What is a council animal-boarding licence — and why it matters

If someone is boarding dogs in their home for money in England, they legally need a licence from their local council. It's the single clearest signal that a carer is legitimate — yet it's easy to overlook when you're booking in a hurry.

What the licence covers

Councils inspect the home, check the carer's experience and emergency planning, set a maximum number of dogs, and give a star rating. Licences are renewed periodically and can be revoked.

How to check it

Ask for the licence number and the issuing council, then search that council's public register. Where a carer has added their licence here, we've done that check for you: look for the Licence checked badge and the number on their profile.