Level 3 Kennels Boarding

Introduction

Strengthen your professional credentials with the Level 3 Kennels Boarding course — the recognised benchmark qualification for anyone operating or managing a licensed boarding kennels in England.

This comprehensive training combines three essential components:

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

Together they give you the practical knowledge, confidence, and formal qualification required to achieve Defra’s Higher Standard and demonstrate full compliance under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.

You’ll learn how to manage kennel environments safely, prevent stress and disease, monitor behaviour, and prepare your business for inspection.

Study flexibly online and gain a nationally recognised qualification taught by experienced canine professionals who understand the realities of running a licensed kennels.

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 kennel environment.
• Apply enrichment and force-free behaviour management techniques.
• Understand how housing, noise, and routine affect canine behaviour.

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

• Understand causes, transmission, and prevention of infectious diseases.
• Maintain suitable feeding, cleaning, and hygiene routines.
• Ensure safe handling, isolation, and rest procedures.
• Manage multiple dogs with varying needs safely.
• Recognise compatible social interactions and individual welfare requirements.

Course 2 – Licensing Guidance (Kennels Boarding)

This module breaks down the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 for boarding kennels, using flashcards and quizzes to help you master:

• Scope and definitions of kennel boarding
• Space, layout, and ventilation requirements
• Staff-to-dog ratios and supervision expectations
• Record-keeping and hygiene standards
• Isolation and emergency procedures
• Welfare and enrichment requirements
• Evidence needed to achieve the Higher Standard

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

A tailored, interactive consultation with a tutor-inspector to help you prepare for inspection. We’ll review:

• Kennel layout, housing design, and environment control
• Record systems, policies, and risk assessments
• Disease prevention, isolation, and cleaning procedures
• Staffing ratios, training, and supervision records
• Common inspection issues and how to present evidence effectively

You’ll receive a personalised action plan and inspection-readiness checklist.

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

It provides the knowledge and qualification required to achieve and maintain Higher Standard status.

Defra expects that:

• Licence holders and staff can identify normal and abnormal canine behaviour.
• They recognise and mitigate pain, suffering, injury, disease, or distress.
• At least one full-time staff member holds a relevant Level 3 qualification to reach the Higher Standard.

Reference: Dog Kennel Boarding – 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 flexibly online via Dog Business School’s eLearning platform. Access interactive videos, audio lessons, quizzes, and digital resources. Tutor feedback and additional support are available as required.

Assessments

Achievement is through a portfolio of evidence comprising:

• Written assignments (200–500 words)
• Scenario-based tasks and reflection exercises
• Flashcards and quizzes testing licensing knowledge
• Tutor feedback from your Live 1-to-1 tutorial

Pass / Refer

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

Certification

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

Gain the knowledge, qualification, and inspection readiness needed to run a compliant, professional kennels business.

Accredited. Credible. Inspection-ready training for modern kennel professionals.

This bundle includes the following courses

FAQs