Doodles Happy Tails

29/07/2026

We will never walk dogs in extreme heat. Whether we’re home boarding or one of us is out home/pet sitting!!
Bearing in mind this is our license and more so our insurance!!

29/07/2026

What are the regulations for dog boarding in the UK?
To operate a legal dog boarding or home boarding business in the UK, you must apply for an Animal Activities Licence from your local council. Requirements include passing council inspections, meeting strict space and safety standards, obtaining valid public liability insurance, and adhering to strict welfare rules.

Core Licensing and Legal Requirements
Local Authority Licence: Anyone charging to board dogs overnight or look after them during the day must be licensed by their local council. In England, licences are rated and can last for 1 to 3 years; in Scotland and Wales, they are valid for one year.
No Unlicensed Care: Operating without a licence carries heavy fines or prosecution.
Insurance: You must hold valid public liability insurance (usually a minimum of £5 million) and suitable business insurance.
Exemptions: If you are simply looking after a friend’s dog for free, a licence is not required.

Environment and Space Standards (Home Boarding)
Accommodation: Dogs must be kept inside domestic homes, not in external outbuildings, cages, or runs.

Room Space: Each designated sleeping area for a dog must have a floor area of at least 6 square metres.

Temperature and Safety: Sleeping areas must be maintained between 10°C and 26°C. Electrical sockets must be protected, and properties must feature secure, escape-proof gardens.

Welfare and Management Rules
Vaccinations: You must obtain and keep an up-to-date veterinary vaccination record confirming the dog is fully vaccinated against parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, and leptospirosis. Unvaccinated puppies cannot be boarded.

Staffing Ratios: For home boarding, a competent person must be present. A standard guideline is a maximum of 10 dogs per competent person, although higher standards require 1 full-time staff member per 8 dogs.

Prohibited Dogs: You cannot board dogs registered under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Protectivity

26/07/2026

It’s been a cockapoo, doodle, dachshund & lurcher week 🐶🩷💙🐶

26/07/2026

Next available dates are now from Thursday 17th September.

Fully booked
July/August, 1st to 16th Sept & 30th Sept to 14th Oct.

23/07/2026

Molly, Dougal, Winnie, Chip & Pepe in disguise 😂😂😂

17/07/2026

Some of the lovely pooches we’ve had in over the last 6 weeks or so 💙🩷🐶🐶

17/07/2026

Repeat House/Pet sit for x2 staffs Alfie & Daisie last month 💙🩷

17/07/2026

House/Pet sit last week for Rodie & Honey x 2 Dachunds 💙🩷

17/07/2026

Fully booked
July & August
Next available date is from 6th September.

14/07/2026

Please be careful when walking your dogs in parks.
This is the 4th dog I know that has passed away due to rotting grass cuttings.
We’ve removed all grass from our gardens & have no plants that are dangerous to dogs.

Frida, a black Labrador, is believed to have died after eating grass cuttings found in a large mound at Richmond Park in Solihull — leaving her owners with an £8,000 vet bill