How to start a dog day care business in England

Dog day care is a growing business, but it runs from dedicated premises and is licensed, with its own rules around space, screening and supervision. Here is how to set it up properly.

1. Find suitable premises

Day care needs premises that are not the dogs’ home, with at least six square metres of space per dog (indoor and outdoor combined), a quiet area where a dog can withdraw, and secure boundaries. Because it is a commercial use, you will usually need planning permission, so check with your council before you commit to a lease.

2. Confirm the licence you need

Daytime care for other people’s dogs at non-home premises needs a dog day care licence under the 2018 Regulations. Overnight stays are not allowed under this licence, that is home boarding or kennels.

3. Plan screening and supervision

Every dog must be screened before admittance to check it is safe in a group, with a record kept, and dogs must be supervised at all times. Build these into your procedures from day one.

4. Insurance, vet and documents

Arrange public liability insurance, register with a vet, and prepare the written pack: operating procedures, a daily routine, emergency and fire plans, risk assessments, a screening policy and a noise plan. PetApproved produces all of this for day care from a short questionnaire.

5. Apply and get inspected

Submit the application, fee, insurance and documents, and pass your premises inspection. Your licence is granted for one to three years with a star rating.