Level 2 Kennels Boarding

Introduction

The Level 2 Kennels Boarding course is the recognised foundation qualification for anyone working in, managing, or supporting a licensed dog boarding kennels in England.

It provides essential knowledge of canine welfare, health, and behaviour, helping you meet Defra’s licensing requirements under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.

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

• Licensing Guidance for Kennels Boarding (Flashcards & Quizzes)
• Live 1-to-1 Tutorial – Kennels Boarding (Licensing & Inspection Preparation)

You’ll learn how to provide daily care to dogs in a kennel environment, maintain high welfare standards, manage hygiene and safety, and prepare your facility for inspection.

Study flexibly online with tutor support and earn an Ofqual-regulated qualification recognised by local authorities across England.

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 and body language.
• Know suitable routines to prevent welfare and behaviour issues.
• Understand enrichment activities appropriate for kennel environments.
• Recognise stress signals and behavioural challenges in kennelled dogs.
• Apply force-free, humane handling and training techniques.

Unit 2: Introduction to Canine Health and Welfare

• Understand how to meet a dog’s basic needs for health and wellbeing.
• Identify common diseases and prevention methods in kennel settings.
• Recognise signs of pain, stress, or poor welfare.
• Apply safe hygiene, feeding, and cleaning routines.
• Understand carer responsibilities under animal welfare law.

Course 2 – Licensing Guidance (Kennels Boarding)

This module breaks down the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 as they apply to boarding kennels. Using flashcards and quizzes, you’ll cover:

• Scope and definitions for kennel boarding.
• Licensing conditions, staffing ratios, and supervision rules.
• Record-keeping, cleaning, and isolation procedures.
• Disease prevention and control measures.
• Welfare, enrichment, and exercise standards.
• Requirements for achieving and evidencing the Higher Standard.

Course 3 – Live 1-to-1 Tutorial (Kennels Boarding)

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

• Kennel layout, environment, and space ratios.
• Staff competence, supervision, and daily routines.
• Cleaning, disinfection, and waste management protocols.
• Record-keeping, emergency plans, and risk assessments.
• Common inspection findings and practical solutions.

You’ll receive a personalised feedback report and action checklist to help you demonstrate compliance confidently.

Qualification Information

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

Your Level 2 Award in Canine Care and Welfare meets Defra’s requirements for running your own home boarding business or being an integral staff member in a day care or kennels.

This Ofqual-regulated qualification covers the fundamentals of canine care and welfare.

You’ll learn how to identify and mitigate pain, suffering, and disease in dogs, as well as how to provide them with the best possible care.

The licence criteria stipulates that the licence holder or designated manager is required to be suitably qualified, and any staff employed to care for the animals must have the competence to identify the normal behaviour of the species for which they are caring and to recognise signs of, and take appropriate measures to mitigate or prevent, pain, suffering, injury, disease or abnormal behaviour. 

Staff must “hold a formal qualification such as, a Level 2 qualification regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) appropriate for their role or to demonstrate they have relevant and sufficient knowledge and experience.”

Here’s a link (an example of one version) to Defra’s statutory guidance for home boarding dogs in England, as an example.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/animal-activities-licensing-guidance-for-local-authorities/home-boarding-for-dogs-licensing-statutory-guidance-for-local-authorities

With this qualification, you’ll be well on your way to starting your own regulated dog business – whether boarding or day care, or working as a canine care professional.

Who is the course for?

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 Kennels Boarding (Flashcards & Quizzes)
• Live 1-to-1 Tutorial – Kennels Boarding (Licensing Preparation)

Defra’s guidance states that licence holders or staff must:

• Be competent to identify normal and abnormal behaviour.
• Recognise and act to prevent pain, suffering, injury, or disease.
• Hold a Level 2 Ofqual-regulated qualification or demonstrate equivalent knowledge.

Reference: Dog Kennel Boarding – Licensing Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities

Completing this course demonstrates that you meet professional standards and Defra’s expected level of staff competence.

Assignments and assessments

Learning Style and Content

Delivered online via Dog Business School’s interactive eLearning platform. Includes videos, podcasts, case studies, and downloadable resources. Study at your own pace with tutor guidance throughout.

Assessments

Achievement is through a portfolio of evidence, including:

• Written assignments (200–500 words).
• Scenario-based questions and reflective exercises.
• Licensing quizzes to reinforce inspection requirements.
• Tutor feedback following your live tutorial.

Pass / Refer

Each assessment 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 qualification for licensing purposes.

Gain the recognised qualification and practical understanding to meet Defra’s licensing requirements for boarding kennels. You’ll finish confident, capable, and fully inspection-ready.

Accredited. Defra-aligned. A solid start for kennel professionals.

This bundle includes the following courses

FAQs