07/06/2026
๐ง๐ต๐ถ๐ โฌ๏ธ ๐ถ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฎ ๐น๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฏ๐ผ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ฝ๐๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฝ๐น๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐น๐ฎ๐ ๐๐พ๐
(Credit to Randle Stonier, https://dogbusiness.co.uk)
A dog Day Care licence applicant was recently asked by their Local Authority to send:
Operating procedures covering GC 7.1, GC 7.5, GC 8.2, GC 9.1, GC 10.1 and GC 10.2
Client booking form with owner consents
Proof of registration with a local vet practice
They then asked (wearing my DogBusiness.co.uk hat) a very sensible question:
'Is there anything else I should send that would help my application?'
The answer: 'Yes, but keep it tidy'.
This is a fairly standard pre-inspection document request. The council is checking whether you have written systems, owner consent records and veterinary arrangements in place.
Don't just send the bare minimum.
Send a simple, indexed document pack covering:
1. Enrichment Programme
For GC 7.1.
How dogs will receive suitable enrichment, toys, feeding enrichment, play, socialisation and rest.
2. Puppy and Young Dog Procedure
For GC 7.5.
How dogs under one year will be managed, socialised, habituated and separated from adult dogs unless owner consent is given.
3. Dog Grouping and Compatibility Policy
For GC 8.2.
How dogs are grouped by size, age, temperament, behaviour and welfare needs. Also how new dogs are introduced and monitored.
4. Core Operating Procedures
For GC 9.1.
Feeding, cleaning, transport, disease control, welfare monitoring, death, escape, emergency animal care and continuity of care.
5. Emergency and Evacuation Plan
For GC 10.1 and GC 10.2.
Fire, breakdowns, extreme weather, unusable premises, safe removal of dogs, keyholders and emergency contacts.
6. Client Booking Form and Owner Consents
This should not be just a basic booking form.
It should collect owner details, dog details, vet details, insurance details, medical history, behaviour history, diet, vaccinations, parasite records and clear consents.
7. Vet Registration Evidence
A letter, email or screenshot confirming the business is registered with a suitable local vet practice, including out-of-hours details.
Consider also adding:
New Dog Screening Form
Trial Session Assessment Form
Behaviour Observation Form
Daily Register Template
Daily Welfare Monitoring Form
Cleaning Schedule
Isolation Procedure
Vaccination and Parasite Policy
Preventative Healthcare Plan
Medication Administration Form
Incident Report Form
Staff Training Policy
Staff Training Evidence
Insurance Certificate
Terms and Conditions
The strongest additions are:
New dog screening
Group compatibility
Daily welfare monitoring
Cleaning schedule
Emergency plan
Isolation procedure
Preventative healthcare plan
Staff training evidence
The point is not to swamp the Inspector with random paperwork, instead show that your documents are organised, relevant and reflect how the business will actually operate.
Don't just send generic templates, every document should reflect your own premises, layout, staffing, vet practice, cleaning products, emergency contacts and working procedures.
A good document pack does not guarantee a licence, but it helps to show that you understand the conditions required, and have thought through how you will meet them in practice.
UK-compliant dog walking, pet sitting, home boarding, day care and kennel documents. Download Word templates or choose hand-finished DFY branding.
