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[Start-it-up] How to Start a Dog Boarding Business Dog boarding is a service which allows owners to drop their dogs off for a certain period of time by paying a fee

By Shipra Singh • Feb 18, 2020

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

All segments of Indian pet industry —food, accessories, toys, boarding, grooming and breeding—are witnessing an exponential growth. Reports show that the market is growing 14 per cent annually and is expected to be worth 430 million in 2020.

The growth potential in the pet industry has opened up several business opportunities, dog boarding being one such option.

What is Dog Boarding

Dog boarding, also known as Dog daycare, is a service which allows owners to drop their dogs off for a certain period of time by paying a fee. In the boarding facility, dogs are fed, walked, and cared for by the staff, who make sure that the dogs remain healthy and happy.

Some dog boarding facilities also offer additional services such as pet day care meant for those owners who need care for their pets while they are at work or otherwise engaged. You can also set up a salon and swimming pool in the boarding to attract more customers looking for recreational activities for their dogs.

dog boarding business plan india

Also Read: How to Start a Mobile Pet Grooming Business

Getting Started

To begin with, you will need a 3,000-3,500 sq ft land for the boarding as dogs need open area for playing. As for location, we suggest that you locate the boarding in near vicinity of residential areas that have maximum households with pets.

It would be better to lease a land which at least has a small office space constructed on it as constructing everything from the scratch can cost you a bomb. Once the area is finalized, next step is to set up and furnish the boarding. You will need to construct at least 6-7 rooms or iron cages for dogs and furnish them with a bed, food bowl, fan or maybe even an AC or cooler if you live in a city like Delhi.

After rooms, it is important that you set up a play area for dogs with toys, slides and maybe even a swimming pool. If you wish to offer grooming services as well, you can either take franchise of a popular dog salon brand or set up your own salon. Taking a franchise of a popular brand can help you get customers smoothly.

dog boarding business plan india

Investments Required

Setting up a dog boarding requires one-time heavy investment on setting up the facility. Furnishing and additional construction in the facility will cost INR 4.5-5 lakh. Setting up the play area will cost around INR 20,000-25,000. Add another INR 60,000-70,000 on utility deposits, building the website, permits and other miscellaneous costs.

As for operational costs, rent of a 3000 sq ft land will be upwards of INR 1 lakh per month. Electricity and water bills can amount to about INR 20,000 per month and grocery for dog's food will be INR 7,000-10,000 per month. Next major chunk of your operating costs will be on staffing, which will be around INR 70,000 for 2 assistants and 2 people who will handle office work. Of course, if you handle the office work yourself, you can save on this cost to a great extent. Also, you may not have to hire more than one assistant in the beginning until you start getting 5-6 dogs for daily keeping. Next expense will be on marketing, which will cost INR 12,000-15,000 per month until you get enough repeat customers.

Your source of revenue will mainly be the fees charged to dog owners. Fees will vary as per the type of room, services provided and age of dog. Charge for overnight stay for a basic non-AC room ranges from INR 600-700. This includes food and boarding. For a room with cooler in the same category you can charge around INR 800, whereas a similar AC room can fetch you upto INR 1,000. If you provide pool services, you can add another INR 200-250 to the room charge. For a small puppy or an older dog who need exclusive attention, charges can be hiked by up to INR 200.

dog boarding business plan india

That's about overnight boarding charges. For day care, charges will be lower at INR 400-500 for about 10 hours. Again, depending on the size, age and temperament of the dog, you can charge higher than the regular fees.

So to give you an idea of your earning, if you get around 100 overnight boarding bookings and 50-60 day care bookings, you can book a profit of 20-25 per cent from the total revenue. A word of caution here - it can take you 8-10 months to build a sizeable customer base.

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How to Start a Dog Daycare or Dog Boarding Business in India

How to Start a Dog Daycare or Dog Boarding Business in India

There are 19.5 million pet dogs in India as per a  report tabulated in 2018.The pet dog population is expected to rise to 31 million by end of the year 2023.   Pet ownership  traits have increased tremendously even in these times of pandemic.  The  pet boarding  and  grooming industry is also all set to take a major chunk out of the pet market as more people who own dogs or cats look for facilities that can care for their beloved pet while they are away. In India, the number of dog kennel businesses keeps increasing by the day as more people seek comfort and companion of pets, especially dogs.  This industry is also proving to be a major employment opportunity for people in India.

It’s a known fact for all businesses that marketing plays an essential role in growing  the  business. The same is applied to the  Dog Boarding Business too. Very frankly,  marketing  is  a costly affair, and it’s time consuming too. The fact is that my clients are spending more and more money on client acquisition – some of which say that the cost has gone as high as 45% in comparison to last 3–4 years.

And then many of the inquiries that I get are on how to market a dog boarding business on a tight budget. Dog boarding is a service which allows owners to drop their dogs off for a certain period of time by paying a fee.

All segments of Indian  pet industry —food, accessories, toys, boarding,  grooming  and breeding—are witnessing an exponential growth. Reports show that the market is growing 14 per cent annually and is expected to be worth 630 million in 2023.The growth potential in the pet industry has opened up several business opportunities, dog boarding being one such option.

What is Dog Boarding

Dog boarding , also known as Dog daycare , is a service which allows owners to drop their dogs off for a certain period of time by paying a fee. In the boarding facility, dogs are fed, walked, and cared for by the staff, who make sure that the dogs remain healthy and happy.

Some dog boarding facilities also offer additional services such as pet day care meant for those owners who need care for their pets while they are at work or otherwise engaged. You can also set up a salon and swimming pool in the boarding to attract more customers looking for recreational activities for their dogs.

Dogs are amongst the top three most popular pets owned by individuals and families. People love to have a furry companion by their side as they are friendly and can co-habit perfectly with humans, as well as provide security.

But, owning a dog is a hefty task as they require one’s complete attention. You cannot leave a dog alone at home and this poses a great problem for working professionals. Hence, many animal lovers refrain from having a dog even if they want to. It is due to this fact that services like dog daycare, dog boarding are emerging.

Owing to people’s renewed interest in adopting pets, the popularity of dog daycare businesses has skyrocketed. But venturing into a dog daycare is no walk in the park. If you are a dog lover and want to earn handsome profits by taking care & cuddling these furry animals, read on to know how to start a dog daycare.

It is often said that “Knowledge is Power.” If you want to start a dog daycare, remember that you will have to look after various dog breeds. Every breed has its own characteristics, temperament, food habits, canine first-aid, canine CPR etc. You will be required to have complete knowledge about almost every dog breeds and how to handle them.

Location & Property

Location is an important aspect of the success of any business. The most preferable location for your dog daycare would be a residential area which a good population of dogs. It should easily be accessible to dog parents so that they can easily drop off their dogs on their way to work.

Besides location, your dog day-care should also have enough space for the dogs to roam around and play, it should also have a fenced yard for them to play out in the grass. You can also build a play area and a small pool for them to enjoy.

Fun Facility

Dogs are active animals and love to play around. The most emerging trend in the dog-care industry is a cage-free facility. Dogs are grouped together according to their sizes in the majority of their time. Usually, puppies are kept separated from the adults. Your daycare should also have kennel areas for feeding the dogs separately or in the group in scheduled time.

Water needs to be freely available to the dogs so that they can stay hydrated while they play. Air conditioning is also an expected feature. One of the most sought after feature is live streaming webcams so that owners can log in and check on their dogs throughout the day.

Getting Started

To begin with, you will need a 3,000-3,500 sq ft land for the boarding as dogs need open area for playing. As for location, we suggest that you locate the boarding in near vicinity of residential areas that have maximum households with pets.

It would be better to lease a land which at least has a small office space constructed on it as constructing everything from the scratch can cost you a bomb. Once the area is finalized, next step is to set up and furnish the boarding. You will need to construct at least 6-7 rooms or iron cages for dogs and furnish them with a bed, food bowl, fan or maybe even an AC or cooler if you live in a city like Delhi.

After rooms, it is important that you set up a play area for dogs with toys, slides and maybe even a swimming pool. If you wish to offer grooming services as well, you can either take franchise of a popular dog salon brand or set up your own salon. Taking a franchise of a popular brand can help you get customers smoothly.

Investments Required

Setting up a dog boarding requires one-time heavy investment on setting up the facility. Furnishing and additional construction in the facility will cost INR 5.5-6 lakh. Setting up the play area will cost around INR 30,000-35,000. Add another INR 80,000-90,000 on utility deposits, building the website, permits and other miscellaneous costs.

As for operational costs, rent of a 3000 sq ft land will be upwards of INR 1.25 lakh per month. Electricity and water bills can amount to about INR 20,000 per month and grocery for dog’s food will be INR 9,000-12,000 per month. Next major chunk of your operating costs will be on staffing, which will be around INR 90,000 for 2 assistants and 2 people who will handle office work. Of course, if you handle the office work yourself, you can save on this cost to a great extent. Also, you may not have to hire more than one assistant in the beginning until you start getting 5-6 dogs for daily keeping. Next expense will be on marketing, which will cost INR 15,000-20,000 per month until you get enough repeat customers.

Your source of revenue will mainly be the fees charged to dog owners. Fees will vary as per the type of room, services provided and age of dog. Charge for overnight stay for a basic non-AC room ranges from INR 800-1000. This includes food and boarding. For a room with cooler in the same category you can charge around INR 1000, whereas a similar AC room can fetch you upto INR 1,200. If you provide pool services, you can add another INR 200-250 to the room charge. For a small puppy or an older dog who need exclusive attention, charges can be hiked by up to INR 200.

That’s about overnight boarding charges. For day care, charges will be lower at INR 600-700 for about 10 hours. Again, depending on the size, age and temperament of the dog, you can charge higher than the regular fees.

So to give you an idea of your earning, if you get around 100 overnight boarding bookings and 50-60 day care bookings, you can book a profit of 20-25 per cent from the total revenue. A word of caution here – it can take you 8-10 months to build a sizeable customer base.

Dog daycare business has huge potential, but you won’t be able to earn profits if you don’t advertise enough. You need to create awareness about your business to reach your potential customers. Promote your daycare business over the local magazine, newspaper, send out brochures and pamphlets. You can also put up your advertisement in your area’s veterinary clinics to reach easily to your target demographic. If you are able to offer the webcam facility, it should be heavily promoted in your advertising materials.

Here I have come up with a few of the Best  Dog Boarding Business marketing ideas that any business can work on its own and gain customers and growth.

Get A Website And Promote It          

One of the best things that can be done at the very first instance is to have a website. A website is something that is owned by the business and not any third-party app. It certainly is a long-lasting investment. A website is the very first thing to build if you  want to promote  the business digitally. It’s like an online gateway for the business. All of the contact information, FAQs, pricing, and more will always remain. Unfortunately, some of the pet biz owners still say why to invest in a website when social media, referrals, and  networking are available absolutely free.

Get Booking Software       

With a lot of dog related apps in the market, there are many opportunities for dog boarding businesses. Building an own app is the best way to get bookings from customers.  The app  will automate appointment bookings, keep all accounts, and build up a marketing database for future use. If building own app is an issue, apps like PetBaker will help  showcase  the  services and generate revenue. Apart from the above app, there are many available on  Android and iPhone market place.

