Business Plan
Anyone who is working to open a dog boarding business has to start with a business plan. This will open the door to financing, in the form of small business loans or a loan from a bank or credit union. A well-written business plan will go far in convincing others in the business community that a new dog kennel in town will only benefit the community, dog owners and, most of all the dogs who will be guests. This business plan has to include options for financing and building a kennel from the ground up. It should include information about the types of employees you need, such as a veterinarian, assistants, front desk personnel and a business manager. See the Kennel Start/Start Smart link in the Resources section below.
Marketing
The owner of a new dog boarding business has to advertise and market her kennel. Utilizing online advertising is one option. Another electronic option is to hire a web designer to build a website for the new dog kennel. The business owner should have her website built around the theme of dogs, dog boarding and the loving care each animal will receive. Other options include print advertising, which is affordable for the beginning dog boarding business. Buying print advertising will ensure that a large part of the market is made aware of a new dog kennel in town.
The owner can double the advertising reach with by offering coupons pet owners can bring in to receive discounts on boarding charges and food costs. The kennel owner can extend her reach by adding radio advertising and targeting a specific demographic audience. After a few months, the business owner can hire a freelance writer to design and write a quarterly newsletters for her customers. See the Kennel Start/Marketing link in the Resources section.
Zoning Licensing and Insurance
A new kennel owner will be required to visit his local zoning office to learn about the applicable requirements before he opens his business. He will need to show several locations he is interested in so he can rule out areas which are not zoned for a dog boarding business. Once he has submitted his application, his community's elected officials (county commission, city council or village board) will discuss and vote to allow or deny the pending business.
If approved, the kennel owner will have to file for and pay the required fees for a dog boarding (kennel) license. This will specify how many animals he can board, how much space each animal must have, how many bowls each animal must have and the required amount of free space for the dogs to run and play. The dog boarding business will have to be insured against accidents, injury and death of dogs. Liability insurance through a reputable insurance company can be purchased.
Buying/Stocking Kennel Supplies
The new kennel owner has to construct guest rooms for her canine charges. Unless she wants her guest rooms to resemble an animal shelter, she should have small individual rooms which will be furnished for guests. Each room will need a dog bed (or the dog's favorite blanket from home), toys which will be disinfected between guest uses and food/water bowls. The kennel will have to stock a large supply of dog food, both dry and moist -- the owner should have several brands available in the event a guest has a sensitivity to a particular food. Dogs love chewing on things, so the kennel needs to have a large supply of rawhide chews in several sizes. Kennel staff will be taking each dog outside to run, play and exercise, so the owner has to invest in several dog leashes. In the event a dog gets sick or injured, a well-stocked medical supply is mandatory, along with expert medical care.
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