What Are the Safety Standards for Dog Kennels You Should Be Aware Of?

Leaving your dog in a kennel should bring peace of mind, not stress. As pet owners, we want to ensure that our furry friends are safe, comfortable, and well cared for when we are away. A high-quality kennel should provide a secure, clean, and enriching environment where dogs receive proper attention and care from trained professionals.

In the UK, there are strict legal and welfare standards in place to protect animals in boarding kennels and dog daycare facilities. These regulations ensure that dogs are housed in safe and sanitary conditions, receive proper nutrition and exercise, and are cared for by knowledgeable staff.

But what exactly should you look for in a kennel to ensure it meets these requirements? This article will guide you through the key safety standards for dog kennels, covering the following areas:

• Licensing and legal requirements
• Hygiene and Sanitation
• Who’s Taking Care of Your Dog?
• Facility Design and Safety Measures
• Vaccination and Canine Health Protocols
• Exercise and Enrichment

Licensing and Legal Requirements in the UK

Why Licensing Matters?

Any facility offering dog boarding or daycare services in the UK must be licensed by the local council. This is a legal requirement under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Operating a kennel without a valid licence can result in severe penalties, including fines or even imprisonment of the owners.

A license ensures that the kennel has undergone an official inspection and meets the necessary welfare and safety standards. This protects not only the dogs staying at the facility but also pet owners who rely on kennels to provide a secure environment for their animals.

Inspection & Star Ratings

Before issuing a licence, the local council carries out an inspection of the facility to assess its compliance with welfare standards. This includes checking the quality of accommodation, hygiene practices, exercise routines, and staff training.

Kennels are awarded a star rating from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 stars being the highest rating for excellent care and compliance. Higher-rated kennels are typically inspected less frequently because they demonstrate consistent high standards, while lower-rated facilities may require more frequent checks.

When choosing a kennel, always check that it is fully licensed and displays its star rating. Any reputable facility will be transparent about its licensing and should provide this information on request or even display it publicly on its website.

Key Licensing Conditions

To obtain and maintain a licence, kennels must meet a set of strict requirements, including:

• Safe and Suitable Accommodation: The kennels must be appropriately sized for the breed and size of the dog, with adequate ventilation, insulation, and secure fencing to prevent escape.
• Food and Water: Dogs must have access to fresh water at all times and be provided with a nutritionally balanced diet. Special dietary needs must be accommodated.
• Regular Exercise and Supervision: Dogs cannot be left alone for extended periods. They must have frequent interactions with staff and regular opportunities for exercise.
• Disease Prevention and Veterinary Care: Kennels must take measures to prevent disease spread and have protocols in place for treating sick or injured animals.

At Hunters Lodge, we are proud to be a fully licensed facility with a high star rating, demonstrating our commitment to meeting the required standards. Our experienced team and well-maintained facilities provide a level of care that goes above and beyond the basic requirements.

Hygiene and Sanitation

A clean environment is essential for keeping dogs healthy and preventing the spread of disease. High-quality kennels follow strict hygiene protocols to ensure every area remains sanitary and safe for their guests.

Kennels must be cleaned at least once a day, with regular maintenance throughout the day to remove waste and spills. This includes:

• Disinfecting sleeping areas to remove bacteria and odours
• Washing food and water bowls to prevent contamination
• Replacing bedding if it becomes soiled or damp
• Sweeping and mopping floors to maintain a clean and dry environment
• Removing waste at least twice daily to prevent the build-up of bacteria and reduce unpleasant odours

To avoid the situation getting out of hand, regular disinfection should be practiced to stop the spread of infections.

But, even with the best precautions, illness can occasionally occur. To prevent outbreaks, licensed kennels must have a dedicated isolation area for any dog showing signs of contagious illness.

This area must be separate from the main kennel to ensure infected dogs do not come into contact with healthy pets. Staff must also be trained to recognise early symptoms of illness, and proceed with the further process of isolating the affected dogs immediately

Strict hygiene procedures should be followed when handling sick animals. Importantly, the pet owners must be informed immediately, and seek veterinary advice as needed

At Hunters Lodge, we take hygiene extremely seriously. Our cleaning protocols meet the required standards, and we use vet-approved disinfectants to maintain a spotless environment. 

Who’s Taking Care of Your Dog?

A kennel is only as good as the people running it. The best facilities invest in highly trained, compassionate staff who understand dog behaviour, safety, and welfare.

All staff members should be trained in 3 major topics:

• Animal care and welfare: Understanding dog behaviour, body language, and needs
• First aid for dogs: Knowing how to respond to medical emergencies
• Handling and supervision techniques: Ensuring dogs are safely managed during playtime and rest periods

Additional factor to consider is the number of staff present in a kennel, which directly affects the level of care and supervision dogs receive. According to UK guidelines, it is recommended a ratio of at least 1 staff per 10 dogs in a daycare situation. 

In addition, boarding kennels should ensure regular staff presence throughout the day and night. A low staff-to-dog ratio ensures each pet gets individual care and attention.

Finally, kennels are required to have clear emergency procedures to address potential scenarios such as sudden illness or injury, fire, and severe weather conditions. It is important that each facility maintains access to an on-call veterinarian and ensures that all staff are proficient in administering first aid during urgent situations. 