Start Building An Email List      

Many pet businesses are yet to realize the value of an email list. A simple monthly newsletter to customers on a regular basis helps brand loyalty,  more sales,  more  engagement, and higher spending per customer. An email is the best of a personal and direct ways to reach out to customers, be it current or future. This email list is of the business, and no social media app can take it away as it does generally. Mailchimp is a free email sending website/app available and is really a great way to stay in touch.

Use Of Social Media Accounts     

Social media is all about consistency. If great content is shared frequently on a consistent basis, change can be seen in some days. What happens is that gradually the number  of  followers grows and more and more people will be aware of the brand. As more they  know  about the business, more likely they are to be the customers. Try entertaining posts, educational posts, informative, and promotional posts regarding pet parenting, pet care etc. There is a lot to share, and everything should have a purpose.

Facebook Advertising

Believe me, Facebook advertising works really well for small pet businesses. If done with a  strategy in mind, it’s light on pocket and has a very great ROI. The most important aspect  of facebook advertising is that the business can pick and choose demographics of the people they want to see their ads. It’s like telling Facebook who your Target Audiences are, and then those ads will be shown only to the people chosen.

Start Blogging

Blogging is personally my way to go to the market. Every pet business should have  a  blog  section on their website. Writing blog content is a great way to showcase that the business  is a subject expert. A great blogging idea is to answer the most commonly asked questions, which are faced generally by the customers. Animal First Aid, ER, Food requirements are some other topics to consider to show potential customers the qualification of the business to take care of their pets.

Special Activities For The Pets

Celebrating pet birthdays, creating photo opportunities, hosting animal themed parties,  pet fashion shows are some of the special activities, which a business can hold for its  customers. Indian Pet Parents these days spend a huge amount of money on their pets.  They actually need activities to make sure they are connected to their pets and it helps the business as Pet Parents actually adore these special things. These special activities actually help the business to a large extent to convert an inquiry into a customer.

Reward Existing And Loyal Customers

It is a well-known fact that most of the revenue generated is because of the old and returning customers. And the most important thing is that there is no need to  spend to  acquire them. Rewarding these loyal and returning customers helps to maintain a linear customer relation. Gifts, rewards, loyalty points are some ways that a business can show  appreciation to returning and loyal customers.

Share Stories

Storytelling is anytime the best way to market. It’s a well-researched fact that  customers  easily get connected to the business via different stories. And the most important  thing  is  that a story stands out in these days of ads popping out every now and then, every here and there. Some engaging story ideas are about the reason to be in business, the staff and their specialities, customer feedbacks, behind the scenes, etc. Showing your daily routine is another fantastic idea. Showcasing pets playing and having a happy time being away from their parents are sure to have engagement.

Marketing on various fronts is like going through trials and errors. Not all ideas mentioned above would work for a dog boarding business. It’s only after those ups and downs  the  business can conclude what works best for them. In marketing, consistency  and  visibility  are key factors.

With all these ideas, now any dog boarding business can go to market with them and see their customers on a rise soon and in turn growth in the revenue.

7 Essential Steps to Starting a Doggy Daycare

Now that we’ve laid down a few foundational considerations, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of your planning process. Here are the essential steps to take to get your daycare business up and running:

  • Create a business plan. 

Your dog daycare business plan will be a blueprint for your business to present to prospective investors or use as a guiding document as you make strategic decisions. You can check out  this guide  for a full explanation of how to create a dog daycare business plan, but we’ll cover some of the highlights here.

As you create your business plan, you’ll go through the important process of examining the state of the dog daycare market in your local area, identifying key competitors, and figuring out how your business will serve an existing need to reach an untapped audience.

In this process, be sure to define your niche—your business’s unique offerings that customers won’t find anywhere else. For example, maybe you have the biggest puppy playground in town complete with a splash pad, or perhaps you offer training or grooming services to daycare customers. Defining and marketing your niche services will give your business a competitive edge and help you stand out and attract more customers.

In your business plan, fully describe your tactics for carving your own place in the market and getting your services in front of prospective customers. Having a well-structured strategy will give you a stronger argument if you choose to present your business plan to prospective investors.

  • Choose a facility.

Once your business plan is complete, you’ll be ready to search for a home for your dog daycare business. In your search for the perfect facility, be sure to consider the following:

  • Your budget: Ensure you stay in your price range in your hunt for a facility. You shouldn’t sink all your funds into your leasing or paying off your facility costs because you’ll have little to nothing left to spend on equipment or employee salaries.
  • Your distance from your target customer base: You don’t want to be a significant distance away from your target market, or no one will want to use your services. Choose a facility that is conveniently located to where your customers reside.
  • The amount of space you need: To run a proper dog daycare facility, you’ll need a lot of outdoor space to fit  playground equipment  for dogs to enjoy. Additionally, you’ll need lots of indoor space to store kennels and cages for overnight guests and have an indoor play area in case of inclement weather. Your final choice of location should have enough space for all dogs to lounge and play comfortably, and for your employees to carry out their duties as well.Find a space that can accommodate these considerations and also give you the room you need to grow. The more space you have, the more doggy daycare customers you can accommodate at once.
  • Acquire equipment and pet business software. 

DOG DAY-CARE CENTRE

Although you may choose to go above and beyond and offer special services, there are a few basic equipment pieces every dog daycare needs to be successful. Make sure you purchase the following items for your new business:

  • Playground equipment
  • Toys and balls
  • Kennels and crates
  • Food and water bowls
  • Poop scoopers and bags
  • Cleaning supplies
  • First aid kits for dogs and employees
  • Laundry supplies and a washer/dryer

Besides physical equipment, you’ll want to invest in quality dog daycare business software to help you manage the scheduling and client relationship aspects of your business.  Dog daycare business software  has many benefits:

  • Saves time.  You won’t have to spend endless hours rifling through client information or payment slips to find the information you need. All important data is kept in one centralized place.
  • Manages schedules.  You can book customer appointments as well as manage employee schedules from your software system.
  • Helps retain customers. Through your dog daycare software, you can send messages to customers and provide updates on their pets throughout their stay at your facility.
  • Facilitates marketing efforts.  You can draft and send automated messages using your daycare software to keep your customers and prospective clients updated on business changes or upcoming promotions.

With the combination of top-quality equipment and an easy-to-use, convenient software system, you’ll be one step closer to opening your doors to furry friends.

  • Hire dog daycare staff.

When thinking about hiring new employees for your dog daycare, you want to look for people who are dog lovers through and through. However, ensure they also have specific qualifications that will make them knowledgeable and dependable employees that add value to your business.

For example, search for prospective employees who have a baseline of training in canine first aid as well as some experience with caring for dogs in the past. Employees who have experience working with dogs can help create a safe environment for dogs from all backgrounds to mingle and play. You might even consider bringing on staff members with a wider range of experiences, including backgrounds in dog training or grooming, to give your business a unique service offering.

Last but not least, hire employees who are flexible and able to adapt to change. As your business grows, you want people on your team who can adapt to new processes quickly and effectively carry out your vision for your daycare.

  • Evaluate behavior to keep pets and staff safe.

Create a process for conducting temperament tests for new canine clients. Temperament tests aren’t required by law, but they’re one of the best ways to ensure the dogs in your care, as well as you and your staff, can stay safe and avoid injuries or scuffles.

Steps for running dog temperament tests include interviewing pet parents, conducting evaluations and observations, and taking notes to reference while assigning dogs to playgroups. If a dog acts aggressive or displays behavioral issues at any point throughout the evaluation, stop the test and inform the owner that their dog isn’t a good fit for your daycare.

Also, train your staff to recognize and respond to changes in dog behavior. By observing changes in body language and recognizing signs of illness, employees can properly respond to various situations to keep dogs and themselves safe. Plus, customers will respect the care and attention you put in to make sure their pets stay safe, healthy, and happy.

  • Market your dog daycare services to pet owners. 

Once you’ve secured your facility, equipment, and staff, there’s one more piece of the puzzle to complete your dog daycare business: finding new customers! A comprehensive marketing strategy is key to connecting with prospective customers and earning their trust.

Take a multichannel approach to your marketing to ensure your target audience becomes aware of your business offerings without overwhelming on any one platform. Spread the word through:

  • Social media: Create a business page for your doggy daycare on Facebook and Instagram and connect with other dog daycare businesses as well as dog owners in your area to start growing your following. Consider purchasing social media ads to promote your business directly to your target audience.
  • Email: Start developing your email list by promoting your newsletter sign-up on your social media pages. Email is an effective way to reach customers directly and provide them an opportunity to respond and ask questions.
  • Direct mail/flyers: Similarly, direct mailers or flyers reach your target audience directly because you can send materials right to certain addresses. Be sure to include your location, hours of operation, phone number, website, and social media handles on your mailers and flyers so people know how to reach you.
  • Local radio/TV ads: If there’s room in your budget, you could consider taking out an ad spot on a local radio or TV station. Use the opportunity to introduce yourself and your staff to give your business a friendly face.

Ensure all your marketing materials are branded with your business’s logo and colors to leave your audience with a professional impression of your business. Also, lean into the playful aspect of your business. Just about everyone loves dogs and puppies, so show images or videos of puppy pals playing and having the time of their lives at your daycare to entice potential customers.

  • Provide a great experience and watch your business grow.

By taking the necessary steps to create a plan for your business strategy and emphasizing safety at every step, your business will flourish. Remember that when times get tough, you can rely on your business plan to guide you through any rough patches.

Also, be sure to prioritize proper management practices and treat your staff with respect to create a positive, supportive culture within your business. Customers will note your upbeat attitude and be drawn toward the cheerful, fun environment you’ve created, and you’ll retain the support of your staff during times of change or challenges.

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Last Updated on January 6, 2024 by Arif Chowdhury

Looking to start a dog boarding business? In the booming pet care industry, kennels and dog boarding have emerged as lucrative opportunities for animal lovers and entrepreneurs alike. Whether you’re starting a kennel business plan or looking to join a kennel club, the demand for quality pet care services is on the rise.

With pet ownership on the rise and busy schedules leaving owners in need of reliable care for their pets, there has never been a better time to embark on the dog daycare venture. The dog kennel industry is booming, and dog kennel businesses are in high demand.

But before diving into this exciting startup endeavor, it’s crucial to have a well-crafted dog boarding business plan in place. This plan will help attract investors and establish a strong branding for your kennel club.

A comprehensive business plan serves as a roadmap for investors, outlining goals, strategies, financial projections , and income statement summaries. It also includes branding strategies. Having a well-defined financial plan is crucial for business owners.

Here is the download link for the Dog Boarding Business Plan PDF Template.

It not only helps you stay organized but also showcases your professionalism and dedication to potential investors or lenders. A strong financial plan is an essential component of branding your company.

In this competitive market, having a well-thought-out business plan is key to success. Investors and companies alike should consider the importance of this key factor.

So buckle up and get ready to unleash your entrepreneurial spirit with your company’s financial plan and marketing plan, which are key to success!

