What to Look for in a Trustworthy Dog Service Provider

Leaving your dog in someone else’s care is never a small decision. Whether you’re booking home boarding, day care, walking, or pet sitting, you’re trusting another person with a much-loved family member. A trustworthy dog service provider should offer far more than availability and a friendly smile - they should demonstrate professionalism, transparency, and a genuine commitment to welfare.

Here are the key things to look for when choosing a dog service provider you can truly trust.

1. Proper Licensing, Certifications & Legal Compliance

A reputable dog service provider should be fully licensed by their local authority if required, and happy to share those details with you. Licensing isn’t just paperwork - it means the business has been inspected against strict standards for safety, hygiene, space, and welfare.

Beyond licensing, look for relevant certifications such as:

• Advanced canine first aid training

• Ongoing professional development (CPD)

• Veterinary registration or established vet relationships

• DBS checks where applicable

• A provider who invests in qualifications and keeps their knowledge up to date is showing long-term commitment to doing things properly - not cutting corners.

2. Insurance You Can Rely On

Insurance is non-negotiable. Any trustworthy provider should carry appropriate cover, including public liability insurance, and be able to explain what it covers.

Insurance protects:

• Your dog

• You as the owner

• The provider themselves

• If a business is hesitant or vague about insurance, that’s a red flag. Transparency here is essential for peace of mind.

3. Clear Safety Standards & Risk Management

Dogs are living, thinking beings - not static objects - so safety needs to be actively managed, not assumed.

Look for providers who can clearly explain:

• How dogs are supervised;

• How many dogs are cared for at one time;

• How dogs are introduced and assessed for compatibility;

What happens in an emergency;

Their procedures for illness, injury, or behavioural concerns.

Strong safety standards often include written policies, daily welfare checks, controlled group sizes, and careful matching of dogs. Calm, structured environments usually lead to happier, more settled dogs.

4. Staff Training & Experience

Experience matters - but so does attitude.

A trustworthy provider should combine hands-on experience with formal training and a thoughtful approach to behaviour.

Ask about:

• Their background with different types of dogs (puppies, seniors, rescues, anxious dogs);

• How they handle stress, fear, or overstimulation;

• Whether they use positive, force-free handling methods;

• Good providers understand that behaviour is communication and that every dog is an individual with unique needs.

5. Thoughtful Onboarding & Assessment Process

Be cautious of services that accept dogs immediately with little information.

A careful onboarding process - such as meet-and-greets, observation walks, trial stays, or detailed registration forms - shows that the provider prioritises compatibility and wellbeing over filling spaces quickly.

This kind of process:

• Reduces stress for dogs;

• Helps prevent behavioural issues;

• Creates safer group dynamics;

• Builds trust between owner and provider.

It’s a sign that the business is thinking long-term, not transactionally.

6. Clean, Calm & Enriching Environment

Whether care is provided in a home setting or a dedicated facility, the environment should feel:

• Clean and well maintained;

• Calm rather than chaotic;

• Designed around dogs’ needs, not convenience.

• Look for enrichment beyond basic exercise - sniffing, rest, mental stimulation, and quiet time are just as important as walks and play.

7. Honest Communication & Regular Updates

Trust is built on communication.

A reliable provider will:

• Encourage questions;

• Be honest about what they can and cannot offer;

• Keep you informed during your dog’s stay;

• Raise concerns early rather than hiding them.

• Regular updates, photos, and clear conversations help owners relax, knowing their dog is genuinely being cared for - not just managed.

8. Genuine Reviews & Reputation

Reviews shouldn’t just be positive - they should be specific.

Look for comments about:

• Dogs settling well;

• Clear communication;

• Professionalism;

• Calm handling;

How issues were managed if something went wrong.

Consistently thoughtful feedback often reflects a provider who treats dogs and owners with respect and care.

Choosing with Confidence

A trustworthy dog service provider doesn’t rely on claims alone - they demonstrate quality through their standards, systems, and values. When a business openly shares how they operate, welcomes questions, and puts welfare first, it shows confidence in their care.

At Happy Tails at Jasmine Cottage, everything we do is built around these principles: licensed, insured, highly trained, calm, transparent, and always centred on each dog’s individual wellbeing. We believe trust is earned through consistency, professionalism, and compassion - every single day.

If you’re ever unsure, remember this: the right provider won’t rush you, pressure you, or minimise your concerns. They’ll work with you - because your dog deserves nothing less.