What is a council animal-boarding licence — and why it matters

If someone is boarding dogs in their home for money in England, they legally need a licence from their local council. It's the single clearest signal that a carer is legitimate — yet it's easy to overlook when you're booking in a hurry.

What the licence covers

Councils inspect the home, check the carer's experience and emergency planning, set a maximum number of dogs, and give a star rating. Licences are renewed periodically and can be revoked.

How to check it

Ask for the licence number and the issuing council, then search that council's public register. On PawStay this is done for you — boarding carers can't go live until their licence is verified, and the number is shown on their profile.