Importance of a Well-Written Dog Kennel Business Plan

A well-written dog kennel business plan is crucial for several reasons. As a company, you must understand the need for software to effectively manage your operations. Having a well-developed marketing plan is a must for any dog kennel business plan.

Dog Kennel Business Plan

It not only helps attract investors and lenders but also ensures clarity in your goals and strategies. Having a well-defined marketing plan is a must for your dog daycare business. It allows you to identify potential risks and challenges that may arise in the course of running your kennel business.

1. Attracting Investors and Lenders

Having a solid business plan can be a game-changer. These individuals or institutions want to see that you have a clear vision for your kennel business and a strategic plan for its success. A well-crafted business plan demonstrates professionalism, dedication, and the potential for profitability.

By outlining key aspects such as your target market, competitive analysis, marketing strategies, financial projections, and operational plans , you provide potential investors with the necessary information to evaluate the viability of your kennel business.

This document serves as evidence that you have thoroughly thought through every aspect of your dog kennel business plan and dog daycare venture.

2. Ensuring Clarity in Goals and Strategies

A dog kennel business plan acts as a roadmap for achieving your goals. It helps you articulate what you want to accomplish with your dog kennel or dog daycare business and how you plan to get there.

By clearly defining your objectives in your dog kennel business plan, whether it’s providing top-notch pet care services at your dog daycare or expanding into multiple locations, you set yourself up for success.

Moreover, a well-written business plan outlines specific strategies that will enable you to achieve these goals. It identifies target demographics, marketing channels, pricing structures, customer acquisition tactics, and more.

This level of detail ensures that everyone involved in the operation of the dog daycare understands their roles and responsibilities while working towards shared objectives.

3. Identifying Potential Risks and Challenges

Running a dog kennel or dog daycare business comes with its fair share of risks and challenges. However, by conducting thorough research during the creation of your dog boarding business plan, you can proactively identify these kennel obstacles before they become major roadblocks.

By analyzing the dog kennel business market, competition, and potential risks, you can develop contingency plans for your dog daycare to mitigate any challenges that may arise.

For example, if there is a high level of competition in your area for dog daycare, you can outline strategies to differentiate your kennel business and attract customers. If you are starting a dog kennel business or dog daycare, it is important to address any regulatory requirements or licensing issues in advance.

Identifying potential risks and challenges in the dog kennel business also allows you to be prepared financially. You can allocate resources for unexpected expenses or downturns in business. This foresight demonstrates your ability to adapt and navigate through obstacles confidently in the dog kennel business.

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Key Elements of a Successful Dog Boarding Business Plan

1. market analysis and target audience identification.

To create a successful dog boarding kennel business plan, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough market analysis and identify your target audience. This involves researching the local dog kennel and pet care industry, understanding customer preferences for dog kennels, and identifying gaps in the dog kennel market that your dog kennel business can fill.

Key Elements of a Successful Dog Boarding Business Plan

By analyzing factors such as demographics, competition, and trends, you can gain insights into the demand for kennel business services in your area.

Some key points to consider during market analysis and target audience identification for a dog kennel business include

  • Researching the number of households with pets in your area is crucial when starting a dog kennel business.
  • Identifying the preferences and needs of pet owners.
  • Understanding the pricing and services offered by existing competitors.
  • Examining any unique selling points or differentiators that can set your dog kennel business apart.

You can create plans to draw in and keep clients from your target market by carrying out a thorough market study for your dog kennel.

For example, if you discover that there is a high demand for luxury dog boarding facilities in your area but limited kennel options available, you could position your business as a premium provider with upscale amenities.

2. Comprehensive operational plan for day-to-day activities

Another essential element of a successful dog boarding kennel business plan is a comprehensive operational plan. This plan outlines how you will manage day-to-day activities in your kennel business to ensure smooth operations and provide excellent care for the dogs under your supervision.

Consider including the following aspects in your operational plan:

  • Staffing: Determine how many employees you will need for your dog kennel business based on anticipated demand and outline their roles and responsibilities.
  • Dog kennel business facility management: Detail how you will maintain cleanliness, safety, and comfort within your dog kennel business facility.
  • Dog care protocols for a kennel business: Establish guidelines for feeding schedules, exercise routines , grooming practices, medical care procedures (such as administering medication), socialization opportunities, etc.
  • Dog kennel business: Implement an efficient reservation system to manage bookings effectively for your dog kennel business.
  • Health and safety measures in a dog kennel business: Develop protocols to prevent the spread of diseases, ensure vaccinations are up to date, and handle emergencies.

Having a comprehensive operational plan in place demonstrates your commitment to providing a high standard of care for the dogs entrusted to you. It also helps streamline processes, minimize risks, and maintain consistency in service delivery.

3. Financial projections and budgeting for sustainability

Financial projections and budgeting play a vital role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of your dog boarding business. This element of your business plan allows you to estimate revenue, expenses, and profitability over a specific period.

Consider including the following financial aspects in your plan:

  • Start-up costs for a dog kennel business: Calculate the initial investment required for setting up your dog kennel facility, purchasing dog kennel equipment, obtaining licenses/permits for your dog kennel business, marketing expenses for your dog kennel business, etc.
  • Revenue streams for a dog kennel business can include various sources of income such as boarding fees, additional services like grooming or training, and retail sales of pet supplies.
  • Expenses for a dog kennel business: Estimate monthly costs for rent/mortgage payments, utilities, insurance premiums, payroll expenses (including wages and benefits), supplies/equipment maintenance costs, advertising/marketing expenses, etc.
  • Cash flow management: Develop strategies to ensure positive cash flow by monitoring income and expenses closely.
  • Profitability analysis: Project when you expect your business to become profitable based on anticipated revenue growth and expense management.

As you can see, you can decide on pricing structures and resource allocation with knowledge if you have accurate financial projections and a well-functioning budgeting process in place. This will assist you in pursuing long-term growth while preserving your financial security.

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Dog Boarding Business Plan Template

Creating a dog boarding business plan is essential for success in the pet boarding industry. It provides a roadmap for your business, helping you define your goals, strategies, and financial projections.

You may download our readymade Dog Boarding Business Plan PDF Template.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create an effective and comprehensive business plan for your dog boarding venture.

  • Executive Summary: Start with an executive summary that highlights the key aspects of your business. This section should include an overview of your business concept, target market, competitive advantage, and financial projections.
  • Company Description: Provide detailed information about your dog boarding business. Explain what sets you apart from competitors and outline your unique selling points. Describe the services you will offer, such as overnight boarding, daycare, grooming, or training.
  • Market Analysis: Conduct thorough research on the pet boarding industry in your area. Identify trends and opportunities in the market and assess the demand for dog boarding services. Analyze your target audience and competition to identify potential gaps in the market that you can capitalize on.
  • Organization and Management: Outline the structure of your organization and introduce key members of your management team. Highlight their qualifications and experience in the pet care industry.
  • Services Offered: Detail the range of services you will provide at your dog boarding facility. Include information about accommodation options, exercise routines, feeding schedules, grooming services, and any additional amenities or specialized programs.
  • Marketing Strategy: Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy to attract customers to your dog boarding business. Identify channels such as social media platforms, local advertising, partnerships with veterinarians or pet stores, and referral programs.
  • Financial Projections: Create realistic financial projections based on thorough research and analysis of costs involved in setting up and running a dog boarding facility. Include projected revenue streams from different services, as well as expenses such as rent, utilities, staffing, and marketing.
  • SWOT Analysis: Conduct a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis to evaluate the internal and external factors that may impact your business. Identify strategies to leverage strengths and opportunities while mitigating weaknesses and threats.
  • Operations Plan: Outline the day-to-day operations of your dog boarding facility. Include details about staff responsibilities, cleaning protocols, safety measures for dogs in your care, and procedures for handling emergencies or health issues.
  • Legal Considerations: Research local regulations and licensing requirements for operating a dog boarding business in your area. Ensure compliance with zoning laws, health and safety regulations, insurance coverage, and any necessary permits or certifications.
  • Appendix: Include any additional documents or information that supports your business plan. This may include market research data, resumes of key team members, lease agreements, or property documentation if applicable.

Customizable sections for easy adaptation to your specific needs

The template provided above is a general guide to help you structure your dog boarding business plan effectively. However, it’s important to customize each section according to the unique needs and goals of your specific venture. Tailor the content to showcase what makes your dog boarding business stand out from the competition.

Consider incorporating industry trends and best practices into each section of your business plan. Stay updated on advancements in pet care technology or innovative services that can enhance the customer experience at your facility. Highlighting these aspects will demonstrate that you are aware of industry developments and committed to providing exceptional care for dogs in your custody.

Remember that a well-crafted business plan is not only crucial for securing funding but also serves as a roadmap for successfully launching and growing your dog boarding business. Regularly review and update your plan as needed to adapt to changing market conditions or expansion opportunities.

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Steps to Create a Comprehensive Dog Kennel Business Plan

To create a comprehensive dog kennel business plan, there are several important steps you need to follow.

These steps will help you conduct market research, define your unique selling proposition (USP), and outline your marketing, staffing, and financial strategies.

Conduct Market Research

Before diving into the dog boarding business, it’s crucial to conduct thorough market research. This step involves gathering information about the demand for dog boarding services in your area and understanding the competition.

  • Understanding the market demand will help you determine if there is enough potential for success.
  • Analyzing the competition will enable you to identify gaps in their services that you can capitalize on.
  • Market research can be time-consuming and require effort.
  • Gathering accurate data may involve reaching out to multiple sources.

Define Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

To stand out in the competitive dog kennel industry, it’s essential to define your unique selling proposition (USP). This is what sets your business apart from others and attracts customers.

Key Information:

  • Determine what makes your dog kennel different from others.
  • Identify specific features or services that make your business unique.

Outline Marketing, Staffing, and Financial Strategies

Once you have conducted market research and defined your USP, it’s time to outline your marketing, staffing, and financial strategies. These strategies will guide how you promote your business, manage staff members, and handle finances.

Marketing Strategies:

  • Develop a strong online presence through social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook.
  • Offer promotions or discounts to attract new customers.
  • Collaborate with local pet-related businesses for cross-promotion opportunities.

Staffing Strategies:

  • Determine how many employees you need based on the size of your facility and expected demand.
  • Establish hiring criteria to ensure you find qualified and compassionate staff members.
  • Provide ongoing training to your employees to maintain high-quality service.

Financial Strategies:

  • Create a budget that includes all expenses, such as rent, utilities, supplies, and employee wages.
  • Determine your pricing structure based on the services you offer and the local market rates.
  • Regularly review your financial statements to track revenue, expenses, and profitability.

These stages will help you draft a thorough business plan that addresses every facet of your dog kennel endeavor. Keep in mind to periodically review and revise your plan as necessary to accommodate modifications in the market or industry.

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Crafting an Effective Marketing Strategy for Your Dog Boarding Business

To ensure the success of your dog boarding business, it’s crucial to have a well-crafted marketing strategy in place. This will help you attract customers, build brand awareness , and stand out from your competitors.

Utilizing Online Platforms for Promotion and Customer Acquisition

In today’s digital age, online platforms play a significant role in promoting businesses and acquiring customers. Leveraging the power of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be highly beneficial for your dog boarding business.

