Level 3 Dog Day Care

Introduction

Advance your expertise with the Level 3 Dog Day Care course, designed for professionals who manage or work within licensed commercial day-care settings.

This programme combines the AIM Qualifications Level 3 Award in Canine Care, Behaviour & Welfare with two specialist modules:

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

Together they provide the skills, confidence, and compliance knowledge required to operate or manage a Defra-licensed dog day care at the Higher Standard.

You’ll learn how to interpret canine body language, manage group behaviour, ensure health and safety, and prepare your facility for inspection. Study flexibly online and gain the qualification that defines professional dog day care practice in England.

Learning Objectives

Course 1 – AIM Qualifications Level 3 Award in Canine Care, Behaviour & Welfare

Unit 1: Canine Behaviour

• Understand canine body language and communication.
• Recognise and manage stress, fear, and aggression in a group setting.
• Apply humane behaviour-management and enrichment strategies.
• Understand how environment and handling affect behaviour.

Unit 2: Care of Dogs in Kennels, Day Care and Home Boarding

• Understand disease prevention and hygiene requirements.
• Apply appropriate feeding, supervision, and enrichment routines.
• Manage admission, grouping, and release procedures safely.
• Use PPE correctly and maintain safe handling practices.
• Recognise compatible play behaviour and manage dogs in shared spaces.

Course 2 – Licensing Guidance (Dog Day Care)

This module simplifies the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 for commercial day-care operators. Flashcards and quizzes help you master:

• Scope and definitions of day-care provision
• Staff-to-dog ratios and supervision standards
• Environmental design, flooring, and ventilation requirements
• Behaviour and enrichment expectations
• Record-keeping, cleaning, and biosecurity protocols
• Emergency planning and higher-standard evidence criteria

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

A private online session with a tutor-inspector focused entirely on your business and licensing goals. We’ll review:

• Your premises layout, space ratios, and dog flow
• Staff training, ratios, and competence evidence
• Policies, risk assessments, and daily records
• Common inspection pitfalls and how to avoid them
• Tailored recommendations for achieving the Higher Standard

You’ll receive a personalised action plan and readiness checklist after your tutorial.

Qualification Information

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

Includes:

• Level 3 Award in Canine Care, Behaviour & Welfare (AIM Qualifications)
• Licensing Guidance for Dog Day Care (Flashcards & Quizzes)
• Live 1-to-1 Tutorial (Day Care Inspection Preparation)

It meets Defra’s requirement for a suitably qualified licence holder or manager and supports attainment of the Higher Standard under the statutory guidance.

Defra requires that:

• Licence holders and staff can identify normal and abnormal behaviour.
• They recognise pain, suffering, injury, or distress and take prompt action.
• At least one full-time staff member holds a relevant Level 3 qualification for Higher Standard status.

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

Who is the course for?

This regulated qualification is for anyone who works with dogs – particularly as a:

• Dog boarder
• Dog day carer
• Dog breeder
• Dog walker
• Dog trainer/behaviourist
• Dog groomer
• Pet sitter

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

Study at your own pace through Dog Business School’s online platform. Content includes videos, eLearning modules, podcasts, and downloadable resources. Tutor feedback and additional learning support are available on request.

Assessments

Achievement is through a portfolio of evidence:

• Written assignments (200–500 words) and scenario-based tasks.
• Quizzes covering key welfare and licensing concepts.
• A self-evaluation of your learning experience.
• Feedback from your Live 1-to-1 tutorial with an action summary.

Pass / Refer

Each submission is graded Pass or Refer. Two complimentary resubmissions are included. Additional resits cost £25.

Certification

Once verified, certificates are issued by AIM Qualifications within 2–6 months. Dog Business School can provide interim confirmation of achievement for licensing applications.

Gain the recognised qualification and practical licensing knowledge Defra expects of professional day-care operators.

You’ll finish confident, compliant, and ready for inspection.

Professional. Practical. Inspection-ready training for modern dog day care professionals.

This bundle includes the following courses

FAQs