How to Start an Animal Boarding Business

At some point in time, every pet owner will need someone to care for his pets. When a pet is like a family member, finding the right boarding facility can be a difficult task. There is a need in many areas for animal boarding businesses designed to meet the demands of pet owners.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Business plan

1. Write a business plan that will assist in getting loan approval, enhance the growth of the business and outline the strategy for continued success.
2. Determine the location of your boarding business. Before you start any paperwork or licensing, you must have a location in mind. Will you work out of your home, or will you build a kennel in a different location?
3. Contact your local city planning and zoning office and ask about requirements for establishing an animal boarding business in the location of your choice. You may need to apply for a permit before you can build or establish a business. In some cases, it may take weeks or months for the permit to be approved.
4. Choose a location to start an animal boarding business that has convenient access. The property should be large enough to provide the animals plenty of exercise room, but within the limits of your ability to maintain.
5. Determine how you want to set up the boarding arrangement. For dogs, the options include cages, cage-free facilities, indoor and outdoor runs and private rooms. Cats require separate enclosures.
6. Take into account the volume of business you can realistically expect in your locality. If animal boarding facilities are few or nonexistent, a larger facility may be required than in locations where there is competition for business.
7. Anticipate the needs of staff to assist with the animal care you will provide. You may need addditional professional help if you plan to offer individual pet time, obedience training, yard playtime and grooming.
8. Develop an advertising campaign to saturate the region. websites, newspaper ads, announcements on public bulletin boards and local veterinarian offices are places to promote your business.

Tips & Warnings

• A love for animals and an understanding of the relationship between humans and their beloved pets is a must if an animal boarding business is to be successful.
• Keep in mind short-term needs and your long-term goals when applying for financing to start an animal boarding business.
• Find someone who has a successful animal boarding business and tour the facility for ideas on what works and what to avoid.