Create engaging content showcasing happy dogs at your facility or sharing useful pet care tips to attract potential customers.

  • Wide reach: Online platforms allow you to connect with a large audience beyond your local area.
  • Cost-effective: Compared to traditional advertising methods, online promotion is often more affordable .
  • Targeted advertising: Social media platforms offer advanced targeting options that enable you to reach specific demographics or pet owners in your area.
  • Time-consuming: Managing multiple social media accounts and creating regular content can be time-consuming.
  • Competitiveness: With many businesses vying for attention online, it can be challenging to stand out.

Leveraging Partnerships with Local Pet-related Businesses or Organizations

Partnering with local pet-related businesses or organizations can significantly increase visibility and customer acquisition for your dog boarding business. Collaborate with nearby veterinary clinics, groomers, or pet supply stores to cross-promote each other’s services.

You could offer special discounts or referral programs to incentivize customers from these partnerships.

  • Increased exposure: Partnering with established businesses allows you to tap into their existing customer base.
  • Trust-building: Associating with reputable organizations builds trust among potential customers.
  • Enhanced credibility: Collaborating with experts in the pet industry can enhance your business’s credibility.
  • Finding suitable partners: Identifying compatible businesses or organizations may require some research and networking efforts.
  • Maintaining relationships: Building and nurturing partnerships requires ongoing communication and effort.

Implementing Targeted Advertising Campaigns

Targeted advertising campaigns can help you reach your desired audience effectively. Consider using online platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads to target pet owners in your local area.

Use keywords related to dog boarding, pet care, and nearby locations to ensure your ads are shown to relevant users.

  • Precise targeting: Targeted advertising allows you to reach potential customers who are actively searching for dog boarding services.
  • Measurable results: Online advertising platforms provide detailed analytics that allows you to track the performance of your campaigns.
  • Flexible budgeting options: You can set a specific budget for your ads, ensuring you have control over your marketing expenses.
  • Initial learning curve: Understanding how to optimize online advertising campaigns may require some time and experimentation.
  • Cost considerations: Depending on the competitiveness of keywords and your target market, online advertising costs can vary.

You may develop a successful marketing plan for your dog boarding company by using internet resources, forming alliances with nearby companies, and putting focused advertising campaigns into action. These strategies will aid in raising awareness, drawing clients, and building a solid brand presence in the marketplace.

Don’t forget to frequently assess each strategy’s effectiveness and make the required modifications.

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Financial Analysis and Projections for Your Dog Boarding Business

Starting a dog boarding business requires careful financial planning to ensure its success.

Calculating Startup Costs

Setting up a dog boarding facility entails various expenses that need to be considered in your financial plan. These costs may include:

  • Facility setup: Renting or purchasing a suitable location, renovating or constructing kennels, and installing fencing and security systems.
  • Equipment: Purchasing crates, bedding, food bowls, grooming supplies, cleaning equipment.
  • Licensing and permits: Acquiring necessary licenses and permits from local authorities.
  • Insurance: Obtaining liability insurance to protect against potential accidents or damage.
  • Marketing materials: Designing and printing brochures, business cards, and signage.

It is essential to research and obtain accurate quotes from suppliers and contractors to estimate these costs effectively. By considering all these factors upfront, you can create a realistic budget for starting your dog boarding business.

Estimating Revenue Streams

To project your business’s financial viability accurately, it is crucial to estimate potential revenue streams. This involves analyzing the different services you plan to offer at your dog boarding facility:

  • Boarding fees: Determine the daily or weekly rates for overnight stays based on market research and competitor analysis.
  • Additional services: Consider offering add-on services such as grooming, training classes, and daycare options for additional revenue streams.
  • Retail sales: Explore selling pet products like food, toys, and accessories within your facility.

By carefully pricing your services based on market demand and competitor rates while factoring in operational costs like staffing expenses and overheads (utilities), you can estimate potential revenue with greater accuracy.

Creating Profit-and-Loss Statements

Profit-and-loss statements (also known as income statements) provide an overview of your business’s financial performance over a specific period. These statements outline your revenue, costs, and expenses to determine your net profit or loss.

To create a profit-and-loss statement for your dog boarding business, you need to consider the following:

  • Revenue: Calculate total income from boarding fees, additional services, and retail sales.
  • Costs of goods sold: Include expenses directly related to providing services or selling products (e.g., food, grooming supplies).
  • Operating expenses: Account for overhead costs like rent, utilities, insurance premiums, and marketing expenses.
  • Payroll expenses: Factor in wages for staff members involved in daily operations.
  • Depreciation: Consider any capital assets that will depreciate over time (e.g., equipment).
  • Net profit/loss: Subtract total expenses from revenue to determine your business’s profitability.

You can improve overall profitability by identifying areas where expenditures can be decreased or income can be increased by routinely reviewing and analyzing these figures.

Financial analysis is crucial when seeking funding from investors or applying for loans from banks. It demonstrates your understanding of the market and your ability to generate profits. For a dog boarding business, you can create a strong financial plan by precisely estimating revenue sources, carefully calculating startup expenses, and producing thorough profit-and-loss statements.

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Awesome, you have now completed several crucial sections in your journey to create a successful dog-boarding business. By focusing on the importance of a well-written dog kennel business plan and understanding the key elements necessary for success, you have laid a solid foundation for your venture.

Utilizing our updated dog boarding business plan template and following the steps to create a comprehensive plan , you are well on your way to turning your passion for dogs into a thriving business.

But remember, creating a successful dog boarding business goes beyond just planning. Now it’s time to put that plan into action! Craft an effective marketing strategy that will attract pet owners and showcase what makes your facility unique.

And don’t forget about the financial analysis and projections – this will help you stay on track and ensure profitability. With determination, hard work, and a clear vision, you can build a reputable dog boarding business that provides exceptional care for furry friends while also achieving your entrepreneurial goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can i start a dog boarding business without any prior experience.

Starting a dog boarding business without prior experience is possible but may present some challenges. It’s important to educate yourself about the industry by researching best practices, attending workshops or seminars, and seeking guidance from experienced professionals.

Consider volunteering or working part-time at an existing dog boarding facility to gain hands-on experience before launching your own venture.

How much does it cost to start a dog boarding business?

The cost of starting a dog boarding business can vary depending on various factors such as location, size of the facility, equipment needed, licensing fees, marketing expenses, and more.

On average, startup costs can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more. It’s essential to create a detailed budget as part of your business plan to accurately estimate these costs and secure adequate funding.

What permits or licenses do I need to operate a dog boarding business?

The specific permits and licenses required to operate a dog boarding business can vary depending on your location.

Generally, you will need to obtain a business license, zoning permit, and possibly a kennel license or animal care facility permit. It’s crucial to research and comply with local regulations and requirements to ensure the legal operation of your business.

How do I attract customers to my dog boarding business?

To attract customers to your dog boarding business, it’s essential to develop an effective marketing strategy. Utilize online platforms such as social media, create a professional website, and list your services on relevant directories.

Offer promotions or discounts for first-time customers and consider partnering with local pet-related businesses for cross-promotion. Providing exceptional customer service and ensuring the well-being of the dogs in your care will also help generate positive word-of-mouth referrals.

What insurance coverage do I need for my dog boarding business?

Insurance coverage is crucial for protecting your dog boarding business from potential liabilities. Consider obtaining general liability insurance, which covers accidents or injuries that may occur on your premises. Specialized animal bailee insurance can provide coverage for any harm or loss that may happen to the animals under your care.

Consult with an insurance professional who specializes in pet-related businesses to determine the most appropriate coverage for your specific needs.

Pet Boarding Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Starting a pet boarding business can be a daunting task, but with the right plan and preparation, it can also be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. The #1 Pet Boarding Business Plan Template & Guidebook can equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources needed to build a successful pet boarding company from the ground up. Through this unique template and guidebook, readers can learn about the fundamentals of operating a pet business, such as marketing strategies, budgeting tips and legal considerations. With this tool, you’ll be able to create a detailed plan that can help you realize your dream of running a successful pet boarding business.

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Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

  • How to Start a Profitable Pet Boarding Business [11 Steps]
  • 25 Catchy Pet Boarding Business Names:

How to Write a Pet Boarding Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your pet boarding business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your pet boarding business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a pet boarding business:

Our mission at ABC Pet Boarding is to provide superior pet care services, with a focus on safety, comfort, and reliability for our customers. We strive to offer a positive and stress-free experience for both our clients and their pets so that they can enjoy peace of mind while they are away from home.

Image of Zenbusiness business formation

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Pet Boarding Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your pet boarding business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

  • What is my business?
  • What are the products and/or services that I offer?
  • Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
  • How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
  • How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

Image of Zenbusiness business formation

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your pet boarding business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your pet boarding business includes the following elements:

Target market

  • Who is your target market?
  • What do these customers have in common?
  • How many of them are there?
  • How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

  • Who are your current customers? 
  • Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
  • How can their experience with your pet boarding business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

  • How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
  • Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
  • Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
  • How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

  • Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
  • Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
  • What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

  • Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
  • What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
  • What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
  • How many of your customers do you instead will return?

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dog boarding business plan india

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

  • The equipment and facilities needed
  • Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
  • Financial requirements for each step
  • Milestones & KPIs
  • Location of your business
  • Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a pet boarding business?

To run a pet boarding business, you will need a variety of supplies, equipment and permits:

  • Leash hooks, collar and leash sets, litter pans
  • Bedding, bowls, toys
  • Grooming supplies such as clippers, scissors, combs and brushes
  • Health supplies such as flea and tick treatments, wormers, and vitamins
  • Medical supplies such as syringes and bandages
  • Business License or Permit

5. Management & Organization of Your Pet Boarding Business.

The second part of your pet boarding business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

  • How many employees you need in order to run your pet boarding business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
  • The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
  • How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Pet Boarding Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a pet boarding business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a pet boarding business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your pet boarding business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your pet boarding business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your pet boarding business plan:

  • Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
  • Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
  • Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
  • Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
  • Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
  • Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

dog boarding business plan india

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Boarding Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a pet boarding business.

A business plan for a pet boarding business is important because it provides a roadmap for the business to follow and helps outline the goals and objectives for success. It also helps identify potential obstacles, as well as strategies for navigating them. Additionally, a business plan allows stakeholders to have shared expectations, and it serves as a communication tool between the owners and potential investors.

Who should you ask for help with your pet boarding business plan?

You should ask a business consultant, accountant, or lawyer who specializes in small business and entrepreneurship for help with your pet boarding business plan. Additionally, you may consider reaching out to other pet business owners in your area to get advice and insight into the industry.

Can you write a pet boarding business plan yourself?

Yes, it is possible to write a pet boarding business plan yourself. It will take some time to research and consider all the elements that need to be included in the plan, such as competitive analysis, operational and financial considerations, marketing strategy, and more. It is also important to remember that a business plan should be tailored to your specific needs and goals for your pet boarding business. A professional consultant or expert can also help you organize the elements of your plan and provide guidance on what should be included.

