A beagle relaxing on a bed in the sun

Home Dog Boarding in Wigan

38 home dog boarders licensed by Wigan Council across 17 towns.

Photo: Slyronit, CC BY-SA 4.0

Home Dog Boarding by town

All home dog boarders in Wigan

What is home dog boarding?

With home boarding, your dog stays in a carer’s own house while you’re away instead of in a kennel. They keep to something close to a normal routine, with walks, meals and a bed or sofa to sleep on, and usually share the house with only a handful of other dogs, if any.

It tends to suit dogs who find kennels stressful, older dogs who like their comforts, and dogs used to having people around all day. It’s less suited to dogs that don’t get on with other animals, unless the boarder takes one household at a time.

How home boarding is licensed

Home boarding is covered by the same law as kennels: the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018. Before a licence is granted, Wigan Council inspects the home, including the garden, fencing, where dogs sleep and how they’re kept apart if needed. It also checks the boarder’s records and experience. The licence sets how many dogs they can look after at once and gives a star rating from one to five. Licences last between one and three years, so check that a boarder’s is current.

Some home boarders in Wigan work through a franchise: the franchise holds the licence and matches your dog with a host family, and each host home is inspected too.

Questions to ask before you book

Frequently asked questions

Do home dog boarders in Wigan need a licence?

Yes. Since October 2018, anyone in England who boards other people's dogs in their own home as a business needs a licence from their local council. Home boarders in Wigan are licensed and inspected by Wigan Council.

Why don't some home boarders show their full address?

Home boarders work from their own houses, so many only publish their town or postcode area. You'll normally be given the full address when you arrange a meet-and-greet or confirm a booking.

Will my dog be staying with other dogs?

It depends on the boarder. The licence sets the maximum number of dogs they can care for at once, and some only take one family's dogs at a time. Ask before you book if your dog prefers to be the only guest.

What vaccinations will my dog need?

Almost every boarder will ask to see an up-to-date vaccination record, and many also require the kennel cough vaccine. Check with the boarder well before your stay, as some vaccines need to be given a couple of weeks in advance.

Can I meet the boarder before booking?

Most good home boarders insist on it. A meet-and-greet lets them check your dog will settle with their household and lets you see where your dog will be staying.