13/06/2026
Please take note of this.
So many unlicensed businesses out there.
๐พ ๐พ
Itโs that time of year again, where I share this post. There are quite a few unlicensed boarders springing up again, so please, please ensure the safety and wellbeing of your beloved pet is paramount.
Caring for someoneโs pet isnโt a side hustle or little venture, itโs a serious activity and an honour to be entrusted with providing love and guardianship of your beloved animals.
A licensed boarder has to display their license number on their social media and website page as a condition of their license. Aswell as having their certificate displayed on their premises (itโs in the post, is not sufficient).
Please ensure your boarder is licensed, I understand itโs an extra expense on your holiday, and finding a boarder with space can be difficult. However with these points and more, itโs worth it for our beloved pets.
Anyone who receives money to have a pet stay in their property needs to be licensed.
Also, we get a lot of messages saying โa family member/ friend has let me down at the last minuteโ, a licensed boarder will not. Please remember that youโre also paying for their time and commitment, and the following points, and more, when booking ๐ ๐๐ป.
๐ถ Inspected premises by local council utilising an intensive inspection proforma. (My first inspection, and paperwork check lasted nearly four hours).
๐ฆ Fully secured premises and garden (usually with a โtwo gate to freedomโ policy
โฅ๏ธ Subject to random unannounced visits
๐ฆ Regulated number of dogs allowed
๐ Restrictions on numbers walked
๐ cleaning routines
๐ค Pet friendly cleaning products
๐ Correct storage of chemicals
๐ฎ FULLY insured (no license = invalidated insurance)
๐ฝ Will provide their own dog ID tags/collar
๐จ A maintained register of all ๐ visitors
๐ชฟ Daily recorded health checks
๐ชฒ Daily recorded exercise plan
๐ฆ Risk assessments in place
๐ Pet first aid trained
๐โโ๏ธ Agreed enrichment plans to suit YOUR dog
๐ณ On site first aid kits
๐ฆ Will have a nominated emergency vet
๐ฆ Restrictions on time dogs can be left alone.
๐ HMRC registered
๐ฆGood hygiene practices
๐ Has an emergency key holder who has access to pet details
๐ Has an emergency escape plan
๐ Keeps and maintains basic fire fighting equipment
๐ฅ Has experience in providing sympathetic care to homesick dogs (which can sometimes mean staying up all night).
๐ด DBS checked.
๐ Usually has completed dog training course and or has qualifications.
๐ An electronic copy of in-date vaccinations
๐ฅ Isolation facilities and procedures
๐ A separation plan for all dogs in their care, so ALL dogs can have โtime outโ, in an emergency or just for their own wellbeing
๐ฆ Will be visible, on your local council list
๐ชผ Inspected pet safe vehicles
๐ Has a trial night and written pass or fail to assess if the dog is suitable/comfortable with the boarder
๐ธ๏ธ Procedures on separating unruly dogs
๐ฃ Recognises dog behaviour patterns
๐ loves wine, chocolates and gifts ๐คญ
https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/animal-activities-licence-register