How to Find a Trustworthy Dog Kennel in the UK (And What to Ask Before You Book)
Leaving your dog somewhere unfamiliar while you go away is one of those things that sounds simple until you actually start thinking about it. Who's looking after them overnight? What happens if something goes wrong? Are they going to be anxious, bored, or stuck in a tiny space for hours on end?
These are reasonable things to worry about, and the good news is that most of them have straightforward answers once you know what to look for. This guide walks you through how to find a genuinely good boarding kennel in the UK, what questions to ask, and the red flags that should send you elsewhere.
Start with the Licence
This is the first and most important thing to check. In England, any business offering dog kennel boarding, home boarding or dog day care must hold a valid licence from their local council under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018. Running a boarding business without one is illegal, and it means the facility has never been properly inspected.
Every licensed kennel is also given a star rating between 1 and 5, awarded based on their welfare standards and how low-risk the business is assessed to be. A 4 or 5 star rating means the kennel not only meets the minimum welfare requirements but goes beyond them. Businesses with higher ratings can also qualify for a longer licence of up to three years, which itself signals a track record of consistent standards.
The licence number should be clearly displayed at the facility, and you can ask to see it before booking. Any kennel that is reluctant to share this information is worth being cautious about.
Note: the licensing regulations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differ slightly from England, but equivalent licensing requirements exist. Always check that the business you are considering is properly authorised in their region.
Visit Before You Book
A trustworthy kennel will always welcome a visit before you commit to anything. If a facility turns down your request for a look around, that alone should make you think twice.
When you do visit, pay attention to a few things beyond the obvious:
Cleanliness. The kennels should smell clean and be free of waste. Faeces must be removed at least twice a day under the regulations, so if things look neglected, that's a sign.
Space. Your dog should have enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Check whether there is a separate sleeping area and an outdoor run or exercise area.
How the staff behave. Watch how they interact with the dogs already in their care, not just with you. Staff who know the dogs by name, who get down to their level, and who talk about individual animals with genuine enthusiasm are a good sign.
Noise and atmosphere. Some level of barking is completely normal in a kennel environment, but excessive distress from multiple dogs is not. Trust your gut when you walk in.
Questions Worth Asking
You don't need to arrive with a clipboard, but there are a few things worth raising in conversation during your visit.
What vaccinations do you require? Any reputable kennel will ask for up-to-date vaccinations before your dog arrives. At a minimum, expect them to ask about distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis. Many also require kennel cough vaccination, which makes sense given dogs are sharing a space. If a kennel does not ask about vaccinations at all, that is a genuine welfare concern.
How much exercise do dogs get each day? Dogs should be given the opportunity to exercise at least once a day, and higher-rated kennels often commit to twice-daily walks. Ask specifically what form exercise takes, whether that's lead walks, free running in a secure area, or something else.
How long are dogs left alone? Under the regulations, dogs in home boarding must not be left alone for more than three hours at a stretch. For kennels, the requirements around staffing and monitoring apply too. Ask what happens overnight and whether staff are on-site at all hours or just during the day.
What happens if my dog becomes unwell? A good kennel will have a vet they work with and a clear process for contacting you in an emergency. They should be able to answer this question without hesitation.
Can my dog bring their own food and bedding? Keeping your dog's diet consistent during their stay is important, as sudden changes can cause digestive upset. Most good kennels will accommodate this, and many actively encourage it. Familiar-smelling bedding from home can also help an anxious dog settle in more quickly.
Do you offer a trial stay? Some kennels encourage a shorter overnight or day visit before a longer booking. This is worth asking about if your dog has never been boarded before. It gives them a chance to get familiar with the space and the people before the actual trip, which makes the real thing significantly less stressful.
Check Reviews, But Be Thoughtful About It
Online reviews are useful but they need to be read with a bit of context. A kennel with 50 reviews averaging 4.7 stars is a better signal than one with 8 reviews averaging 5. Look for patterns in what people mention repeatedly, whether that's great communication, dogs coming home happy and well-exercised, or staff who sent regular updates during the stay.
If you can get a recommendation from someone you actually know, even better. Dog owners talk about this stuff, and a personal referral from a neighbour or someone you walk with in the park is often more reliable than a five-star review from a stranger.
Red Flags to Watch For
A few things that should give you pause:
Refusing to show you around before booking
No licence number available or displayed
Vague answers about vaccinations or emergency procedures
Kennels that look overcrowded or understaffed
Dogs that seem distressed or are showing signs of having been left without attention
Pressure to book quickly without time to think it over
No written terms and conditions
A Note on Home Boarding
If your dog finds a kennel environment stressful, home boarding is worth considering. A licensed home boarder takes your dog into their own home and cares for them as part of daily family life. This suits anxious dogs, elderly dogs, or those that are used to a lot of human company throughout the day.
The same licensing requirements apply, and the same questions are worth asking. You should still visit beforehand, check the home is properly dog-proofed (secure garden, no obvious hazards), and meet any resident dogs or children so you can see how your dog gets on before committing to a stay.
Finding Kennels Near You
PetPortal is a UK directory of boarding kennels, catteries, home boarders and other pet care services. You can search by location to see what's listed near you, read about individual businesses, and send a booking request directly through the listing. With over 300 businesses currently listed across the UK, it's a useful starting point when you're doing your initial research.