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I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

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Business Operations

How to Write a Dog Boarding Business Plan

dog boarding business plan india

Creating a dog boarding business plan is one of the first steps most dog kennel owners have to take before opening their doors. From defining the target market to outlining a competitive marketing strategy, writing a dog boarding business plan is your roadmap to success!

Business owners who take the time to plan are 152% more likely to launch their business. So a business plan might just be the tool you need to make that exciting first step in opening your very own dog kennels.

What is a dog boarding business plan?

Think of a business plan as your roadmap for the journey ahead when starting your dog boarding business . It lays out where you want to go and exactly how you’re going to get there, spelling out three main things:

  • What your business is about and what services you’re going to provide
  • What you plan to achieve
  • The actions you’ll take to achieve those goals

person writing dog boarding business plan

While a business plan will set key goals for you and keep you on track, it’s also necessary for approaching outside investors. If you plan to have outside investors own equity in your business, a business plan will almost always need to be presented.

A detailed business plan usually includes:

  • Setting clear goals and objectives, defining the short and long-term goals of the business. It can also include your goals to open multiple locations .
  • All the goods and services you plan to offer. This will include any other services like dog walking or dog training you plan to provide in addition to the dog boarding service.
  • Market research that includes industry trends and gaps in the market to see where your business fits. Potential challenges in the market such as low seasons can also be included.
  • Business operations, including the day-to-day running of the business and the number of employees needed .
  • Financial planning, including how you plan to fund the business and the expenses you’ll encounter.
  • The way you’ll measure progress and KPIs .

Importance of a business plan.

For a dog boarding business, a business plan can be incredibly valuable. It allows you to think about and set goals for your business. This helps keep you on track and ensures you don’t lose sight of the bigger vision you have for your business. 

A dog boarding business plan also forces you to think through every single aspect of your pet boarding business, from the services you’ll provide to the pet owners you’re trying to target.

It allows you to really analyze your financial goals and research the overhead costs your business will incur. It will also detail how you’ll raise the capital to fund these expenses and whether outside investors or a bank loan is needed.

Today, the pet boarding and grooming services are a whopping $11 billion industry . A well-detailed pet business plan can help you define exactly how you will take a chunk of this market and stand out from your competitors.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, it allows you to communicate your vision for the business to others in a clear and targeted way. It gives everyone on your business journey a map so they know exactly where you’re headed. 

How to write a dog boarding business plan - 8 necessary items.

Writing a dog kennel business plan can seem like an immense task, but breaking it down into smaller sections can make the process a lot easier to accomplish and not feel so overwhelming.  

You can start by including the below 8 items in your business plan and then add in any other sections you think necessary later.  

1. Executive summary.

An executive summary is a concise overview of your business. It details the main key points to anyone taking a quick glance at your business plan. 

What do you include in an executive summary? 

An executive summary should contain:

  • Name and location of your business 
  • A brief mission statement 
  • The founding date and current status 
  • Products and services offered
  • Target market 
  • Unique selling points 
  • Financial summary  
  • Requirements and regulations 
  • Plans for growth

Although this is the first section of a business plan for your dog boarding facility, it’s often written last as it’s a key summary of the rest of the plan. 

2. Business overview.

The business overview should provide a comprehensive look at the company. It will cover aspects like the location, the vision for the future, where you see the business in the market, and any key metrics you will use to measure the success of the business. 

3. Organization and management.

Your business plan should cover organization and management, including the founder of the company and any key personnel and roles already filled. It should also include what the future staffing structure will look like.

Additionally, you can include how you plan to organize your customers when they come through the door. Will you use a barcode system or a more basic system?

4. Market analysis.

Business plans should also include market analysis, demonstrating an in-depth understanding of the market and your target demographic. It should include if there is a gap in the market that you can fill and how much competition you will likely face. 

Additionally, your market analysis section should also include any zoning regulations you will need to follow and any licenses you may need before opening your doors. 

market research being performed for a dog boarding business plan

5. Marketing strategy.

Your marketing strategy should detail how you plan to price and promote your services. Will your pricing be competitive, or will you position your business as a luxury brand with a higher price point? 

It should also include how you plan to create a strong business image and what you will do to promote your brand. Marketing strategies such as content and SEO , email marketing, advertising, and social media marketing can be included in this section. 

This section is also a great place to record how you plan to receive positive reviews online to help boost potential customers' trust in you. If you plan to use a pet care software like PetExec to help with review acquisition, you can record that in this section too.

6. Financials.

You’ll also need to provide some details about your financials. This will include all the expenses incurred to run the business like a pet care business software , funding requirements, how you will use those funds, and the potential ROI for investors so they can see the benefit of your business. 

7. Financial projections.

Financial projections are also great to add to your business plan. You can break these down into quarterly periods so they’re easier to digest. The projected profit and loss, as well as a sales forecast, are useful to have in your plan. 

8. Risk analysis.

Lastly, the business plan should include a risk analysis. This includes the risks that you predict you will face in the market as well as how to mitigate them and any contingency strategies. 

Lots of dog boarding businesses experience seasonal fluctuations. Your business plan can include how you plan to cover costs during the low seasons and methods you’ll use to increase revenue such as selling retail products . 

Tips for writing a boarding and dog daycare plan.

When writing a dog kennel business plan, there are a few tips to keep in mind to make the plan easier to follow. 

Firstly, keep it concise and focused . Although it can be tempting to explain every thought you have as a passionate pet boarding business owner, it’s important to make sure you’re only covering the necessary information without going off on tangents. 

creating dog boarding business plan with sleeping dog

Secondly, make sure you consider readability in your business plan format . Use headings and bullet points to create a lot of white space and ensure it’s both easy to read and scannable. No one wants to be hit with a wall of text when trying to read a business plan!

Lastly, make sure you support every statement you make with data and research . Part of the goal of the business plan may be to convince investors why your pet care services are worth paying attention to. If everything you say is backed with evidence, it’s easier to convince them of your worth. On average, small businesses need $40,000 in the first year , so being prepared for outside investors is recommended. 

Business plan template.

Below is a detailed example of a business plan template, feel free to copy and paste this and customize it to fit your business needs.

  • Executive Summary:
  • Business Name
  • Mission Statement
  • Founding Date
  • Products and Services
  • Business Description:
  • Legal Structure
  • Founders/Owners
  • Key Personnel
  • Location(s)
  • Boarding Services
  • Market Analysis:
  • Industry Overview
  • Target Demographic
  • Competitive Analysis
  • Market Trends
  • Regulations and Licenses
  • Organization and Management:
  • Organizational Structure
  • Key Personnel and Roles
  • Ownership Structure
  • Customers Accepted
  • Pet Care Business Software
  • Boarding Services for Dog Owners
  • Detailed Description
  • Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
  • Marketing Strategy:
  • New Customer Acquisition
  • Advertising and Promotion
  • Pricing Strategy for Services
  • Review Acquisition
  • Operational Plan:
  • Location and Facilities
  • Service Process
  • Suppliers and Inventory
  • Staffing Requirements
  • Health and Safety Protocols
  • Financial Plan:
  • Sales Forecast
  • Expense Budget
  • Bookkeeping Method
  • Net Operating Profit and Loss Statement
  • Financial Projections (3-5 years)
  • Funding Requirements
  • Use of Funds
  • Risk Analysis:
  • Identification of Risks
  • Mitigation Strategies
  • Contingency Plans

Final thoughts.

Creating a dog boarding business plan is what turns your exciting idea into a reality. A business plan not only solidifies the goal for you but explains it to others who have the potential to get involved in your business too. It sets out a roadmap you can all follow together for success.

To learn more about how PetExec can help with your dog boarding business, book a free demo today !

Commonly asked questions.

How to start a dog boarding business.

To start a dog boarding business, firstly make sure you conduct thorough market research to understand the demand and competition in your area for dog kennels. Secondly, you’ll need to secure an adequate location with enough space for the dogs you plan to host. Once you’ve taken these steps, you can start to create your business plan with all of the aspects mentioned above. 

How to choose a business management software? 

Identify your specific needs before looking into business management software , such as project management or accounting. When you know exactly what you need in software, look for user-friendly software and check customer reviews to gauge if they have superior customer service and customer satisfaction. Make sure to take advantage of free trials or demos to test the pet care business software out and make sure it’s right for you. 

How to conduct market research for a pet boarding business plan?

Start by researching local competitors who provide overnight care for dogs and understanding your target customers. You can then use surveys, interviews, and online research to craft your market research.

How often should you update a business plan? 

You should regularly revisit and update your business plan to reflect market changes, your business’s performance, and any adjustments to your business’s strategy which will happen naturally over time.

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How to Start a Dog Boarding Business (2024 Guide)

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Image Credit: Jayme Burrows, Shutterstock

Last Updated on April 11, 2024 by Dogster Team

Pet boarding

Owning and running a dog boarding business is the dream of many people. They are lucrative, fulfilling, and important. But starting one can be a long and complicated process. Businesses that work with live animals have a lot of liability and a lot of paperwork to navigate. Facilities have strict requirements to accommodate dogs. It can all feel very daunting. But you can start a dog boarding business as long as you break down the process into steps and take it one day at a time.

Here are 13 steps that you can follow to help navigate you towards opening your very own dog boarding business.

dog boarding business plan india

  • The 13 Steps to Start a Dog Boarding Business
  • 1. Do Market Research

The first thing someone should do before attempting to start any business is to conduct in depth market research. Market research can be conducted on your own, or you can hire a firm to do it for you. Market research will uncover things like the number of boarding businesses in the area, the typical cost of boarding, the overall demand for dog boarding, the best locations to set up a new boarding business, and more. If you do not know the market, you cannot tailor your business to fit it.

Woman on computer doing research

  • 2. Decide What Type of Boarding Business You Want to Run

There are a variety of different types of dog boarding businesses, and you will need to choose what kind of business you want to create before you start. You will want to decide if you are doing long term boarding (one night or more) or daytime boarding. Do you want to run a doggy daycare or lodging for people going out of town? Do you want to have a membership or monthly fee, or do you want to primarily accept walk-ins? What kind of kennels do you want to supply? How many dogs do you want to try to take in at once? Do you want the dogs to have group play or individual walking sessions? All of these questions are important to narrow down exactly what kind of boarding you want to provide. Each one of these different types of boarding facilities requires different staff, different equipment, and different marketing down the line.

  • 3. Create a Business Plan

After you have done your research and decided what type of boarding operation you want to start, it is time to create a business plan. A business plan is a document that lays out explicit goals for your business. It hammers down exactly what services you will be providing, what prices you want to charge, your budget, and your goals for the 1 st , 3 rd , and 5 th year of being in business as well as your overall strategy for meeting these goals. Business plans are a necessity for two reasons. First, it helps keep you focused and on track as you start getting into the day-to-day operations. Second, business plans are essential if you plan on trying to bring in investors to help fund your business.

Business plan meeting

  • 4. Pick a Name

Time for a more fun step. Pick your business name. You can be as creative or boring as you want, but you want a name that will stand out and let passing people know exactly what your business does.

