Instructions
Review the laws in your area to determine if there are any restrictions on pet businesses. Many towns limit the number of animals allowed on one property, so check carefully to avoid legal snags. For example, in Brighton, Colorado, a pet owner can only have four dogs on her property at any given time without a kennel license. Check with your local zoning board before opening your business to acquire all required licenses.
Study the specifics of dog boarding to make sure you have proper knowledge of what a boarding kennel entails before opening one. You must enjoy spending time with dogs and know how to handle dogs. Speak with your personal veterinarian or a fellow kennel owner and ask to shadow him for a day if you are curious to see a working kennel in action. See how the dogs are handled, observe how they are fed and watered and watch how they are played with and monitored throughout the day to get an accurate overview of how a kennel actually runs.
Locate an area that will be beneficial to your business. Success in dog boarding demands a high volume of customers, so a simple, accessible location is necessary. A boarding kennel needs to have room for indoor kennels as well as outdoor runs for proper exercise, so look for an adequately sized property. You will need to have a play area for the dogs to interact and stave off boredom during the day, so figure this into your property planning as you evaluate locations.
Plan your kennel setup carefully before beginning construction. A moderately sized boarding facility of 20 kennels and runs should be adequate to house most dogs. Each kennel run should be at least 6 feet wide and 15 feet long to provide enough room for both large and small dogs. Your play area should be open yet well fenced to prevent escapes and should house a number of dog-safe toys to keep your customers busy. A grooming area should also be included, with a number of grooming tables and bathing stalls to clean up even the messiest dogs. Include a small, sterile clinic area in your building plan in case the need for on-site veterinarian care arises, as well as a front office for customer intake to complete your boarding kennel design.
Set up your front office with equipment such as a computer, telephone system, fax and copy machines, as well as chairs in the waiting room. Place a few pet care items up front such as dog treats, toys and dog food to entice your customers while they wait. Treats and toys in your front office can help generate extra revenue for your business, as customers will often purchase them while waiting to pick up or drop off their dogs.
Stock your dog supplies prior to opening your business. Have a range of cleaning supplies to keep your facility properly sanitized. Kennel cleaning products should include a sanitizer that will kill off any communicable diseases such as kennel cough, as well as a deodorizing product to eliminate powerful pet odors. Include a number of collars, leashes and muzzles available to transport your canine customers inside the boarding facility. Keep food and water dishes available in every kennel to keep your customers hydrated and full during their stay.
Advertise your boarding business. Contact local shelters and veterinarians' offices to spread the word of your dog boarding. You can also take out ads in local publications and set up a low-cost website to advertise your services. Be sure to provide rates and proper contact information to draw in customers. Boarding rates vary by location and type of boarding needed, but a general rate of $20 a night and $10 for simple day care is a median price for most kennels.
How to Start a Dog Boarding Service
A dog boarding service will house and care for the dog while the owner is away, whether it's a long vacation or simply while the owner is at work. Owning a boarding business requires flexibility, attention to detail and, most important, unconditional love of dogs of any shape and size.