Running Home Boarding Alongside a Dog Walking Business (UK)
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- Dec 9, 2025
- 5 min read
Running Home Boarding Alongside a Cat Dog Walking Business (UK)
If you’re thinking about combining home boarding with a dog walking business, it’s totally doable — but there are some key licensing and welfare rules to understand so you stay compliant and keep dogs happy.
Do You Need a Licence?
Yes — if you provide home boarding (dogs staying overnight) or dog day care from your home, you must have a council licence under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018. This applies even if you’re only boarding one dog overnight for payment. (gov.uk)
Dog walking on its own does not require a council licence, but boarders and day care do. (gov.uk)
How the Star-Rating System Works
Councils inspect your boarding/day care setup and give you a star rating from 1 to 5 based on welfare standards and how you manage risk. (gov.uk)
3 Stars — Minimum Standards
This is the rating most sole traders and home boarders operate at:
You meet all minimum legal standards
Welfare, accommodation, exercise, supervision and records are compliant
Licence usually lasts 2 years (gov.uk)
If you do not meet higher standards, you cannot get above 3 stars — and that includes if you leave dogs unattended at home. (gov.uk)
2 or 1 Stars — Below Minimum Standards
These are only issued if basic requirements aren’t being met or welfare could be compromised. (gov.uk)
4 & 5 Stars — Higher Standards
To get these you must meet optional higher standards as well as minimums. These often include things like:
More detailed enrichment and exercise planning
Staff cover so dogs are never left without supervision
Larger premises or specialised facilities (gov.uk)
Many councils also treat new providers as higher risk with no compliance history — meaning even if you meet higher standards, you might initially only get up to 3 or 4 stars until you build that track record. (gov.uk)
Unattended Dogs: What the Rules Say
One of the most common questions is: “How long can dogs be left alone?”
Under the statutory home boarding guidance:
Dogs must not be left unattended in any situation or for any period likely to cause distress.
They must not be routinely left alone for more than 3 hours in a 24-hour period unless shorter intervals are necessary for that dog’s individual welfare. (gov.uk)
This means:
You can leave dogs briefly (e.g., a short walk drop-off or a quick errand)
But you shouldn’t routinely leave them for long stretches (e.g., hours every day) if that might cause stress
There’s no rule saying “never leave dogs alone.” The emphasis is on welfare — not strict time limits — and ensuring the dogs are cared for appropriately when they are alone. (gov.uk)
Fitting Boarding Around Dog Walking
Prioritise Boarding Dogs’ Care
Boarding dogs should be walked before you start formal walking duties with your dog walking clients — especially first thing in the day.
A daily walk helps them settle, making the rest of your day smoother.
Balance Your Schedule
Plan your walking slots — e.g., morning and afternoon — so boarders are not left alone for extended periods.
If you need to be out for longer, consider:
Bringing boarding dogs along on walks (if safe and consented)
Setting up safe, engaging enrichment at home
Having a designated cover person for short absences
Paperwork Matters
Documenting welfare plans, individual needs, exercise routines and enrichment is key. Meeting minimum standards and having clear records = 3 stars. (gov.uk)
Key Takeaways
You must have a council licence for home boarding or day care. (gov.uk)
Leaving dogs unattended at all means you won’t get above 3 stars, and that’s expected. (gov.uk)
Dogs should not be left alone routinely for more than 3 hours in a 24-hour period unless appropriate for that dog. (gov.uk)
Fitting boarding into a dog walking business is absolutely doable — just plan your day so boarders are walked first and not routinely left alone.
A note on licenced home dog boarding
This content is written with one clear assumption: home dog boarding is a regulated, professional service — not a casual arrangement.
Licenced home dog boarders are entrusted with dogs’ safety, routines, health, behaviour and emotional wellbeing, often within a shared home environment. That responsibility carries legal, ethical and practical weight, and requires experience, risk management, ongoing education and accountability.
Home dog boarding deserves:
Clear pricing that reflects responsibility, regulation and risk
Firm boundaries, contracts and welfare-led policies
Mutual respect between boarder and client
Recognition as skilled, licenced work — not “having a dog over”
Sustainable home boarding businesses are built on professionalism, not informality. And professionalism benefits everyone — boarders, clients and, most importantly, the dogs in their care.
About Tori Lynn C. & The Dog House
Welcome to The Dog House — my cosy corner of the TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub. I’m Tori Lynn C., the founder of TLC Dog Walking Limited, mentor to professional dog walkers, and lifelong advocate for dogs and the people who care for them. Before building my own dog walking company, I worked as a dog trainer and held corporate roles at Pizza Hut’s Head Office in London and at PricewaterhouseCoopers, based at Embankment Place. Business, structure, and people management have been part of my life for a very long time.
With full time, hands-on experience in the dog industry since 2007, my mission is to guide you through the realities of running a successful, sustainable dog walking business — from client care and safety to wellbeing, confidence, and professional growth.
The Dog House is where I share the honest, behind-the-scenes conversations we all need: the tricky moments, the funny bits, the business lessons, and the mindset work that keeps us thriving rather than merely surviving. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, you’ll always find support, guidance, and a friendly nudge forward here.
You’re never alone in this journey — you’re part of a community of canine crusaders.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general information and educational purposes only. It is intended to support pet care professionals in understanding common legal considerations when operating a dog walking or pet care business in the UK.
This content does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice from a qualified solicitor or legal professional. Laws, regulations and local authority requirements may change over time and can vary depending on location and individual circumstances.
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date at the time of publication, no guarantees are made regarding completeness or applicability to your specific situation.
By using this website, you acknowledge that:
✓ You are responsible for ensuring your own business complies with all relevant UK laws and local authority rules
✓ You should seek professional legal advice before drafting, using or relying on any contract or legal document
✓ The website owner accepts no liability for loss, damage or legal issues arising from the use of this information
If you are unsure about any legal obligations, contractual terms or liabilities, it is strongly recommended that you consult a solicitor experienced in small business or consumer law.
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