  • 5. Incorporate

After you have a name, it is time to incorporate your business. There are numerous different ways to start a business officially, but this is an important step. You need to register your business with the state for tax and liability purposes. The most common type of business is a limited liability corporation (LLC) which protects your personal assets and gives you some tax incentives. However, you can also start a franchise or a sole proprietorship. A sole proprietorship is not recommended for a dog boarding business because there is a lot of liability involved, and a sole proprietorship does not protect your personal things.

signing papers and documents

  • 6. Find and Meet All Legal and Regulatory Requirements for Your Area

Next up is the onerous task of locating and meeting all regulatory requirements for your dog boarding business. This step is going to vary heavily from state to state and county to county. States all have very different requirements for businesses dealing with animals. You need to check zoning requirements, building permits, necessary inspections, fees, insurance requirements, and more. There is often a lot of paperwork involved with starting any business that deals in live animals. You might want to hire or consult a local business lawyer for this step to ensure that you have covered all of your bases.

  • 7. Find the Perfect Location

Choose the location for your business. After going through all of the legal hoopla, you should know exactly what kind of facility you need to have to meet local code and what areas are zoned for your particular type of business. Using this information, you can locate and secure your perfect property where the dogs will actually be staying and playing.

Make sure the building can meet all of your needs. Make sure the location fits in with your business plan and your market research.

searching map online at a laptop

  • 8. Stock Up

Time to break out the checkbook. Once you have secured your location, whether that is a lease or a purchase, it is time to start stocking it with everything you need to care for dogs. You will need kennels, play space, toys, medical supplies, a reception area, a quarantine area, food, water, bowls, grooming supplies, and more. After the physical property, this is the most capital-heavy part of the process. You are going to need a lot of cash to get a new business fully stocked.

  • 9. Hire Your Staff

Another critical part of opening a business is hiring staff. You cannot be the only employee of your boarding business, so you are going to have to hire. Some boarding facilities have very few staff members, but someone needs to run the place at all times. When you hire, make sure you are following all of the local rules regarding hiring. Make sure you have a payroll plan and software in place to ensure that everyone gets paid on time and that your taxes are covered. You don’t need to go overboard on staff at the start. Hire only what you need to get by, and you can always add people later if the business is doing well.

pet boarding III_Jayme Burrows_Shutterstock

  • 10. Get Business Insurance

Since your business is going to be dealing with dogs, you want to have robust business insurance. You will need liability protections on multiple fronts. You need to protect yourself in case of injury or damage to any dogs on your watch. You need to protect your employees and yourself against dog bites or attacks. You should also protect your expensive equipment against damage, theft, or accidental loss. Insurance is always important for businesses, but it is doubly important for businesses dealing with live animals.

  • 11. Market Your Business

It is getting closer to opening time. Before you open, you want to invest some time and energy into marketing your business. Consider running local ads. Put up flyers around your local pet stores and veterinary offices. It might be a good idea to strike up a relationship with nearby vets in general. Make sure people know your business exists, what it does, and when it is opening. You could create the world’s greatest dog boarding facility, but if no one knows it exists, people won’t come.

female holding a leaflet

  • 12. Set Standard Operating Procedures and Safety Plans

The last thing you want to do before opening your business is to set a standard operating procedure (SOP) and safety plan and go over them with your staff. There should be a rule in place for everything. Everyone should know what to do if a dog gets sick , if a dog bites someone, or if an owner doesn’t show up at their allotted time for pick up. Everyone should know what to do in the case of a fire, if an employee doesn’t show up for their shift, or if a dog gets lost. Each one of these situations needs an official response in an SOP document so that there is no panic or confusion if something goes wrong. A business can quickly melt if a problem arises and the staff panics. It can easily ruin the fragile reputation of a new business if you are not careful.

Finally, it is time to open. Whether you want to do a soft opening where you slowly start taking reservations or if you want to spend big on a grand opening blowout, it is time for you to open your doors. If you have carefully prepared and followed all of the previous steps, the opening should be an exciting time. After your opening, it is time to follow that business plan and get to work.

Pet boarding

Starting a business is a daunting task, but it is one that can be done. It is easy to start a business if you do your research and break up the long list of tasks into manageable bites. Dog boarding businesses require some additional considerations and a lot of paperwork, but they can be extremely lucrative when they get off the ground. These steps will help guide you through the process of starting your very own dog boarding business.

Featured Image Credit: Jayme Burrows, Shutterstock

About the Author

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Grant Piper

Grant is a freelance writer with a lot of experience writing about a diverse range of topics. He currently lives in Florida with his wife. His days are spent writing, raising a son, and caring for eight animals (two horses, two donkeys, two goats, and two dogs). In his free time he enjoys slowly carving out a quaint hobby farm from the Southern scrub.

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How to Start a Profitable Dog Boarding Business

It’s not easy to create a boarding facility that makes you money — but it is possible. Read these tips to help make your dream a reality.

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Dog boarding makes us think of big yards, kennels, cages and lots of noise, right?

But what’s great about dog boarding is that you have control over the growth and size of the business , and — major bonus — you spend oodles of time with dogs. You will have fun and make money at the same time.

However, David Cavill, writing in Running Your Own Boarding Kennels , says not everyone is up for the task. “It is an occupation of great responsibility involving the complete care of other people’s pets,” he says.

5 Things to Consider

There is quite a bit of research to do ahead of time. But take heart — it’s not as intimidating as it seems, and the payoff can be stellar if you’re organized.

  • Zoning Regulations: This is a big one. It would be terrible if you did all the work (and spent money for equipment) then discovered that your town won’t allow you to run your business because you are in an area zoned for residential use only.
  • Laws: Find out the local laws, regulations, insurance and licensing requirements. You will probably need a vendor’s license as well as a kennel license, says Constance Cupps, author of How to Start a Dog Boarding Business. State government websites often post regulations, and your town hall will be able to answer most of your questions and direct you to the right departments.
  • Dog Sizes: What size dogs will you be boarding? Large and small dogs require different equipment. If you decide to charge by weight or breed, you will also need to consider the impact to your bottom line.
  • Equipment:  You’ll need to invest in kennels, food, leashes, collars, and possibly gates and fencing .
  • Data Storage: What kind of requirements will you expect from your clients? Consider  vaccination records , emergency contact numbers, veterinary information, and so on. This is where checking up on potential competitors comes in handy. Find out what they require.

“Above all,” says Cupps, “make sure having a kennel on your property is within the law and all right with your neighbors before you start.”

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Being around dogs all day is fun, but a business exists to make a profit, right?

During your planning stages, decide how to make your business profitable. Setting a price initially seems easy, but it will actually be one of the hardest decisions you’ll make.

Prices vary widely. Cupps says the average rate for boarding a dog is around $12–18 per day where she lives, but Care.com puts the rate at closer to $20–25 per day.

So how do you price? Check out what your competitors offer their clients. Cupps advises that you not only research what your competitors charge but also find out what a client gains from the service. Visit a few boarding kennels in your area “as if you were a prospective client,” she says. “Ask for a tour and a list of any additional services they offer, and ask about the pricing for all of it.”

Find out if these kennels charge extra for bathing, grooming , walking and giving medication. Remember: When opening your facility, you want to be competitive but comparable.

Check out this luxe pet boarding facility for inspiration:

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Keeping Your Business Afloat

How you make your profit is up to you:

  • You may offer perks such as free bathing but then charge overall a bit more for dogs to board with you.
  • You may try and fall right in the average and count on your excellent facility and services to help you stand out among your competitors.
  • Or you may charge less than the competition — but beware of pricing your services too low. If you don’t charge enough, your business may struggle, competitors may be unhappy with you, and clients may even think you’re offering substandard services and seek another facility.

Patience is key, according to Cavill, who cautions, “Making a success of running your own boarding establishment is more likely to be a long-term proposition than an overnight accomplishment.”

Investing in Your Facility

Advertising costs, equipment and licensing — all large expenses — will come before you see a single client walk through the door, so it’s just as important to plan financially as it is to understand how you will physically set up your facility.

It’s a delicate balance. But remember that all businesses face these challenges, and many of them not only get by but also thrive.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Dog Boarding Business

Table of Contents

Unleash Your Success: How to Start a Dog Boarding Business

Are dog looking turn passion profitable business? Starting dog boarding business rewarding venture provide valuable service pet owners doing love. In post, explore essential steps kick-starting dog boarding business setting up success.

Market Research and Planning

Before diving into the world of dog boarding, it`s crucial to conduct thorough market research to gain insights into the demand for dog boarding services in your area. Consider factors such as the number of pet owners, their preferences for boarding facilities, and the pricing of existing competitors. Understanding the market landscape will help you identify opportunities and develop a unique value proposition for your business.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Starting a dog boarding business involves complying with various local, state, and federal regulations. This may include obtaining a business license, insurance coverage, and meeting health and safety standards for animal care facilities. Failing to adhere to these requirements can lead to legal consequences and damage your reputation. Make sure to consult with legal and regulatory experts to ensure full compliance.

Facility Setup and Amenities

The physical environment of your dog boarding facility plays a significant role in attracting customers and providing a comfortable stay for their pets. Consider factors such as kennel design, play areas, grooming facilities, and on-site amenities. Creating a safe and appealing space for dogs will set you apart from competitors and earn the trust of pet owners.

Staffing Training

Building a team of trained and compassionate staff is essential for delivering exceptional care to the dogs in your boarding facility. Invest in proper training for your employees to handle different breeds, behavior management, and emergency protocols. A well-trained and attentive staff will provide peace of mind to pet owners and ensure the well-being of their furry companions.

Marketing and Customer Acquisition

Once your dog boarding business is ready to welcome guests, it`s time to spread the word and attract customers. Utilize a mix of traditional and digital marketing strategies to reach potential clients, such as local advertising, social media promotions, and partnerships with pet-related businesses. Providing exceptional service and building positive relationships with customers will also lead to word-of-mouth referrals and repeat business.

Financial Management

Managing the financial aspects of your dog boarding business is crucial to its sustainability and growth. Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your projected revenue, expenses, and growth strategies. Consider factors such as pricing, payment processing, and budgeting for facility maintenance and upgrades. Keeping a close eye on your finances will help you make informed decisions and navigate potential challenges.

Starting a dog boarding business is a thrilling venture that allows you to combine your love for dogs with entrepreneurship. By conducting thorough market research, ensuring legal compliance, creating a welcoming facility, and implementing effective marketing strategies, you can lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling business. With dedication and a passion for providing exceptional care to dogs, your dog boarding business can thrive and become a beloved destination for pet owners.

Contract for Dog Boarding Business

This contract is entered into on this [Date] by and between the undersigned parties: [Business Owner`s Name] as the business owner and [Customer`s Name] as the customer.

Section 3: Legal Considerations

3.1 This contract is governed by the laws of the state of [State], and any disputes arising from or related to this contract shall be resolved through arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

Section 4: Termination Contract

4.1 Either party may terminate this contract with written notice to the other party, provided that all outstanding payments and obligations are settled.

This contract, including any attachments or addendums, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings, whether written or oral.

Legal FAQ for Starting a Dog Boarding Business

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How to Start a Dog Boarding Business

start a dog boarding business

Starting a dog boarding business can be very profitable. With proper planning, execution and hard work, you can enjoy great success. Below you will learn the keys to launching a successful dog boarding business.

