Animal lovers will now be able to check if kennel operators are legitimate — and their star rating — in the same way they do when choosing where to eat.

Gravesham council is one of the first local authorities in the country to take part in ‘Paws on the Doors’, a new service aiming to help owners make informed decisions about pet services.

In 2018, the government introduced animal licensing regulations and a star rating system for establishments including breeders, kennels, dog day care, catteries, pet shops and the exhibition of animals.

Paws on the Doors will enable owners to search across council boundaries, check that operators are legitimately licensed and find out what rating they have.

The information on the website is provided directly from local authorities’ licensing departments.

Cabinet member for operational services at Gravesham council, Cllr Emma Morley, said: “I am sure that Paws on the Doors will improve animal welfare as customers can make an informed choice as to which animal business they use, and that it will promote local businesses who work hard to keep their welfare standards high.”

The scheme has been created by the people behind Scores on the Doors — a website that allows visitors to search for up-to-date food hygiene ratings.

More than three quarters of people use the platform when choosing somewhere to eat, and it is hoped the same will happen with Paws on the Doors.

Managing director of Animal Insight, Paul Hiscoe, added: “We are confident that Paws on the Doors will have a massive impact on animal welfare, as the scheme will encourage businesses to achieve the top ratings so as to attract pet owners across the country, exactly as Scores on the Doors dramatically improved compliance to food hygiene regulations when it was launched.”

When it first started, the website saw five-star ratings increase by 60% and the number of unregistered businesses halved.