Level 2 Home Boarding

Introduction

Start your professional journey with the Level 2 Home Boarding course – the recognised foundation qualification for anyone providing dog home boarding in England.

This Ofqual-regulated programme builds your essential knowledge of canine welfare, health, and daily care, and ensures you understand the legal framework for operating 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 Home Boarding (Flashcards & Quizzes)
• Live 1-to-1 Tutorial – Dog Home Boarding (Licensing & Inspection Preparation)

You’ll learn how to meet dogs’ needs, manage health and hygiene, record compliance evidence, and prepare for your licensing inspection.

Study flexibly online with tutor support and gain the qualification that meets Defra’s licensing requirement for staff competency.

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 issues.
• Understand how to provide enrichment and mental stimulation.
• Recognise appropriate, force-free training methods.

Unit 2: Introduction to Canine Health and Welfare

• Understand how to meet a dog’s basic needs and prevent health problems.
• Know about common diseases and disorders.
• Recognise signs of pain, distress, or poor welfare.
• Apply safe feeding, cleaning, and handling routines.
• Understand carer responsibilities and legal duties under Defra licensing.

Course 2 – Licensing Guidance (Dog Home Boarding)

This short course explains the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 as they apply to home boarders. Using interactive flashcards and quizzes, you’ll cover:

• Scope and definitions for home boarding
• Licensing conditions and record-keeping
• Supervision and dog compatibility rules
• Hygiene, waste, and infection control standards
• Isolation, enrichment, and exercise requirements
• Evidence for meeting licensing and higher-standard criteria

Course 3 – Live 1-to-1 Tutorial (Dog Home Boarding)

A personalised online consultation with a tutor-inspector to help you prepare for your local authority inspection. We’ll review:

• Your home setup and environment
• Record systems, risk assessments, and policies
• Health, hygiene, and emergency procedures
• Dog compatibility, play, and rest arrangements
• Common inspection issues and how to evidence compliance

You’ll receive a tailored action plan to strengthen your inspection readiness.

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 Home Boarding (Flashcards & Quizzes)
• Live 1-to-1 Tutorial – Home Boarding Inspection Preparation

Defra requires that licence holders or staff:

• Can identify normal and abnormal canine behaviour.
• Recognise and act on pain, suffering, injury, or disease.
• Hold a Level 2 qualification regulated by Ofqual appropriate to their role.

Reference: Home Boarding for Dogs – Licensing Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities

Completing this course demonstrates your knowledge, competence, and commitment to providing a high-welfare boarding environment.

Who is the course for?

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 entirely online through Dog Business School’s learning platform. Includes videos, eLearning modules, podcasts, quizzes, and tutor support.

Assessments

Achievement is through a portfolio of evidence:

• Short written tasks (200–500 words).
• Scenario-based questions and quizzes.
• Reflective evaluation of learning.
• Tutor feedback following your live tutorial.

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 after external verification (typically 2–6 months). Dog Business School can provide interim proof of achievement for licensing purposes.

Gain the recognised qualification and inspection preparation Defra expects from professional home boarders. Learn at your own pace with expert tutor support.

Accredited. Accessible. Aligned with licensing standards.

This bundle includes the following courses

FAQs