Importantly, a critical step in starting a dog boarding business is to complete your business plan. To help you out, you should download Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template here .

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here

14 Steps To Start a Dog Boarding Business :

  • Choose the Name for Your Dog Boarding Business
  • Develop Your Dog Boarding Business Plan
  • Choose the Legal Structure for Your Dog Boarding Business
  • Secure Startup Funding for Your Dog Boarding Business (If Needed)
  • Secure a Location for Your Business
  • Register Your Dog Boarding Business with the IRS
  • Open a Business Bank Account
  • Get a Business Credit Card
  • Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
  • Get Business Insurance for Your Dog Boarding Business
  • Buy or Lease the Right Dog Boarding Business Equipment
  • Develop Your Dog Boarding Business Marketing Materials
  • Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Dog Boarding Business
  • Open for Business

1. Choose the Name for Your Dog Boarding Business

The first step to starting a dog boarding facility is to choose your business’ name.  

This is a very important choice since your company name is your brand and will last for the lifetime of your business. Ideally you choose a name that is meaningful and memorable. Here are some tips for choosing a name for your dog boarding business:

  • Make sure the name is available . Check your desired name against trademark databases and your state’s list of registered business names to see if it’s available. Also check to see if a suitable domain name is available.
  • Keep it simple . The best names are usually ones that are easy to remember, pronounce and spell.
  • Think about marketing . Come up with a name that reflects the desired brand and/or focus of your dog boarding business.

2. Develop Your Dog Boarding Business Plan

One of the most important steps in starting a dog boarding business is to develop your dog boarding business plan . The process of creating your plan ensures that you fully understand your market and your business strategy. The plan also provides you with a roadmap to follow and if needed, to present to funding sources to raise capital for your business.

Your business plan should include the following sections:

  • Executive Summary – this section should summarize your entire business plan so readers can quickly understand the key details of your dog boarding business.
  • Company Overview – this section tells the reader about the history of your dog boarding business and what type of dog boarding business you operate. For example, are you a traditional boarding kennel, an in-home dog boarding service, or a pet hotel?
  • Industry Analysis – here you will document key information about the pet industry. Conduct market research and document how big the pet care industry is and what trends are affecting it.
  • Customer Analysis – in this section, you will document who your ideal or target market are and their demographics. For example, how old are they? Where do they live? What do they find important when purchasing services like the ones you will offer?
  • Competitive Analysis – here you will document the key direct and indirect competitors you will face and how you will build competitive advantage.
  • Marketing Plan – your marketing plan should address the 4Ps: Product, Price, Promotions and Place.
  • Product : Determine and document what products/services you will offer 
  • Prices : Document the prices of your products/services
  • Place : Where will your business be located and how will that location help you increase sales?
  • Promotions : What promotional methods will you use to attract customers to your dog boarding business? For example, you might decide to use pay-per-click advertising, public relations, search engine optimization and/or social media marketing.
  • Operations Plan – here you will determine the key processes you will need to run your day-to-day operations. You will also determine your staffing needs. Finally, in this section of your plan, you will create a projected growth timeline showing the milestones you hope to achieve in the coming years.
  • Management Team – this section details the background of your company’s management team.
  • Financial Plan – finally, the financial plan answers questions including the following:
  • What startup costs will you incur?
  • How will your dog boarding business make money?
  • What are your projected sales and expenses for the next five years?
  • Do you need to raise funding to launch your own business?

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

3. choose the legal structure for your dog boarding business.

Next you need to choose a legal structure for your dog boarding business and register it and your business name with the Secretary of State in each state where you operate your business.

Below are the five most common legal structures:

1) Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is a business entity in which the pet boarding business owner and the business are the same legal person. The owner of a sole proprietorship is responsible for all debts and obligations of the business. There are no formalities required to establish a sole proprietorship, and it is easy to set up and operate. The main advantage of a sole proprietorship is that it is simple and inexpensive to establish. The main disadvantage is that the owner is liable for all debts and obligations of the business.

2) Partnerships

A partnership is a legal structure that is popular among small businesses. It is an agreement between two or more people who want to start a dog boarding business together. The partners share in the profits and losses of the business. 

The advantages of a partnership are that it is easy to set up, and the partners share in the profits and losses of the business. The disadvantages of a partnership are that the partners are jointly liable for the debts of the business, and disagreements between partners can be difficult to resolve.

3) Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A limited liability company, or LLC, is a type of business entity that provides limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners of an LLC are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The advantages of an LLC for a dog boarding business include flexibility in management, pass-through taxation (avoids double taxation as explained below), and limited personal liability. The disadvantages of an LLC include lack of availability in some states and self-employment taxes.

4) C Corporation

A C Corporation is a business entity that is separate from its owners. It has its own tax ID and can have shareholders. The main advantage of a C Corporation for a dog boarding business is that it offers limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The disadvantage is that C Corporations are subject to double taxation. This means that the corporation pays taxes on its profits, and the shareholders also pay taxes on their dividends.

5) S Corporation

An S Corporation is a type of corporation that provides its owners with limited liability protection and allows them to pass their business income through to their personal income tax returns, thus avoiding double taxation. There are several limitations on S Corporations including the number of shareholders they can have among others.

Once you register your dog boarding business, your state will send you your official “Articles of Incorporation.” You will need this among other documentation when establishing your banking account (see below). We recommend that you consult an attorney in determining which legal structure is best suited for your company.

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4. Secure Startup Funding for Your Dog Boarding Business (If Needed)

In developing your dog boarding business plan , you might have determined that you need to raise funding to launch your business. 

If so, the main sources of funding for a dog boarding business to consider are personal savings, family and friends, credit card financing, bank loans, crowdfunding and angel investors. Angel investors are individuals who provide capital to early-stage businesses. Angel investors typically will invest in a dog boarding business that they believe has high potential for growth.

5. Secure a Location for Your Business

To find a location for your dog boarding business, you’ll need to do some market research to determine the best place to set up shop. Look at the area’s demographics – is it a family-friendly neighborhood with lots of dog-owners? Is the population-dense enough that you’ll have a steady flow of customers? Once you’ve narrowed down your options, take a look at the competition and make sure you can offer a unique service that sets you apart.

6. Register Your Dog Boarding Business with the IRS

Next, you need to register your business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which will result in the IRS issuing you an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Most banks will require you to have an EIN in order to open up an account. In addition, in order to hire employees, you will need an EIN since that is how the IRS tracks your payroll tax payments.

Note that if you are a sole proprietor without employees, you generally do not need to get an EIN. Rather, you would use your social security number (instead of your EIN) as your taxpayer identification number.

7. Open a Business Bank Account

It is important to establish a bank account in your kennel business’ name. This process is fairly simple and involves the following steps:

  • Identify and contact the bank you want to use
  • Gather and present the required documents (generally include your company’s Articles of Incorporation, driver’s license or passport, and proof of address)
  • Complete the bank’s application form and provide all relevant information
  • Meet with a banker to discuss your business needs and establish a relationship with them

8. Get a Business Credit Card

You should get a business credit card for your dog daycare business to help you separate personal and business expenses.

You can either apply for a business credit card through your bank or apply for one through a credit card company.

When you’re applying for a business credit card, you’ll need to provide some information about your business. This includes the name of your business, the address of your business, and the type of business you’re running. You’ll also need to provide some information about yourself, including your name, Social Security number, and date of birth.

Once you’ve been approved for a business credit card, you’ll be able to use it to make purchases for your business. You can also use it to build your credit history which could be very important in securing loans and getting credit lines for your business in the future.

9. Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits

To start a dog boarding business, you will need to obtain a business license and a pet boarding permit. These requirements vary depending on whether your business is indoors or outdoors.

Indoor kennel businesses require a permit from the Department of Animal Care & Control. Outdoor animal boarding facilities require a permit from the City Planning Commission and Building & Safety.

10. Get Business Insurance for Your Dog Boarding Business

There are various types of insurance that are necessary to operate an animal shelter business.

Some business insurance policies you should consider for your dog boarding business include:

  • General liability insurance : This covers accidents and injuries that occur on your property. It also covers damages caused by your employees or products.
  • Auto insurance : If a vehicle is used in your business, this type of insurance will cover if a vehicle is damaged or stolen.
  • Workers’ compensation insurance : If you have employees, this type of policy works with your general liability policy to protect against workplace injuries and accidents. It also covers medical expenses and lost wages.
  • Commercial property insurance : This covers damage to your property caused by fire, theft, or vandalism.
  • Business interruption insurance : This covers lost income and expenses if your business is forced to close due to a covered event.
  • Professional liability insurance : This protects your business against claims of professional negligence.

Find an insurance agent, tell them about your business and its needs, and they will recommend policies that fit those needs. 

11. Buy or Lease the Right Dog Boarding Business Equipment

To start a dog boarding business, you will need a lot of equipment. This includes boarding kennels, food, water dishes, toys, leashes, and collars. 

12. Develop Your Dog Boarding Business Marketing Materials

Marketing materials will be required to attract and retain customers to your dog boarding business.

The key marketing materials you will need are as follows:

  • Logo : Spend some time developing a good logo for your dog boarding business. Your logo will be printed on company stationery, business cards, marketing materials and so forth. The right logo can increase customer trust and awareness of your brand.
  • Website : Likewise, a professional dog boarding business website provides potential customers with information about the services you offer, your company’s history, and contact information. Importantly, remember that the look and feel of your website will affect how customers perceive you.
  • Social Media Accounts : establish social media accounts in your company’s name. Accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or other social media networks will help customers and others find and interact with your dog boarding business.

13. Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Dog Boarding Business

To run a dog boarding business, you will need software to manage reservations, payments, and customers. You may also need software to help track your inventory of dog food and supplies. 

14. Open for Business

You are now ready to open your dog boarding business. If you followed the steps above, you should be in a great position to build a successful business. Below are answers to frequently asked questions that might further help you.

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With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

How to Start a Dog Boarding Business FAQs

Is it hard to start a dog boarding business.

Starting a dog boarding business can be difficult, as you'll need to ensure that your property is secure and safe for dogs, as well as find responsible dog-sitters. However, if you're passionate about dogs and have the right space, it can be a rewarding business venture.

How can I start a dog boarding business with no experience?

There are a few things you can do to get started in the dog boarding business with no experience. You can start by doing some research on the industry and learning about the different aspects of running a boarding business. Additionally, you can reach out to experienced dog boarding business owners for advice and mentorship. Finally, you can start small and gradually grow your business as you gain experience.

What type of dog boarding business is most profitable?

The most profitable type of dog boarding business is a facility that offers pet services for both short-term and long-term boarding. This is because you can charge long-term boarding fees for overnight stays as well as short-term fees for half-day and full-day stays. 

How much does it cost to start a dog boarding business?

It typically costs between $10,000 and $30,000 to start a dog boarding business. The startup costs involved with this business are similar to most businesses in the service industry. The following is a list of potential costs involved with starting a boarding kennel:

  • Initial advertising 
  • Building or buying a facility
  • Office furniture and equipment
  • Kennel equipment (metal runs, food and water bowls, beds)

What are the ongoing expenses for a dog boarding business?

