How to Start a Pet Daycare in Atlanta, Georgia

If you live in Atlanta, Georgia, want to own your own business and have a love for animals, starting a pet daycare center may be just the career you are looking for. Everyone loves their dog, but a busy lifestyle and the super-long commutes in and out of Atlanta each day, often keep pet owners from spending quality time with their furry family members. With so many people not wanting their dogs left alone all day owning a pet daycare center is not only a great alternative for lonely pets, but a profitable one for the savvy business owner.

Things You'll Need

  • Business Plan
  • Building Permit
  • Business License
  • Pet Daycare Insurance
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Instructions

    • 1

      Create a business plan which includes information about your pet daycare services, financial analysis, market information, development and promotion strategies. In 2009, the SBA (Small Business Administration) changed its policy on how much money borrowers would have to provide up-front to receive a loan. If you are considering a small business loan, they will require a complete business plan and you should expect to invest 20 to 30-percent of your own money as initial start up costs.

    • 2

      Decide if you will buy into a franchise or operate independently. Becoming part of a franchise will allow you access to the companies training ideas, business models, marketing materials and guidance as you begin your business. Operating independently will make it harder to get started, but you do not have to adhere to another company's rules and regulations.

    • 3

      Choose your pet daycare location. Contact a real estate agent to help locate commercial property that will be suited for a pet daycare. Although it is possible to locate property by yourself, a real estate agent will have knowledge as to how the building or land is zoned and what limitations the property may have, as to what it can be used for.

    • 4

      Contact the local Zoning Board. In the state of Georgia, many cities and towns have variances in what property is used for. Before making an offer for the property, check to see if the property is zoned correctly for a pet daycare center and if there are additional requirements such as, adding a turning lane or connecting to the county sewer system, that you will have to pay for. You will also have to purchase a building permit before you can make additions or changes to the building on you have leased or own it.

    • 5

      Obtain a business license. Before you can open the doors to your pet daycare, you must first have a business license. If you are within the city limits of Atlanta, you will receive your business license through the city. If you are outside of the city, the area is then governed by the county and you will apply for your license at the local country courthouse.

    • 6

      Purchase daycare/kennel insurance. Kennel insurance protects you from liability issues that may arise when you take care of other people's animals. Prepare to have a copy of your policy that you can show potential clients to help them feel more at ease about leaving their beloved pet in your care.