Things You'll Need:
- Pad and pencil
- Internet access
-
Step 1
Research zoning laws if you are thinking of running a dog daycare out of your Los Angeles home—and also any homeowner association bylaws that may prevent you from running any kind of business out of your home. If you find that you are limited in this direction, rent a storefront space for your business.
-
Step 2
Visit Los Angeles City Hall to register your business and also inquire about any licenses and inspections you need before being able to accept customers and clients.
-
Step 3
Limit your personal liability by incorporating your Los Angeles dog daycare business. Contact a commercial insurer to obtain a liability policy and also a general business insurance policy.
-
Step 4
Set up and fund a business checking account that you may use for deposits and payments. Deposit your startup capital.
-
Step 5
Structure your available space. Think carefully if you want to kennel or crate dogs—many Angelenos prefer dog daycares that do not keep the pets confined. You may be able to allot one area in your home or storefront to let dogs run free and only have a limited number of kennels for aggressive or injured dogs or others that, foe any reason, need to be kept separate from the rest of the animals.
-
Step 6
Set the ground rules for the kinds of dogs you accept at your daycare and the proof of vaccinations you require. While you may be able to handle smaller dogs within your home or a storefront business location, bigger dogs require an outdoor area for exercise as well. Since kenneling or crating dogs will influence the number of animals you may be able to accept, it is crucial that you decide on the use of your available space first.
-
Step 7
Write down the supplies you need for your dog daycare. Be sure to include heavy duty personal food bowls for animals with special dietary needs; sturdy feeders and watering stations for the rest of the animals; and of course sturdy leashes that allow you to clip a number of dogs at the same time. If you decide to crate dogs, put crates and moveable kennels on the list as well.
-
Step 8
Consider hiring an assistant. You might choose a trustworthy student in need of a summer job or a friend or relative who can lend a hand. This assistant can be in charge of canine supervision while you do administrative tasks or she could help out when it comes time to walk the dogs. At the end of the day, the helper will also provide an extra pair of hands to make cleanup easier and a lot quicker.
-
Step 9
Investigate the price you may demand for full daycare versus half-day stays. In addition, remember that for overnight boarding services you may charge significantly more.
-
Step 10
Advertise your new Los Angeles dog daycare by placing ads in the Los Angeles Times and the newspapers of surrounding cities, such as the Long Beach Press Telegram or the Grunion Gazette. Contact local cable companies to find out the cost of a professional prepared commercial. Create an ad flyer and make copies that you can drop off at veterinarian offices in the area. Another fun marketing strategy: Persuade your assistant to dress up in a dog costume and hand out flyers not only in your neighborhood but also along wealthy commercial strips like Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Boulevard.
-
Step 11
Advertise your new Los Angeles dog daycare by placing ads in the Los Angeles Times and the newspapers of surrounding cities, such as the Long Beach Press Telegram or the Grunion Gazette. Contact Charter Cable and also Time Warner Cable to ascertain the cost of a professional prepared commercial. Hand flyers to veterinarians in the area and if you can persuade your assistant to perhaps dress up in a dog costume and hand out flyers not only in your neighborhood but also on Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Boulevard, you are sure to find potential customers quickly.
