Level 3 Dog Home Boarding
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.
