How to Start a Kennel

To keep your kennel business from going to the dogs, follow these helpful steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Boxes For Dog Supplies
• Canvas Dog Toys
• Dog Balls
• Dog Biscuits
• Dog Chew Toys
• Dog Dishes

1. Make sure you really love dogs. Keeping a kennel can be tough. To make it through the barks, growls and smells of the business, it's best that you enjoy keeping company with man's best friend.

2. Select a location that will allow a kennel. A place with lots of room for dog runs and kennels will be needed and most likely will be found outside the hub of a city.

3. Get permission to build the kennel facility. Depending on local building laws, you may have to get a variance (special permission) to build.

4. Consult a veterinarian as to the design of the facility for maximum function and comfort for the animals.

5. Build the facility.

6. Talk to your friends, family and co-workers who have animals and let them know your service is available.

7. Advertise the kennel. Promote the business by offering discounts for first-time customers, coupons for special doggy treats, or frequent-visitor discounts, or provide additional services for free, such as grooming.

8. Love your job. Working with animals is one of the most rewarding ways to spend your time.

Tips & Warnings

• Get experience working with dogs of all types. Learn how to manage difficult dogs. Work at other kennels or take care of other people's dogs to learn as much as you can.
• Build a canine reference library with books on dog health, first aid and different breeds.
• Have a veterinarian's name and telephone number posted and easily accessible in case of emergency.
• Have each client sign a release form giving you consent to have his or her dog treated by a veterinarian if there is an accident and the owner cannot be reached.

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on 11/22/2005 design a "boarding agreement" noting what owners can expect from your facility and what the kennel expects from owners. Explaining what will benefit their pet at your facility also what their pet "needs" to baord.