🐾 DOG BOARDING OR PET SITTING — WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? 🐾

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When you’re going away, there are several options for your dog’s care. But what exactly is the difference between dog boarding, kennels and pet sitting in your own home?

🏡 DOG BOARDING & KENNELS

Dog boarding is when your dog stays somewhere other than their own home while you’re away.

This can include:

🐶 Home boarding – your dog stays in the carer’s home, usually as part of a small group or family environment.

🏠 Kennels – your dog stays at a purpose-built or licensed boarding establishment.

If you are paying someone to provide home boarding for dogs in England, they generally need a licence from their local authority. Licensed boarding businesses have to meet specific requirements relating to the welfare, accommodation, safety and care of the dogs staying with them.

Kennels providing boarding are also subject to licensing requirements.

📋 A licensed boarding provider should be able to provide their licence details, and licensed businesses are required to display their licence number in advertising.

🐕 PET SITTING IN YOUR OWN HOME

Pet sitting is different.

Your dog remains in their own home, in their familiar surroundings, while someone visits or stays at your property to care for them.

Because the dog remains in its normal place of residence, this is not classed as home boarding and does not require a home boarding licence.

❤️ WHY DOES THE DISTINCTION MATTER?

When choosing care for your dog, it's worth understanding exactly what service you're booking and what licensing requirements apply.

A licence isn't just a number — it means the relevant local authority has requirements in place for the business and its premises, with welfare standards that need to be met.

At Jake’s Play and Stay, we are a licensed home boarding and doggy daycare business, offering a home-from-home environment where dogs can enjoy their stay with us. 🐾

We believe in being transparent about our licensing and giving owners confidence in where their dogs are staying.

Before booking any boarding service, always ask about the provider's licensing requirements and licence details. 🐶❤️

Licensing requirements can vary across the UK. This information relates to England.