30/07/2026
WHATS THE DIFFERENCE?
🐶 Boarding of dogs (in the professionals home) requires a license. They are house checked, given a star rating and a limit on dogs allowed. You can check for licensed boarders/daycares on the post attached.
🐕 Pet sitters (done in the owners home) do not require any licensing.
In addition - whilst it’s not illegal, it is ridiculous to operate as a dog professional, at any capacity without insurance. These are people’s family members we are responsible for.
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With that, I cannot urge you enough (whether you utilise my services, or a fellow pet professionals) to please check their insurance, qualifications, first aid etc etc.
It’s easy to say you have all of these things, but PLEASE ask for proof, anyone who truly has them should be proud to offer them up.
🐾 Amber Valley dog owners urged to check licences after dog day care premises licence revoked
Amber Valley Borough Council is advising dog owners that it has revoked the day care boarding premises licence for Barn Farm Dog Day Care, Wood Lane, Horsley Woodhouse.
The licence was revoked after evidence came to light showing the site had breached licence conditions and the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.
The revocation took immediate effect when notice was served on 17 July 2026. As Barn Farm no longer holds an animal activity licence issued by Amber Valley Borough Council, owners should make alternative arrangements for boarding services.
The licence holder has the right to appeal the Council's decision within 28 days.
Councillor Elaine Sherman, Cabinet Member for Regulation and Community Safety, said: "We know that for many people, their dog is part of the family, so choosing someone to care for them is an important decision.
"The animal welfare licensing system is there to give owners confidence that businesses are meeting the standards required by law and to help protect the welfare of animals in their care.
"We'd encourage anyone using animal boarding or day care services to take a few moments to check that the business they're using holds the appropriate licence for the service being provided. It's a simple step that can help owners make an informed choice."
Before using an animal boarding or day care service, owners should always check that the business holds the appropriate licence for the service being provided.
Amber Valley Borough Council's public register of licensed animal activities premises is available at https://www.ambervalley.gov.uk/animalwelfare.
Different animal activities require different licences. A licence for dog day care, for instance, does not authorise a business to provide overnight boarding. It's therefore important to check that the business holds the correct licence for the specific service you are using.
Licences should also be displayed at the premises, allowing you to see which activities the business is licensed to provide.
If you have any concerns or queries about an animal activities business operating in Amber Valley, please contact Amber Valley Borough Council on 01773 570222 or email [email protected].
