This 2 month correspondence course is designed to satisfy the new licensing requirements for those wishing to achieve the Higher Standard set out in the Animal Welfare Licensing guideline

Qualification: Level 3 OCN London Qualification Regulated by OFQUAL
Ofqual Course Register: Qualification Number: 603/4145/2
Course Title: Professional Day Care and Boarding
Duration: 2 months
Delivery: Distance Learning

Upon successful completion you will receive the 'Green Tick Level 3 Ofqual Qualification' logo to display on your website and all marketing materials

Defra has recently revised the Animal Activity Licensing Regulations
The new legislation was brought in from 1st October 2018, is updated regularly and applies to staff of all Dog Day Care and Boarding establishments. Our course material reflects the latest changes in the legislation and the Regulations affecting Dog Day Care and Boarding businesses.
This course reflects all of the latest updates to the legislation to ensure you have the latest knowledge

Animal Activity Licensing Regulations

Defra has recently revised the Animal Activity Licensing Regulations
The new legislation was brought in from 1st October 2018, was updated 1st February and 1st June 2022 and applies to staff of Dog Day Care and Boarding establishments
Licensing will require that to meet the Higher Standard, a member of staff with a relevant Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation OFQUAL regulated Level 3 qualification must be present during the working day at the Day Care or Boarding establishment

This course reflects all of the latest updates to the legislation to ensure you have the latest knowledge


The course is made up of two units, Canine Welfare and Canine Care
Each Unit requires approximately 30 hours of study
The course totals 60 hours of study, the guideline is 7.5 hours per week study time to complete the course within 2 months, however, the course may be completed sooner

When you book your course, you will receive your welcome email, course guide, and the workbooks for Unit One and Unit Two for this course
Your Tutor will be available by email for any support and guidance throughout the duration of your course

Upon completion you will receive your IMDT certification badge to use on your social media and the Ofqual accredited digital Certificate to satisfy the licensing requirements
Unit One - Canine Welfare: Professional Day Care and Boarding
· Record and License Keeping
· Animal Welfare Regulation Conditions for Canines in Care
· Staffing Requirements
· Training Policy
· Living Environments
· Security Measures and Requirements
· Emergency Procedures
· Injury and Illness Prevention
· Hygiene Requirements
· Social Access and Separation
· Feeding Protocols

Unit two - Canine Care : Professional Day Care and Boarding
· Environmental Enrichment
· Physical and Mental Wellbeing
· Monitoring of Canine Behaviour
· Training Methods
· Socialisation and Habituation
· Transportation
· Handling
· Legally Required Procedures to Prevent Pain, Suffering, injury and Disease
· Isolation Procedures
· Storage and Disposal of Waste
· Medication Handling Procedures


Level 3 OCN London Qualification Regulated by OFQUAL: Professional Day Care and Boarding

Ofqual Course Register: Qualification Number: 603/4145/2

Suitable for all wishing to achieve the Higher Standard licensing

This course is listed by Ofqual on their official Register
Ofqual Qualification No. 603/4145/2

Introduction
Take your professional dog-care career to the next level with the Level 3 Dog Home Boarding course — the recognised benchmark qualification for licensed home boarders who want to meet or exceed Defra’s Higher Standard.

This programme combines the AIM Qualifications Level 3 Award in Canine Care, Behaviour & Welfare with two specialist modules:

Licensing Guidance for Dog Home Boarding (Flashcards & Quizzes)
Live 1-to-1 Tutorial – Dog Home Boarding (Licensing & Inspection Preparation)
You’ll learn to understand canine behaviour, manage multiple dogs safely in a home environment, create compliant policies and records, and present your business confidently during inspection.

Study online, at your own pace, with the support of licensed canine professionals who know the standards inspectors look for.

Learning Objectives
Course 1 – AIM Qualifications Level 3 Award in Canine Care, Behaviour & Welfare
Unit 1: Canine Behaviour
Understand canine communication and body language.
Recognise behavioural signs of stress, anxiety, and aggression.
Apply enrichment and force-free training methods.
Understand how environmental and social factors affect behaviour.
Unit 2: Care of Dogs in Kennels, Day Care and Home Boarding
Understand causes, prevention, and control of disease.
Apply appropriate feeding, hygiene, and exercise routines.
Manage group and solo boarding arrangements safely.
Recognise signs of poor welfare and take corrective action.
Provide safe sleeping, play, and rest areas in a home environment.
Course 2 – Licensing Guidance (Dog Home Boarding)
This module breaks down The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 for home boarding providers. Using flashcards and quizzes, you’ll master:

Scope and definitions of home boarding under the Regulations
In-scope vs. out-of-scope activities
Record-keeping, supervision, and staffing expectations
Environmental layout, noise control, and welfare standards
Hygiene, bedding, isolation, and cleaning protocols
Emergency planning and higher-standard criteria
Course 3 – Live 1-to-1 Tutorial (Dog Home Boarding)
A tailored consultation with a tutor-inspector to prepare you for your licensing inspection. We’ll cover:

Home layout, sleeping areas, and garden safety
Record systems, risk assessments, and policies
Dog compatibility, enrichment, and rest management
Hygiene, security, and isolation measures
Practical guidance for achieving the Higher Standard
You’ll receive a personalised feedback report and checklist for your local authority inspection.

Qualification Information
This qualification meets the requirements of Defra and the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.

Includes:

Level 3 Award in Canine Care, Behaviour & Welfare (AIM Qualifications)
Licensing Guidance for Dog Home Boarding (Flashcards & Quizzes)
Live 1-to-1 Tutorial (Home Boarding Inspection Preparation)
Together, these modules prepare you for inspection and help you achieve the Higher Standard rating.

