How to Open a Boarding Kennel

An Akita in a crate.

Opening a boarding kennel is more than just getting together a few cages and putting a shingle out on the front door. City ordinances must be considered and checked out before considering a spot to build your facility. In Houston, TX, for example, a boarding facility must be located at least 100 feet away from a residential neighborhood to satisfy the city's boarding and kenneling laws. This is just one example, but every state and province has its own specific set of laws pertaining to boarding and kenneling licenses.

Things You'll Need

• Kennel license
• Crates of appropriate size (the dog must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably)
• Bathtub (preferably waist high)
• Area for dogs to relieve themselves and exercise
• Water and food bowls
• Sink
• Towels
• All-purpose kennel disinfectant spray

Instructions

Choosing the Site and Preparing to Open

1. Research your city's laws pertaining to what kind of paperwork is necessary to obtain licenses and permits.

2. Gather all information before searching for a site.

3. Put a down payment on a spot you think would be lucrative for your new business.

4. Apply for licenses and permits.

5. Make any repairs or additions deemed necessary by city officials when they inspect your property.

6. Find another location if the repairs are not in your budget.

7. Obtain all licenses and permits and display them on the wall of the lobby.

Interior Workings

1. Build a drainage system into the floor if the budget allows for it. Although expensive at first, this measure will save you quite a bit of money on staff in the future. Spray unsightly organic matter straight into drainage grates into the floor in order to maximize cleaning time. This system can also be utilized for large dog runs. Apply disinfectant spray to all areas that have been soiled, and let remain for as long as the manufacturer recommends.

2. Install a waist-high tub for convenient bathing of flea-infested or dirty animals. These can be found at junkyards or for free on websites such as freecycle.com. Place the towels on a shelf convenient to the tub. Install the sink at the same time as the bathtub.

3. Stack plastic crates one on top of the other to maximize space. Place the largest crates against a wall in a row. Proceed in the same manner with the medium size crates, placing them on top of the large crates. Small crates are optional depending on the size of your kennel.

4. Cordon off an area for cats if you intend on boarding them as well.

5. Place food and water bowls in the back of the crates so that they will not get spilled when the dog is getting in and out of the cage.

6. Build a wall in between the front desk area and the kennel area if the budget allows. This will make the customer's experience much more comfortable and make for a good first impression of your kennel.

Tips & Warnings

• When looking for a site to open a kennel, look for one that is easily convertible. For instance, a former nail salon will already have some plumbing installed.

• The rent in prime residential areas tends to be extremely high. Try to find a spot close to these areas but a little bit off the beaten path. The money saved can be used for advertising, and word of mouth will get people there as well.

• Doggie daycare has become big business in boarding kennels over the last few years. It is best not to include this service unless you have a certified experienced trainer on staff and available at all times. At the least, dogs must be supervised at all times by experienced kennel tech should a fight break out among the dogs. Dogs are pack animals, and when two are in a fight, it is not uncommon for others to get agitated and join the fight.

References

• Houston Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care: Article IV - Dogs and Cats