25/05/2025
Thank you Spotty Dog Walking Services I hope you don't mind me using your picture.
To all the wonderful dog owners out there, please. please take a moment to read.
As we rapidly head towards summer, boarding services for dogs are more in demand than ever. However, please do ensure that you are choosing only Licensed Boarders for your beloved dogs. This is not the same as Pet Sitters who come to your home. this refers only to people who look after your dog/s in their own home in exchange for money.
I constantly see people reaching out via social media for recommendations of someone who can board their dogs and I can often count at least 2 or 3 comments from people saying ' I can help, DM me'. It is clear these people are NOT licensed. If you are not sure, it is so easy to check. Simply ask them for their License Number. You can then cross reference via their local authority.
The Vale of White Horse & South Oxfordshire District Council have all boarders listed on their websites here:-
https://data.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=LicenceRegister&TYPE=Home+Boarding+Dogs
https://data.southoxon.gov.uk/ccm/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=LicenceRegister&TYPE=Home+Boarding+Dogs
If they are not listed, they are NOT licensed!
They may have a Rover Profile. they may have client testimonies but they are breaking the law and in using an unlicensed boarder you are allowing your dog to stay with someone who's insurance will be invalid if anything happened to your dog in their care. Someone who is likely to not be operating the correct safety protocols if using any at all. Someone who has not been vetted and does not operate under the Animal Welfare Act. Someone who has not achieved the correct qualifications or likely to have the required knowledge to ensure the safe care of dogs and the different needs per breed etc. Someone who clearly doesn't want to run a legitimate business and offer a professional service.
There is also a myth that you can look after dogs in your own home as long as you don't earn more than £1000 a year. If you are offering a service then you are running a business and the legislation clearly states the £1000 threshold applies to all trading income, which includes income from employment, self-employment and hobbies. So someone who offers home boarding for dogs must not receive more than £1000 a year from any income, not just dog boarding, they should still inform their Local Authority of their boarding activity who will ultimately make the final decision if they fall in to the Licensed Boarder category or not.
Finally, in South Oxfordshire their are currently 70 Licensed Boarders and despite being in high demand if you look to book your dogs stay with as much notice as possible hopefully you won't be disappointed. Often good Home Boarders get booked up a year in advance so do take this into consideration when planning your next trip.
If any local boarders wish to share this post please do.
All dogs deserve the best care, please make sure you carry out your due diligence so they get a great holiday to!
Always check whoever you board your dog with holds a valid licence and you inspect their property and even a trial beforehand to see how your dog gets on
