Kennels, home boarding or a dog sitter? Choosing care when you're away

Three ways to have your dog looked after while you're away, what the law asks of each in England, and the checks worth making.

The three options

The RSPCA says the best option is a friend or family member, and that if that isn't possible, someone who stays in your home to care for your dog usually works best. The others are a boarding kennel, or home boarding in the carer's own home.

Kennels and home boarders need a licence (England)

In England, a boarding kennel, a dog day care business, a dog boarding business in someone's home, and a business arranging boarding for other people's dogs all need a licence from the local council. A licence lasts one, two or three years.

They must show the licence number in their adverts and display the licence on the premises, so ask to see it. Running without one can mean an unlimited fine or up to six months in prison.

What a licensed kennel or home boarder must give your dog

Kennels: their own kennel, with room to sit and stand at full height, lie down fully and stretch out, and somewhere to sleep at any time.
At least one walk a day outside the kennel; the RSPCA says higher-standard boarders give two walks a day of at least 20 minutes.
Home boarding: your dog stays inside the home in a room of its own, and is exercised at least daily.
Day care: dogs are assessed first for how they cope with other dogs, and have a safe space away from people and other dogs.

Choosing a sitter

The RSPCA suggests:

meeting them before you book, and arranging an introduction before you go;
asking for their DBS certificate;
checking their references;
checking their insurance covers your pet in an emergency.

What to leave

Whoever looks after your dog: its routine and diet, your vet's details and emergency numbers, any medicine and how to give it, exercise and behaviour notes, and something familiar from home.

If something seems wrong

The RSPCA says that if a kennel isn't meeting the standards, walk away, taking your dog with you, and report it to the kennel's local council.

Questions owners ask

Do dog kennels need a licence?

In England, yes: boarding kennels, dog day care and dog boarding in someone's home all need a licence from the local council, and must show the licence number in their adverts.

Does a dog sitter who comes to my home need a licence?

A sitter who looks after your dog in your own home isn't one of the businesses England's boarding licence covers. The RSPCA suggests meeting them first and checking their DBS certificate, references and insurance.

How often should a kennel walk my dog?

At least once a day outside its kennel. The RSPCA says higher-standard boarders give two walks a day of at least 20 minutes.

Find one near you

Every business you can book on Pooky Dog is checked: ID and insurance, and a council licence where the law needs one.

Where this comes from

Checked against these on 4 October 2026. The law can change: check the source before you rely on it.