At Hunters Lodge, we meet industry standards with a high staff-to-dog ratio ensuring personalised care. Our team is trained in first aid and animal behavior, and a veterinary professional is available 24/7. We maintain rigorous safety protocols for emergencies, including fire, illness, and evacuations.

Facility Design and Safety Measures

When choosing a kennel for your dog, the design and safety of the facility are very important as they determine the comfort and well-being of your dog. 

For a kennel to meet UK safety standards, it must be built to prevent escapes, protect dogs from injuries, and provide a comfortable stay. Licensed kennels must comply with the following construction requirements, such as 

• Secure Fencing
• Latches
• Proper Insulation
• Ventilation

Kennels must have reinforced fencing and escape-proof gates to prevent dogs from getting out. Latches should be self-locking or difficult for dogs to tamper with.

Sleeping areas should be well-insulated to protect against extreme weather conditions. Good ventilation is necessary to prevent overheating and keep the air fresh.

Furthermore, a kennel should provide enough space for dogs to move, rest, and play comfortably. The UK licensing regulations specify that 

• Each dog should have enough room to lie, stretch, and move freely.
• The sleeping area must be at least 2.85 square metres. 
• Dogs should not feel cramped or confined for long periods.

One thing to remember, that not all dogs enjoy socialising in the same way, and safe kennels should never house unfamiliar dogs together. Proper grouping and supervision are essential to prevent stress, anxiety, or conflicts.

Dogs from different households should never share a kennel, each dog must have its own space unless boarding with a sibling or housemate. Adding to that, playgroups must be carefully supervised. Dogs should only be grouped based on temperament, size, and play style to prevent potential fights or stress.

At Hunters Lodge, we assess each dog’s temperament before introducing them to others. Our team carefully matches dogs for social play and ensures that every interaction is supervised by trained professionals. If a dog prefers solitude, we respect their space and provide individual exercise and enrichment instead.

Vaccination and Canine Health Protocol

A safe kennel environment is an aspect that ensures a comfortable stay but also prioritises disease prevention and overall health. Standard kennels must enforce strict vaccination policies and monitor the health of every dog in their care.

Before boarding at a licensed kennel, dogs must be fully vaccinated to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. These core vaccinations include:

• Parvovirus
• Distemper
• Adenovirus (hepatitis)
• Leptospirosis

Additionally, the kennel cough vaccine is strongly recommended. Kennel cough is highly contagious in boarding environments, and while it is not usually life-threatening, it can cause discomfort and respiratory issues.

Flea, Tick, and Worm Control

Another major concern is the parasites. These parasites can quickly spread in a communal setting, so kennels must enforce parasite prevention measures.

Dogs must have up-to-date flea, tick, and worming treatments before they are admitted. In addition to that, Staff should check dogs for fleas and ticks on arrival to prevent infestations.

Beyond this, if a dog requires medication or special dietary care, it is essential that the kennel is equipped to handle these needs safely.

Hence, these kennels must correctly administer prescribed medications as per the owner’s and vet’s instructions. Special diets should be accommodated, and meals should be prepared separately to avoid cross-contamination.

At Hunters Lodge, we take these precautions seriously. We ask all owners for proof of flea, tick, and worming treatments before their dog’s stay. Our staff also routinely inspect dogs to ensure they remain parasite-free throughout their visit. Not just that, we provide specialised care for dogs with medical conditions, allergies, or dietary requirements, to ensure each pet receives the correct care 

Exercise and Enrichment

A kennel should offer more than just a place to sleep, it should also provide a stimulating environment where dogs can exercise, play, and engage in activities that suit their personality. It should also provide mental stimulation and enrichment activities, as boredom and loneliness can lead to stress, anxiety, and unwanted behaviours.

Regular exercise is essential for a dog’s physical and mental well-being. UK kennel regulations state that:

• Dogs should have at least four exercise sessions per day.
• Access to secure, enclosed outdoor spaces is essential for free movement.
• Dogs should be allowed to relieve themselves regularly to maintain their routine and comfort.

At Hunters Lodge, we personalise enrichment activities to match each dog’s temperament and energy levels through one-on-one walks, supervised group play, or time spent in secure outdoor enclosures. Whether your dog enjoys active playtime or prefers gentle companionship, we tailor their daily activities to ensure they feel happy, engaged, and comfortable throughout their stay.

See It for Yourself – Visit Hunters Lodge Today!

When it comes to your pet’s care, only the best will do. At Hunters Lodge, we provide a safe, spacious, and enriching environment for dogs of all breeds and sizes. Our facilities are designed to meet and exceed UK safety standards, ensuring that every pet in our care is comfortable, secure, and well looked after.

Our safe and spacious dog kennels are designed for comfort, cleanliness, and security, giving your pet a stress-free stay. For those who need daily socialisation and activity, our doggy daycare provides a stimulating and supervised space where dogs can play, interact, and exercise under expert care. 

If your dog enjoys a touch of luxury, our VIP dog rooms offer premium accommodation with extra space, plush bedding, and a homely atmosphere. Furthermore, we also cater to feline friends with our individual chalet style cattery, providing a peaceful and cosy retreat for cats in a secure environment.

Explore our gallery and see where your pet will stay. Better yet, contact us today to arrange a visit. Experience firsthand why Hunters Lodge is the trusted choice for pet boarding and daycare. Let us provide your pet with the care they deserve.