Doggie Day Care Business

From LoveToKnow Business

In today's pet-popular culture, there's never been a better time to start a doggie day care business.

In-Home Doggie Day Care Business

Among home-based businesses, pet care is among the fastest growing. Forty million households in the U.S. own at least one dog, and 47 percent of these households have more than one pet. With these statistics in mind, you can see why the home-based doggie day care business is a thriving market for entrepreneurs.

If you are considering starting a business, an ample selection of self-help tools will help you learn what is needed and if it is right for you. Resources include:

These various resources provide specifics about licensing, agreements, certifications and education available to help you prepare for a well-run pet care service.

Doggie Day Care Services

As you make your business plan, one thing you'll have to decide is what services you'll provide. Traditional services for pet sitting is determined by how long the dog will be in your care--a half day or a whole day--and what rates apply. Some dog day care services offer passes to cover a segment of days. For example one pass may be good for 10 full days while another may be valid for 30 days. Such passes should have an expiration date. It's up to the business operator to determine the particulars based on the space and facilities available.

Another service might be overnight boarding.

Stipulations

As you put together your doggie day care services, develop a set of guidelines for your customers such as:

Rates (Include price for one dog and rates that would apply for additional pets.)
Drop off times
Pick up deadlines
Holiday particulars such as closed on holidays or higher rates
Prices for administering medications
Prices for additional services like bathing or brushing
What customers need to provide
Reservation requirements
Requirements the pet must meet (For example, dogs should be on a flea and tick prevention program and be current on all vacinations.)
Evaluating the dog for agressive tendancies
Indoor or outdoor facilities options

Where to Start

Just like any business, you'll need a business plan. When putting together a plan for a doggie day care business, include:

Business name
Marketing plan
Advertising plan, including promotional information and maybe a newsletter
Projections for daily operations
Client agreement and registration forms
Facility plans
Staff needed, including people to dog ratio
In-the-home or another location plans
Inventory requirements
Training
Licensing

Franchises

If you are seriously thinking of starting a pet care business but don't know where to start, consider one of the many franchises available, complete with a business plan. These franchises often offer training and operational support.

A doggie day care business is much like running a pre-school for four-legged children. Many people consider their dogs as their babies. Because of this mindset, it's a good idea to provide some pampering services for these special critters. Some pet care facilities even install web cams, so owners can peek in on their little pooches and see that they are enjoying themselves and not suffering from separation anxiety.

Activities and Equipment

The reason people put their pets in day care is because they don't want them to be left home alone feeling neglected. As you pull together your business, you'll have to decide how many dogs you are willing to care for at one time. Advertise this limit or at least put it into print. Do you plan to provide individual kennels or cages? What will you do if it rains? Where will the dogs exercise? How much human/dog interaction is provided? What activities are available for dogs?

Another consideration when working with dogs is to remember that although they are social animals, some dogs get along better than others, much like children. Much of their social skills depend on how the dog has been trained. It is important to evaluate the dog's temperament along with its physical health, especially if you plan to allow dogs to run on the "playground" together for exercise. Require written proof of vaccinations to reduce health risks and protect yourself from potential legal liability.

Love Is the Necessary Ingredient

Pet care services like dog walking, pooper scooper businesses, pet hotels and doggie day care are all on the rise. Although caring for pets offers a financially profitable business, it can be draining and ties you down as long as you have dogs in your care. It takes a special quality to run a business like this—a real love of animals—especially dogs. To run an in-home business, you need to be prepared to devote not only your time but plenty of love.