Defra requires that:

The licence holder or designated manager is suitably qualified.
All staff can identify normal and abnormal behaviour.
They recognise pain, injury, suffering, or distress and take action.
One full-time staff member must hold a relevant Level 3 qualification to achieve the Higher Standard.
Reference: Home Boarding for Dogs – Licensing Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities

Completing this course shows your commitment to best practice, high welfare standards, and full regulatory compliance.

Who is the course for?
This regulated qualification is for anyone who works with dogs – particularly as a:

Dog boarder
Dog day carer
Dog breeder
Dog walker
Dog trainer/behaviourist
Dog groomer
Pet sitter
You do not need any prior knowledge or qualifications to study for this qualification, although some experience or related knowledge will be advantageous.

Assignments and assessments
Learning Style and Content
Study entirely online via Dog Business School’s flexible platform. Access eLearning modules, videos, podcasts, and downloadable resources anytime. Tutor feedback and learning support are available throughout your course.

Assessments
Achievement is through a portfolio of evidence, including:

Written and scenario-based assignments (200–500 words).
Short quizzes reinforcing key topics.
A self-evaluation reflecting on professional growth.
Tutor feedback following your Live 1-to-1 tutorial.
Pass / Refer
Each task is graded Pass or Refer. You receive two complimentary resubmissions. Further resits cost £25.

Certification
Once verified, certificates are issued by AIM Qualifications within 2–6 months. Dog Business School can provide interim confirmation for licensing applications.

Why Choose Our Course
This course brings together advanced welfare knowledge, licensing guidance, and inspection preparation in one recognised professional qualification.

The Level 3 Award meets Defra’s Higher Standard requirement for home boarding, while the Licensing Guidance and Live Tutorial ensure your compliance is practical, provable, and inspection-ready.

Study online with full tutor support, build your professional credibility, and gain the confidence to operate or manage a fully licensed home boarding business.

Professional. Practical. Defra-aligned. Exactly what every responsible home boarder needs.

Description
The Professional Kennel Management Diploma is a comprehensive, in-depth course designed for anyone looking to set up, manage, or improve a dog boarding kennel in the UK. Covering everything from daily operations and legal compliance to canine welfare, behaviour, enrichment, and home boarding, this course equips learners with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to run a high-quality, fully licensed kennel service.

Whether you’re launching a new business, taking over an existing one, or seeking to professionalise your current set-up, this course provides essential guidance on running a safe, profitable, and welfare-led facility that meets both DEFRA regulations and modern industry expectations.

Who This Course Is For
This diploma is ideal for:

Aspiring kennel owners looking to set up their first business

Existing kennel operators wanting to improve standards or expand

Staff members working in kennels or rescue centres

Dog professionals transitioning into boarding services

Home boarders wishing to become licensed or broaden their services

Entrepreneurs looking to run a DEFRA-compliant canine care facility

Anyone passionate about high-quality dog care and welfare in a group housing setting

No prior experience is required — just a genuine interest in canine care and a willingness to learn.

What Each Module Covers
Module 1: Introduction to Kennel Boarding in the UK
An overview of the boarding kennel industry, its regulation under UK law, and the role of licensed establishments.

Module 2: Kennel Design and Environmental Considerations
Covers layout, materials, soundproofing, ventilation, drainage, and welfare-focused design to meet licensing requirements.

Module 3: Understanding the DEFRA Licensing Framework
A deep dive into the 2018 regulations, inspection criteria, star ratings, and what kennels must do to comply.

Module 4: Welfare Standards and the Five Needs
Explores each of the Five Welfare Needs in detail and how to meet them in a kennel setting.

Module 5: Hygiene, Cleaning Protocols, and Disease Control
Details infection prevention, disinfection routines, zoonotic disease risks, and biosecurity best practice.

Module 6: Canine Health and Well-being
Focuses on daily health checks, vaccinations, feeding, medication, and recognising signs of illness.

Module 7: Daily Operations and Staffing
Looks at shift planning, feeding schedules, exercise, enrichment, record keeping, and staff responsibilities.

Module 8: Canine Enrichment in Kennel Environments
Explains the types of enrichment, how to tailor activities to individual dogs, and the welfare benefits of mental stimulation.

Module 9: Behaviour and Stress Management in Kennelled Dogs
Covers recognising stress, behaviour observation, managing fear, barking, aggression, and logging behavioural concerns.

Module 10: Record Keeping and Administration
Outlines legal documentation, booking systems, GDPR compliance, consent forms, and inspection readiness.

Module 11: Home Boarding – Considerations and Compliance
Explores home-based dog boarding, how it differs from kennels, legal requirements, home setup, and risk management.

Module 12: Setting Up and Running a Kennel Business
Guides learners through business planning, licensing, insurance, marketing, pricing, and long-term success strategies.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Understand and apply the DEFRA licensing requirements for dog boarding

Design and maintain a kennel environment that prioritises dog welfare and safety

Implement effective routines, hygiene procedures, and enrichment plans

Recognise and respond to canine stress, illness, and behaviour issues

Develop a comprehensive record-keeping and administration system

Distinguish between kennel boarding and home boarding operations

Navigate planning permission, insurance, and legal structures for boarding businesses

Build a professional, compliant, and profitable kennel business from the ground up

Communicate confidently with clients, inspectors, and veterinary professionals

Deliver high standards of care that support emotional, behavioural, and physical well-being