Choosing a dog groomer or boarding kennel

Choosing someone to look after your dog, whether for grooming or boarding, is a decision that takes more than a quick search. You want your dog to be safe, well cared for and treated kindly. Knowing what to check and what questions to ask makes it much easier to find a business you feel comfortable with.

Know the difference: grooming and boarding

Dog groomers and boarding kennels offer very different services, and are regulated in different ways. Groomers focus on cleaning, clipping and caring for your dog’s coat, nails and sometimes ears. Boarding kennels and home boarding provide accommodation and daily care when you are away. On Annuvell Local, you’ll find dog groomers and dog boarding providers listed separately, so start with the right category for your needs.

What to ask a dog groomer

Dog grooming is not a licensed activity in the UK, so anyone can set up as a groomer. That makes your questions even more important:

• Training and experience: Ask what training the groomer has had, how long they have been grooming and whether they have experience with your dog’s breed or coat type. Some breeds need specialist handling or specific grooming techniques.
• Handling nervous or reactive dogs: If your dog is anxious or sensitive, ask how the groomer manages nervous animals and whether they use any restraint or calming techniques. A good answer describes patience, gentle handling and adapting the approach to the dog’s needs.
• Insurance: Check that the groomer has public liability insurance and, if appropriate, care, custody and control cover. This protects both you and the groomer if something goes wrong.
• Visiting before booking: Arrange to visit the grooming salon before you commit. Look for a clean, well-lit space, safe drying and bathing areas, and staff who are happy to answer your questions. A reputable groomer welcomes you in and explains how they work.
• What happens if a dog is injured: Ask what would happen if your dog was accidentally hurt during grooming. You should expect an honest answer about first aid, contacting you and, if needed, referring to a vet. If the groomer is vague or uncomfortable, that may be a warning sign.

You can read a groomer’s profile, description and list of services on their Annuvell Local listing, and use the Request Quote tool to send the same questions to several businesses if you want to compare their responses.

What to check about boarding kennels

Unlike groomers, boarding kennels in England must be licensed by the local council. Their licence should be displayed on site and on their website or directory listing. Before booking, check the following:

• Licence and inspection rating: Ask to see the licence and any inspection report. Inspection ratings give you a sense of how the kennel meets welfare, staffing and safety standards. You can also look for the licence number on the Annuvell Local dog boarding listing if the business has provided it.
• Visiting in advance: Always arrange to visit the kennel before booking. Look for clean sleeping areas, secure fencing, good ventilation, and staff who are happy to explain routines. Ask how many dogs are boarded at a time and how much individual attention your dog will receive.
• Vaccination requirements: Most licensed kennels require up-to-date vaccinations, including kennel cough. Be ready to show your dog’s vaccination certificate. This protects all animals on the premises.
• Exercise, play and routines: Ask how often dogs are exercised, whether play is supervised, and if routines can be adjusted for your dog’s needs. Consistent routines help dogs settle and reduce stress.
• Staffing and supervision: Check how many staff are on duty, particularly at night, and whether someone is always on site. Ask about staff training in animal care and emergency procedures.
• If a dog falls ill: Find out what happens if your dog becomes unwell during their stay. A responsible kennel will contact you promptly and have arrangements with a local vet.

These checks help you compare kennels and avoid surprises when you drop your dog off.

Home boarding and day care: what to look for

Home boarding and dog day care are options where your dog stays in someone’s home or spends the day socialising and exercising. In England, these providers must also be licensed by the council, so ask to see a current licence and any inspection outcomes.

• Type of home environment: Ask how many dogs are cared for at once, where dogs sleep, and whether the environment suits your dog’s temperament. Some home boarders specialise in a single dog or dogs from the same household.
• Daily routine and stimulation: Find out what a typical day involves, including walks, play, feeding and rest. Ask if your dog will be left alone at any point, and for how long.
• Vaccination and health checks: As with kennels, check what vaccinations are required and what the provider does if a dog shows signs of illness.
• Arranging an introduction: Many home boarders offer a trial day or short visit so your dog can meet the carer and settle in. Use this as a chance to observe the environment and ask questions.

Day care centres should also display their licence and inspection rating. Many parents prefer this setting for sociable dogs or those who are anxious in kennels.

Booking, cancellation and seasonal demand

Groomers and boarding providers often have waiting lists, especially at holiday times. Before you commit, check:

• How far in advance you need to book: Popular kennels and groomers may be booked up months ahead for peak dates. Ask about availability for your required dates.
• Cancellation policy: Ask what happens if you need to change or cancel your booking. Some businesses require notice and may charge a fee if you cancel at short notice. Make sure you are clear on the terms before you pay any deposit.
• Emergency bookings: If your plans change suddenly, ask whether the provider offers emergency slots or last-minute availability, and how this affects their process for checking vaccinations and suitability.

Knowing the booking and cancellation terms helps you avoid losing money or scrambling for care at the last minute.

How to read and compare listings

When you search for dog groomers or boarding kennels, pay attention to the details in each listing:

• Opening hours: Check when the business is open, including weekends and evenings, and whether drop-off or pick-up outside normal hours is possible.
• Contact details: On Annuvell Local, contact details are checked, and verified phone numbers (where provided) mean the number is published by the business itself. If a website is flagged as unreachable, it may be out of date.
• Photos: Look through photos of the premises or grooming salon. These give you a sense of the cleanliness, space and general atmosphere.
• List of services: Read the services section to see exactly what is offered—some groomers list hand-stripping, teeth cleaning or breed-specific trims; boarding providers may offer extra walks or training.
• Verified badge: A Verified badge on Annuvell Local means the business owner’s identity has been checked, not just the listing. This adds another layer of reassurance.

Use the compare tool to look at two to four businesses side by side. This shows which facts are independently verified, which are stated by the owner, and any information not provided. You can also send the same request or question to several businesses at once.

Questions to ask before you book

A short conversation—by phone, email or in person—can reveal a lot about how a provider works. Consider asking:

• How do you handle dogs who are anxious or have special requirements?
• Are there any breeds or sizes you do not accept?
• What are your procedures if a dog is injured or falls ill?
• Do you keep written records of each dog’s care?
• Who will be looking after my dog day to day—is it always the same person?
• What is included in the basic price, and what is extra?

Write down the answers so you can compare and refer back if needed. A provider who is upfront and clear is usually easier to work with if something unexpected happens.

Next steps

Find groomers and boarding kennels near you and visit before you book. Use Annuvell Local’s dog groomers and dog boarding pages to compare listings, read about each provider and send questions or requests to several at once. If you are also thinking about your pet’s health, you might like to read our guide to choosing a vet.