Dog Home Boarding: Minimum vs Higher Standards Explained (England)
The 2018 Regulations set two tiers of standards. Understanding the difference affects your star rating and how you operate.
Quick Answer
The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 set two tiers of standards:
Meeting higher standards is not mandatory, but it affects your star rating and how clients perceive your business.
What are the standards?
The 2018 Regulations introduced a star rating system for licensed dog home boarding businesses in England.
Your star rating depends on:
- Whether you meet minimum standards
- Whether you meet higher standards
- Your inspection outcome
Minimum standards
Minimum standards are the baseline required to obtain a licence. They cover:
- Environment and space
- Feeding and water
- Exercise
- Behaviour and socialisation
- Health and veterinary care
- Documentation
Meeting minimum standards only is enough to be licensed, but it limits your star rating to 1 or 2 stars.
Higher standards
Higher standards go beyond the minimum. They include additional requirements around:
- Supervision and time alone
- Enrichment and mental stimulation
- Staff training and competence
- Written procedures and policies
Meeting higher standards is required to achieve 3, 4, or 5 stars. A higher star rating is increasingly expected by clients.
The star rating system
Key differences that affect operations
Why it matters
A higher star rating:
- Signals quality to clients
- Supports higher pricing
- Demonstrates competence to inspectors
Use structured systems designed to meet higher standards from the start.
Summary
- Minimum standards are required to be licensed
- Higher standards unlock better star ratings
- Star ratings affect client perception and pricing
- Building to higher standards from the start is the better approach