Quick Answer
The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 set two tiers of standards:
- Minimum standards — required to obtain a licence
- Higher standards — required to achieve a higher star rating
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
| Stars | Standards met | Inspection outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1 star | Minimum only | Low risk |
| 2 stars | Minimum only | Higher risk |
| 3 stars | Higher standards | Low risk |
| 4 stars | Higher standards | Low risk + good history |
| 5 stars | Higher standards | Excellent history |
Key differences that affect operations
| Area | Minimum standard | Higher standard |
|---|---|---|
| Time alone | Limited time may be acceptable if justified | Dogs should not be left alone |
| Training | No formal requirement | Evidence of training expected |
| Enrichment | Basic exercise required | Mental stimulation required |
| Written procedures | Some documentation required | Full written procedures expected |
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
Part of a larger guide
This article is a supporting piece for the full pillar guide on dog home boarding in England.
Read the full guide: Dog Home Boarding Licence in England