Council star ratings for dog boarding: how they work and why they matter
The star rating system determines the length of your licence (1 to 3 years) and is a primary indicator of your business quality to potential customers.
| Rating | Licence Length | Compliance Standard |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Stars | 3 Years | Higher Standards + Low Risk |
| 3 Stars | 2 Years | Minimum Standards + Low Risk |
| 1 Star | 1 Year | Minimum Standards + High Risk |
How to improve your rating
To move from 3 to 5 stars, you must meet the "Higher Standards" specified in the guidance. This often includes having more staff per dog, larger sleeping areas, or a more robust digital record-keeping system that demonstrates a "Low Risk" profile.