog, cat, rabbit or other companion animal deserves someone who treats their care as a responsibility, not just a favour.

How to check a local licensed provider

Somerset residents can check licensed animal activity businesses through the local authority public register.

Public registers

Always take the time to research, ask questions and choose someone who puts animal welfare first.

Because when you are away, peace of mind is the most important thing you can bring home.