If you love dogs, starting a dog kennel business may be for you.
Dog owners who travel need a safe place to leave their canine companions. Pet sitters who stay at the house are one option. Caretakers who come to the house to feed the dog and let it outside two or three times a day are another option. A dog boarding facility is a third option that appeals to people who don't want to give strangers access to their home. Start a dog boarding business in your home on a small scale for two or three dogs at a time.
Licenses and Registration.
You most likely need a business license. Check with your city and state business development offices to see what is specifically required. In addition to the license, register your business's name with the Secretary of State and or Corporation Commission. Get an Employer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service even if you don't plan on hiring employees. Check with the city about any zoning issues with your location.
Release Forms
You have to ask each owner to sign a release form that authorizes the dog to stay with you and releases you from any liability if the dog gets sick, runs away or gets hurt. The release form should also specify any problems the dog has and allow you to have the dog treated for emergencies. Some forms even have a space for the credit card number and authorization to give to a vet and a maximum dollar amount to be charged.
Veterinarian Contacts
Establish a relationship with a veterinarian(s) who knows you're providing kennel services. These vets may have their own release forms they need before a dog may be treated in an emergency.
Crates
Many dogs are crate-trained and look at their crate as a safe place to stay, but it's a hassle for owners to drag dogs' crates to your home. Ask owners to bring the dog's "blankie" or favorite toys to be placed in your crates.
Outside Play Space
You need an outside play space where the dogs can romp either with you or the other dogs under your care. That area could be grass, gravel or dirt. It needs to be clean of debris. A kiddie wading pool cools the dogs during hot weather. Of course, don't leave the dogs unsupervised while they're together. What starts out as friendly play could turn into aggressiveness if a dog becomes fearful.
Toys
Some owners will bring toys, and others won't. Have a selection of toys on hand for different-sized dogs. Rawhide chew toys aren't a good idea because some dogs treat them as a food and try to eat them all at once, choking in the process. Sanitize the toys between guests.
Poop Cleanup
Dogs away from home will have accidents, and you'll need clean-up equipment for inside as well as outside. There may or may not be a problem with disposing of poop with your regular garbage pickup. Neighbors may become concerned with any smells and sanitation between pick-up days. Check your zoning laws.
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