If you have a passion for dogs, consider starting a dog daycare.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, as of December 2009, 39 percent of US households are dog owners. If you love dogs, service the large demographic of pet owners who are either too busy to play with their pets regularly and are in need of a daycare service or who are traveling and in need of overnight or boarding care.
Instructions
1. Conduct research to determine if there is a current hole in the market that your daycare could fill. If local competition exists, ensure that the market is large enough to handle two daycare facilities. Use the US Census Bureau and the American Veterinary Medical Association’s pet calculator to help you determine the size of the market.
2. Identify ways in which to compete, such as by offering obedience and socialization classes, offering grooming services and in-home daycare services or by implementing a clever theme for your dog daycare. Visit local kennels to generate ideas. Develop a business plan, identifying how you intend to grab your target market, your business vision, potential obstacles, anticipated expenses and your marketing strategy.
3. Secure a commercial facility within your service radius. Ideal space may be one situated near an airport or near a residential community that is particularly dog friendly and isn’t currently being serviced with a dog daycare. Look for a spacious facility with a large outdoor fenced area where the dogs can get plenty of exercise.
4. Learn the animal welfare laws for Maine, such as the fact that you can house 10 animals at one time. Then develop protocols for vaccination requirements, cleaning the kennels, flea treatment requirements, quarantining sick dogs and an exercise program. You’ll need to include these on your license application.
5. Purchase cages, toys, bedding, bowls, snacks, office equipment, cleaning supplies, trash bags, leashes and food storage containers. Hire a groomer, daycare manager, handler and administrative assistant, as needed. Keep costs down by hiring one or two junior handlers on a part-time basis.
6. Visit the Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources to apply for your boarding kennel license. As of 2010, you will need to submit $25 for each owner and a $75 licensing fee with your application. You’ll also need to have your facility inspected.
7. Purchase a website for your dog daycare. List your rates for daycare and boarding, policies, age requirements, regular and holiday, reservation policy, facility information and classes on your site. Include flea treatment requirements, snacks offered, pick-up and drop-off times and preparation tips.
8. Gain visibility by advertising at dog parks and hosting or participating in dog-friendly events. Consider donating a portion of your income to rescue shelters. Contact other dog-friendly businesses such as bakeries, pet stores, grooming facilities and kennels in adjacent towns about exchanging advertising in order to reel in more clientele for both parties.
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