Level 2 Dog Day Care

Introduction

Build your professional foundation with the Level 2 Dog Day Care course — the recognised entry-level qualification for anyone working in, or planning to open, a licensed dog day care business in England.

This Ofqual-regulated course ensures you understand canine care, welfare, and behaviour, while preparing you to meet Defra’s licensing requirements under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.

It combines the AIM Qualifications Level 2 Award in Canine Care & Welfare with:

• Licensing Guidance for Dog Day Care (Flashcards & Quizzes)
• Live 1-to-1 Tutorial – Dog Day Care (Licensing & Inspection Preparation)

You’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to provide a safe, compliant, and enriching environment for dogs while meeting your legal and welfare responsibilities.

Learning Objectives

Course 1 – AIM Qualifications Level 2 Award in Canine Care & Welfare

Unit 1: Introduction to Canine Behaviour and Training

• Understand normal canine behaviour.
• Know suitable routines to prevent welfare and behaviour problems.
• Understand how to provide canine enrichment.
• Recognise appropriate, force-free training techniques.
• Understand how group settings influence behaviour.

Unit 2: Introduction to Canine Health and Welfare

• Understand how to meet a dog’s physical and emotional needs.
• Know about common canine diseases and how to prevent them.
• Recognise signs of stress, illness, or poor welfare.
• Understand safe cleaning, feeding, and handling procedures.
• Apply best practice in day care welfare and supervision.

Course 2 – Licensing Guidance (Dog Day Care)

This module breaks down the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 for commercial day care. Through flashcards and quizzes, you’ll learn:

• Scope and definitions of dog day care services.
• Licensing conditions, ratios, and supervision requirements.
• Record-keeping and hygiene standards.
• Environmental design, rest zones, and enrichment activities.
• Emergency procedures and disease control.
• Evidence requirements for achieving the Higher Standard.

Course 3 – Live 1-to-1 Tutorial (Dog Day Care)

A personalised online session with an experienced tutor-inspector to help you prepare for your inspection. Together, you’ll review:

• Your premises layout, space ratios, and activity zones.
• Staff competence and training records.
• Welfare routines, emergency plans, and hygiene protocols.
• Group management, rest periods, and supervision standards.
• Common inspection pitfalls and how to avoid them.

You’ll receive a written action plan and checklist tailored to your business.

Qualification Information

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

Includes:

• Level 2 Award in Canine Care & Welfare (AIM Qualifications)
• Licensing Guidance for Dog Day Care (Flashcards & Quizzes)
• Live 1-to-1 Tutorial (Inspection Preparation)

Defra requires that:

• Staff and licence holders can identify normal and abnormal canine behaviour.
• They recognise and mitigate pain, suffering, injury, and disease.
• Licence holders or designated managers are suitably qualified.

For staff, the guidance specifies that they should “hold a formal qualification such as a Level 2 qualification regulated by Ofqual, or demonstrate relevant and sufficient knowledge and experience.”

Reference: Dog Day Care – Licensing Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities

This course demonstrates your professional competence and readiness for inspection.

Who is the course for?

This regulated qualification is for anyone who works with dogs – particularly in these settings:

• Dog boarding
• Dog day carer
• Dog breeder
• Dog walking
• Dog trainer/behaviourist
• Dog grooming
• Pet sitting

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

Delivered fully online through Dog Business School’s digital learning platform. Includes videos, eLearning modules, podcasts, downloadable materials, and tutor feedback.

Assessments

Achievement is through a portfolio of evidence, including:

• Written assignments (typically 200–500 words).
• Scenario-based questions and short quizzes.
• Reflective evaluation of your learning.
• Tutor feedback and notes from your live tutorial session.

Pass / Refer

Each task is graded Pass or Refer. Two complimentary resubmissions are included; further resits cost £25.

Certification

Certificates are issued by AIM Qualifications following external verification (usually within 2–6 months). Dog Business School can provide interim proof of achievement for licensing purposes.

Gain a regulated qualification, practical licensing support, and the confidence to deliver high-quality dog day care services.

The qualification Defra expects from day care staff, with the licensing knowledge and expert support to prepare you for inspection.

This bundle includes the following courses

FAQs