Home Dog Boarding Inspection Preparation Checklist

Prepare your paperwork, premises and equipment before your inspector visits

There is a great deal to prepare when applying for a home dog boarding licence, and much of it cannot be completed at the last minute.

This practical, printable checklist helps you work methodically through the documents, physical equipment and arrangements you may need to have in place before your local authority inspection.

It covers not only what you may need to purchase, but also where equipment should be kept, what evidence should be available and which arrangements you should be ready to explain or demonstrate.

The checklist includes:

• Application documents, insurance and supporting evidence
• Operating procedures, policies and risk assessments
• Client records, consent forms and dog care information
• Cleaning equipment and suitable disinfectant
• Named PPE and infection-control supplies
• Individual food, medication and belongings storage
• Suitable doors, barriers and separation arrangements
• Leads, collars and slip leads positioned for emergencies
• Home and vehicle canine first-aid supplies
• Vehicle restraints, spare harnesses and transport equipment
• Garden security, waste disposal and local council checks
• Fire, evacuation, isolation and emergency arrangements
• A final walk-through before the inspector arrives
• Space to record questions, actions and further evidence requested

Start well before your inspection

This is not intended to be a last-minute inspection-day list. Preparing the required paperwork, arranging appropriate insurance and waste disposal, and making any necessary changes to your home can take considerable time.

If you are using the Operating Manual or Complete Home Dog Boarding Toolkit, work through this checklist alongside them. Many of the practical requirements will arise naturally as you develop your procedures, policies and risk assessments. The checklist then helps you bring everything together and identify any remaining gaps.

What you will receive:

• One 15-page printable PDF checklist
• Clear tick boxes for checking what you already have and what you still need
• Practical prompts covering your paperwork, home, garden and vehicle
• Guidance designed specifically for prospective home dog boarders in England

Please note

Licensing authorities may have different application processes, evidence requirements and local arrangements. Always read the information supplied by your own council and ask your licensing officer where local requirements are unclear.

This resource supports your preparation but does not guarantee that a licence will be granted or replace legal, insurance, veterinary or local-authority advice.

Digital product

This is a digital download supplied as a PDF. No physical product will be posted.

You may print the checklist for use within your own home dog boarding business. It may not be copied, shared, resold, distributed or adapted for commercial use.