What is Licensed Home Boarding for Dogs? A Trusted Alternative to Kennels in Swindon

Licensed home boarding for dogs is a professional service where your pet stays in a vetted, private home rather than a kennel. In England, this requires a local council licence, ensuring high safety standards, personalised care, and a stress-free environment that mirrors your dog’s usual home routine and comfort.

Why choose licensed home boarding for dogs over kennels?

Leaving your dog behind when you go on holiday can be a difficult decision. Many owners worry about how their dog will cope in kennels, particularly if they are used to a quiet home life and enjoy lots of company.

Home Boarding offers a more personal and reassuring alternative, or as many describe it, a real home from home when you are away.

In England, Home boarding is regulated under the Animal Welfare (licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, meaning your dog’s welfare is protected by strict standards.

All Licensed Home Boarders are inspected to ensure the property is safe, secure and suitable for dogs

There are strict rules on:

• Cleanliness and hygiene
• Space and comfort
• Exercise and enrichment
• Emergency procedures
• Vaccination requirements
• Limits on the number of dogs boarded together

Dogs must live in the home as part of the family, enjoying walks, playtime, enrichment and lots of personal fuss and attention, just like they would at home.

At Highworth Pet Care, we are licensed for 6 dogs, including our resident dog, Dixie Beagle. In practice, we keep the number of dogs low to ensure every dog receives the attention they deserve and to provide a relaxed atmosphere. Typically, we rarely board more than 2 to 3 dogs concurrently.

We always ensure that whenever dogs are sharing boarding, they are introduced before their stay to ensure they get on and to obtain written permission from all parties. This is usually a shared walk and sometimes a short visit to the house afterwards.

Peace of mind when you are away

Home Boarding combines the reassurance of regulation with the comfort of a safe, calm and loving home environment.

Choosing the right care for your dog is about trust and transparency. With almost 15 years of professional experience and a Level 3 Ofqual qualification, we are committed to providing the best possible care.

If you are looking for a reliable, experienced and caring alternative to kennels, Home Boarding might just be the perfect solution for you.

Each dog receives :

• An Individual exercise and enrichment plan
• Varied walks in beautiful locations
• A calm, loving environment

At Highworth Pet Care, we understand that every dog is an individual. Whether they prefer a long hike through the beautiful Highworth countryside or a quiet afternoon napping by the radiator, the home boarding model allows us to cater to those specific quirks. This bespoke approach is simply not possible in a large-scale commercial kennel facility.

Why Highworth Pet Care is the right choice for Swindon owners

Highworth Pet Care has been a staple of the Highworth and Swindon community since 2011. Licensed by Swindon Borough Council. Licence No 25/0746/ANHOM . We are not a large franchise; we are a small, dedicated business built on a foundation of honesty and a genuine love for animals. We are fully insured with PBI and hold separate first aid qualifications for both dogs and cats. This means that in the unlikely event of an emergency, we are trained to act quickly and effectively to protect your pet. You'll receive daily updates by Text, WhatsApp and Facebook

Our service is flexible and tailored to your needs. We understand that life can be unpredictable, whether it’s a sudden illness, a last-minute holiday, or a demanding work schedule. We are here to provide the reliable, professional support you need, treating your pets as if they were our own. We act in their best interest of our dogs at all times, ensuring they are not just "looked after," but truly cared for and loved while you are away.

If you are ready to discuss your dog's next stay or have questions about how we can help, please don't hesitate to Contact Us . We look forward to meeting you and your furry companion soon!