Running a dog care facility is a rewarding career for dog-lovers.
For dog lovers, interacting with dogs all day for profit is the ultimate dream job. A well-run dog care center is an excellent social environment for dogs as well. However, there are a number of serious practical and legal matters to consider before starting your own dog care facility.
Instructions
Prepare a Facility
1. Select a location for your dog care facility. The least expensive option is running the facility from your home, but this has its drawbacks. If neighbors complain about barking, you may face noise violation fines. Also, running a commercial facility in a residential zone is illegal in some areas. A preferable but more costly alternative is to rent commercial space, such as a warehouse.
2. Furnish the facility. You will need kennel space, a feeding and watering area, rest area and contained play areas indoors and outdoors. Include an emergency kit with first aid supplies and list of procedures. If you are offering grooming services, set up an additional area for bathing and other grooming activities. You may wish to have a reception or check-in area as well.
3. Staff your facility. Specialists to consider include a groomer, walker and possibly a receptionist. If you intend to keep only a few dogs at a time, you may not need as many staff members.
Obtain Licensure
4. Obtain the appropriate licenses required by your county or city. If you intend to offer overnight boarding services, some areas require a kennel license. Most locations require an application, and some fees may apply. Contact your city or county administrative office for specific information about local requirements and procedures.
5. Find out if your state has additional licensing requirements. Contact your state board of agriculture and ask about approval requirements for animal boarding facilities.
6. Expect to undergo an inspection of your facilities. This usually includes a health department inspection to make sure your facility will not encourage the spread of diseases, annual inspections to check that all animals' vaccination records are up to date and an inspection of your waste disposal methods. If you offer grooming services, you may be subject to inspection by a local environmental protection agency to ensure that pesticides from flea and tick treatments are not contaminating the environment.
Establish a Client Base
7. Determine your fees and rates. Variables include length of stay, overnight stays, grooming procedures and special needs. A common average is $25 per day with a discounted weekly rate.
8. Create documents such as application forms, release forms, waivers and emergency contact cards. Consult an attorney for assistance in creating legal documents and protecting yourself from potential lawsuits. Keep files for each client containing all the above forms as well as medical information, vaccination records and any incident or accident reports.
9. Friendly play is healthy social interaction for dogs.
Screen the dogs. To reduce the possibility of fights, injuries and accidents, create a screening procedure and meet each dog and owner before accepting them as clients. Consider how the personalities of each dog will interact with other dogs at the facility.
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