02/10/2026
🐾 BOARDING VS PET SITTING — WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? 🐾
Both pet sitting and home boarding can be great options for your furry family members, but there are some important differences when it comes to licensing and choosing the right care for your dog. ❤️🐶
🏡 PET SITTING — IN YOUR OWN HOME
If someone is looking after your dog in your own home, there are currently no specific licensing requirements for providing pet sitting.
However, when choosing a pet sitter, it’s always worth checking that they are:
📜 Insured for pet sitting
🧠 Knowledgeable about canine behaviour
🚑 Trained in canine first aid
🏠 DAY CARE / HOME BOARDING — AT SOMEONE ELSE’S HOME
If your dog is staying at someone else’s home for day care or boarding, different rules apply.
In England, the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 provide the current licensing framework. Where dog day care or home boarding falls within the activities covered by the regulations, the business must hold the appropriate licence. 🐾
🐶 BOOKING YOUR DOG IN FOR BOARDING?
It’s perfectly reasonable to ask your boarding provider about their licence. Their licence number should be available on their website and displayed at the premises.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions — a reputable business should be happy to reassure you that everything is in place. 😊
After all, when you’re trusting someone with a very important member of your family, doing a little homework beforehand can give you that extra peace of mind. ❤️🐾
Your dog deserves to be happy, safe and well cared for while you’re away! 🐾