Regulated qualifications &
professional CPD
Ofqual-regulated qualifications and CPD courses designed specifically for UK dog care professionals. All courses are delivered online through Dog Business School and link directly to Defra licensing requirements.
Ofqual-Regulated Qualifications
Ofqual RegulatedThese qualifications are regulated by Ofqual and appear on the Register of Regulated Qualifications. They are recognised by Defra and support compliance with the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.
Level 2 Award in Canine Care & Welfare
Qualification Number: 603/5731/9
Start your professional journey with this Ofqual-regulated qualification awarded by AIM Qualifications. Gives you the essential knowledge and skills to care for dogs responsibly, recognise their needs, and promote high welfare standards.
- Ofqual-regulated, accredited by AIM Qualifications
- Study flexibly online with expert tutor support
- Nationally recognised qualification
Level 3 Award in Canine Care, Behaviour & Welfare
Qualification Number: 603/4536/6
Advance your knowledge with this nationally recognised award from AIM Qualifications. Learn to read canine body language, recognise stress and aggression, apply force-free training, and manage dogs in kennels, day care, or home boarding settings.
- Ofqual-regulated, awarded by AIM Qualifications
- Supports compliance with Defra Higher Standard
- Strengthens inspection readiness and professional credibility
Level 2 Award in First Aid for Dogs
Qualification Number: 610/3440/X
Be prepared to act quickly and confidently when it matters most. This Ofqual-regulated qualification from iPET Network provides the knowledge and practical skills to recognise and respond to canine health emergencies and stabilise dogs until veterinary help arrives.
- Ofqual-regulated, certified by iPET Network
- Delivered online with tutor support
- Meets Defra licensing expectations
CPD Modules
CPD CertifiedStandalone short courses designed to expand your knowledge and skills in specific areas. Ideal for existing professionals looking to add depth to their practice or meet CPD requirements.
Level 2 Caring for Small Mammals, Reptiles and Non-Commercial Livestock
Designed for pet carers and pet care professionals, this course boosts your knowledge in caring for non-dog species including cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and reptiles. Can be taken standalone or as an add-on to your other qualifications.
- Health monitoring across a range of species
- Species-specific nutrition, feeding, and grooming
- Hygiene and safe handling practices
Level 2 Mastering Dog & Small Business Law
A practical course addressing common legal challenges faced by UK dog care businesses, including pet sitting, dog walking, day care, and boarding. Covers key legislation relevant to canine care and small businesses.
- Animal Welfare Act responsibilities
- Licensing and operational standards
- Civil and criminal liabilities
- Key issues around local authorities and public safety
Start Your Own Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Business
Ideal for anyone considering a career in pet care or looking to gain a solid understanding of the industry. Covers everything you need to get started, including basic paperwork and templates.
- Online, study at your own pace
- Includes basic paperwork and templates
- 29 modules across 2 units
Canine Behaviour for Professionals
Focused on the areas that matter most when working with dogs professionally: assessing behaviour, managing dogs day-to-day, identifying fear and aggression, introducing dogs to groups, and meeting licensing requirements for behaviour records.
- Suitable for boarders, day carers, walkers, and trainers
- Online learning with tutor feedback
- Covers enrichment and care for young dogs
Financial Management for Canine Professionals
Designed by Vicky Clark (The Pet Accountant), a qualified accountant specialising in the pet care industry. Covers the fundamentals of financial management and organisation for anyone establishing a pet care business.
- Employed vs self-employed considerations
- Legal entities and VAT
- HMRC registration for canine businesses
- Creating a business plan
Business Planning and Research Webinar and Model Template
Addresses one of the most important aspects of developing your business idea: conducting market research and building a solid plan. Includes a master business planning template and step-by-step guidance through each element.
- 2-hour video consultation
- Master business planning template included
- Step-by-step guidance tailored to your business
Niche-Specific Licensing Programmes
Bundled ProgrammesThese bundled programmes combine an Ofqual-regulated qualification with specialist licensing guidance and a live 1-to-1 tutorial. Designed for professionals in specific licensed activities who want the most direct route to meeting Defra's Higher Standard.
Level 3 Dog Day Care
Qualification Number: 603/4536/6
Designed for professionals managing or working within licensed commercial day care settings. Combines the Level 3 Award in Canine Care, Behaviour & Welfare with specialist licensing guidance and a live 1-to-1 tutorial for inspection preparation.
- Includes Level 3 Award in Canine Care, Behaviour & Welfare
- Licensing Guidance for Dog Day Care (flashcards and quizzes)
- Live 1-to-1 tutorial: day care inspection preparation
Level 3 Dog Home Boarding
Qualification Number: 603/4536/6
The recognised benchmark qualification for licensed home boarders who want to meet or exceed Defra's Higher Standard. Combines the Level 3 Award with specialist licensing guidance and a live 1-to-1 tutorial.
- Includes Level 3 Award in Canine Care, Behaviour & Welfare
- Licensing Guidance for Dog Home Boarding
- Live 1-to-1 tutorial: home boarding inspection preparation
Level 3 Kennels Boarding
Qualification Number: 603/4536/6
The recognised benchmark qualification for anyone operating or managing a licensed boarding kennels in England. Combines the Level 3 Award with licensing guidance and a live 1-to-1 tutorial to achieve Defra's Higher Standard.
- Includes Level 3 Award in Canine Care, Behaviour & Welfare
- Licensing Guidance for Kennels Boarding (flashcards and quizzes)
- Live 1-to-1 tutorial: kennels inspection preparation
Level 2 Home Boarding
Qualification Number: 603/5731/9
The recognised foundation qualification for anyone providing dog home boarding in England. Builds essential knowledge of canine welfare, health, and daily care, and ensures you understand the legal framework under the Animal Welfare Regulations 2018.
- Includes Level 2 Award in Canine Care & Welfare
- Licensing Guidance for Dog Home Boarding
- Live 1-to-1 tutorial: home boarding inspection preparation
Level 2 Dog Day Care
Qualification Number: 603/5731/9
The recognised entry-level qualification for anyone working in, or planning to open, a licensed dog day care business in England. Ensures you understand canine care, welfare, and behaviour while preparing you to meet Defra's licensing requirements.
- Ofqual-regulated, meets Defra licensing requirements
- Combines Level 2 Award in Canine Care & Welfare
- Includes Licensing Guidance and Live 1-to-1 Tutorial
Level 2 Kennels Boarding
Qualification Number: 603/5731/9
The recognised foundation qualification for anyone working in, managing, or supporting a licensed dog boarding kennels in England. Provides essential knowledge of canine welfare, health, and behaviour to meet Defra's licensing requirements.
- Includes Level 2 Award in Canine Care & Welfare
- Licensing Guidance for Kennels Boarding
- Live 1-to-1 tutorial with feedback
Ready to get qualified?
All regulated qualifications and CPD modules are delivered through Dog Business School, the UK's specialist training provider for pet care professionals. Browse the full course catalogue, enrol online, and start learning at your own pace.
Pair your qualification with professional documentation for the complete package: a compliant, credible business.
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