The ongoing expenses for a dog boarding business include things like rent, utilities, employee salaries, dog food and supplies, and marketing costs.

How does a dog boarding business make money?

A dog boarding business makes money by charging dog owners a fee for keeping their dog for a certain amount of time. This fee can be based on the size of the dog, the number of dogs being boarded, or by how many nights the dog will be staying. Boarding businesses may also offer add-on services such as daycare, walking, or bathing.

Is owning a dog boarding business profitable?

There are a number of reasons owning a dog boarding business can be profitable. One reason is the growing number of dog owners. This means that there is a large market for dog boarding services, as people are often looking for safe and reliable places to leave their pets while they are at work or traveling. 

Additionally, dog boarding businesses can be relatively low-cost to start up, which makes them an attractive investment opportunity. Pet owners often look for dog boarding businesses that offer flexibility in the services they provide.

Finally, dog boarding businesses typically have high margins, meaning that they can be quite profitable with relatively small amounts of revenue.

Here are a few things that you can do to make your pet business more profitable, such as:

- Offering additional daycare services, such as dog walking, bathing, and grooming

- Charging a premium for grooming services during busy times, such as holidays and weekends

- Offering discounts to regular customers

- Investing in quality equipment and supplies

- Educating yourself on the latest trends in pet care

Why do dog boarding businesses fail?

One of the most common reasons most pet boarding businesses fail is a lack of marketing. Without a strong marketing strategy it can be difficult to attract new customers, and without new customers, the business will eventually fail. 

Additionally, some dog boarding businesses fail because they are not run efficiently or their pet sitters do not offer good customer service. If the business is not able to meet the needs of their customers, they will likely lose them to a competitor. 

Finally, dog boarding businesses fail due to financial difficulties.

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What You Should Know Before Starting a Dog Boarding Business

Kate Barrington

Let’s get down to business – starting a dog boarding business

So, you are considering starting a dog boarding business? Perhaps you’ve learned a lot over the years and want to share that knowledge of dog care with others. Or you simply have all the perfect accommodations for dogs. Whatever it is, starting a dog boarding business can be a great idea. When it comes to opening such a business, it may seem as though you need little besides space to house the dogs and staff to feed and walk them. In reality, however, starting and maintaining a dog boarding business can be full of unexpected challenges. After all, it is never as simple as it seems at first glance. With the proper research and preparation, however, it is possible to create a thriving business. But, if you do it wrong, you could be faced with some serious problems. It is best to know exactly what such a business entails. So, if you are considering opening a dog boarding business, keep these tips in mind.

Questions to Ask Beforehand

Starting such an enterprise won’t be an easy task. Before you commit to starting your business, there are a few simple questions you need to ask yourself. What is your primary motivation for opening the business? Do you have the time and space to devote to the business? Is there a need for a dog boarding business in your area? If your primary motivation for opening a dog boarding business is to make easy money, you should think again – as is true of any business, you need money upfront to get your business started and then it could take some time before you start to see a profit. It could cost you anywhere between $25,000 and $80,000 to get your business off the ground.

In addition to the financial factors, you also need to think carefully about whether you have the time to devote to such a business. If you feel as though you are truly able to commit to a dog boarding business, your next question to answer is whether there is a need for such a business in your area. It doesn’t matter how much time you put into developing the business – if the need isn’t there, your business is unlikely to succeed. Another important issue to raise is the legality of having such a business in your area. You will need to research zoning and licensing requirements in your area to make sure it is legal for you to start any kind of business (particularly out of your home). Some cities and states can have tight rules and regulations on such matters, so careful research is key. And remember, there’s no such thing as asking too many questions – it is perfectly reasonable to want to be as informed as possible.

Proper Planning Is Key

Once you’ve determined that you’re ready to start your own dog boarding business, it’s time to get to work. And a great plan will help guide you through the entire process, as you’ll know what you need to do in order to make your dreams of working in the pet care industry a reality.

Here are a few tips that can help you get started. Then, once your dog boarding business is up and running, it will be a matter of properly managing it in order to maintain it for the long run and watch it grow over time.

Outline What Services You’ll Offer: In addition to boarding, will you also offer grooming and bathing services, or perhaps even canine training sessions? Will you only offer longer-term boarding, such as for people who are going on vacation for a few days, or will you be providing daycare services for people who just need someone to watch their dogs while they’re at work? Will you have a small store that will sell pet food, toys, and other pet care products to your customers?

All these questions need to be answered and made known to potential customers. If you want to make a better income, then certainly you can expand your service and go beyond simple dog boarding. But with each new service, you will likely have to expand on the number of employees, raising your costs. In the end, it is all about calculations and income. 

Determine the Prices You’ll Charge for Your Services: After you establish the services that you’re planning on offering through your dog boarding business, it’s time to figure out your prices for those services.

Your price structure will depend on your location, as different markets might charge different amounts of money to customers for the same services. So do your research into what other local dog boarding facilities are charging. Sometimes it is the pricing that will set your business apart from the competition at first!

Beyond that, you also need to come up with prices that will allow you to make a large enough profit every day in order to keep your business running. This step will involve calculating your expenses to ensure they’ll be covered by the money you’re bringing in from sales. It will be easier to do this once you’ve found the right facility and you know what the overhead costs will be. Pricing can be difficult to balance, so take every expense and income into the calculation. Your prices need to be attractive enough to potential users, but not so low as to incur losses. And if your close competitor has lower prices – then try to offer a better service than theirs! Remember, higher prices need justification with quality service or products. 

Find the Right Facility: Now that you know what services you’ll be offering to your customers, you can more easily find the ideal facility to make it all happen. Perhaps you’ll find a former dog boarding facility that you can revamp and make your own, or maybe you’ll find land on which you can build one from scratch. No matter what, check zoning regulations, local laws, and licensing requirements to ensure you’ll be able to run your business in a particular location.

As you search for your place of business, keep location in mind at all times. Will it be easy for customers to find your boarding facility? Will it be located in an area that gets plenty of traffic by car and by foot, so people who have never heard of your business before will learn about you?

Also, be sure that the facility you choose will give you enough space to house everything you need. Again, this will depend on the services that you’re planning on offering. For example, if you’re adding grooming services to the mix, you’ll need to have a space that will accommodate that. Check that the facility will be easy to keep clean and safe for your workers and the animals in your care. And ensure that temperature control will be simple throughout the year as well.

Tips for Better Management

Running a successful business is all about careful and quality management. A business that is run in chaos and “crossing the bridges as they come” is never easy to control and can quickly spiral into ruin. But a business that is carefully researched, set-up, and maintained, is sure to succeed. So always devote a certain part of your day for hard and dedicated work at your business – the effort is sure to pay off! 

Once you have done the background research and have determined that opening a dog boarding business is definitely the way to go, you can start thinking about some of the details. A large percentage of new businesses fail due to poor management, so you would be wise to keep these basic management tips in mind before you start your own business:

  • Treat your business as a business – you may have gotten into it because you love dogs, but if you don’t treat your business as such you won’t take it seriously. Keep your personal affinities and preferences at home. Business needs to be done after some rules, so always take them seriously and to heart. Your customers are bound to see it reflected in the business. 
  • Invest in effective marketing strategies to increase your sales and to get the name of your business out there. Keep in mind that in order to earn money – you need to spend money. Sometimes investments are the shortcut to earning big! 
  • Don’t miss out on opportunities to make extra income off existing clients – offer grooming services, sell toys, etc. A bunch of small steps can lead you a long way! Increase your income steadily by offering new and interesting services. 
  • Keep track of everything from the hours you spend on bookkeeping to the money you spend on upkeep of your boarding facilities – over time you will start to notice opportunities to increase efficiency.
  • Reinvest in your business – when you first start your business you should put your early profits back into the business rather than putting them into your pocket. Here, patience is key. You’d be eager to spend all those first earnings, but the smartest thing is to play it cool and re-invest them into your business. This can only boost your efforts further, resulting in better earnings down the road. 
  • Don’t forget about savings – put away a little bit of money each week to help provide a cushion against disasters and unexpected costs. Just a little bit each week can amount to a lot of money at the end of the year. These savings can really come in handy in unexpected situations. You will thank yourself later. 
  • Hire quality staff – being an animal lover shouldn’t be the only criteria – look for people who are responsible and hardworking who will mesh with your existing staff. You cannot do everything by yourself. So don’t try to save money by refusing to hire new staff. It will affect the business badly. 

Don’t Start Without Considering:

Odds are, you haven’t just thought of this nilly-willy or because you love dogs so much. (Although maybe you have, and that’s okay too. Just be sure to pay attention to the following tips!)

It’s quite a possibility that you have already worked in a doggy day care or kennel and this maybe inspired you to get into the biz yourself. If not, it’s something that may be super beneficial to you as you open your own, and working in an established operation beforehand will give you a wealth of knowledge and experience money just can’t buy. If you work in an established boarding or kenneling business, you’ll be able to see what works (and what doesn’t) and how you’d like to operate in your own right. You’ll gain good experience with animal behaviors from different animals, how to handle different health issues and general maintenance issues that may come up with your own facility.

If you’ve not worked as a vet tech, pet sitter, dog walker or animal shelter employee or volunteer, doing so is also something that could bring valuable, first-hand experience on the ‘dime’, so-to-speak, of another organization before you jump in on your own.

You also want to consider finding local membership groups for kennel owners that will give you insight and education opportunities, as well as networking situations that may be advantageous for different circumstances you may find yourself or your facilities in. Like-minded people committed to the same concepts of quality kenneling are great communities to find, and ones that can enrich your experience and that of your potential customers as well.

We also can’t stress protecting yourself and your customers enough. Consider whether you’ll be a business, a sole proprietorship, a limited liability company or something else altogether. Talk with others in the industry and your attorney.

Be SURE to have insurance–for you and for your clients, and make sure you have an established protocol and partnership for emergency situations. They WILL come up, and preparation is the key to surviving them.

Starting a business isn’t easy and it definitely isn’t something you should jump into without proper forethought and preparation. If you feel as though you have the time, the financial means and the drive to successfully operate a dog boarding business, however, don’t let anything stop you from accomplishing your goals!

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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Common Garden Plants That Can Send Your Dog into Cardiac Arrest

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Are you searching for a pet-friendly camping solution for the upcoming travel season? If so, you’re in luck! Located in Kanab, Utah, the Best Friends Sanctuary offers a beautiful getaway for animal lovers.The location offers hiking trails, children’s activities, the Sanctuary store, the Angel Village café, and, of course, the animal sanctuary. Whether you plan on staying for a night or more, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy your trip while making a difference for the most vulnerable.Located on 3,700 acres, it is home to up to 1,600 animals on any given day. The animals in their care include cats, dogs, birds, bunnies, horses, pigs, and others.There are 18 RV sites with 30—and 50-amp power, septic, and water hookups. Free Wi-Fi is also available to visitors. While the sites can accommodate larger RVs and trailers, any over 21 feet may have difficulty navigating the roads within the sanctuary, and it is recommended that these guests have a separate vehicle to get around during their stay.If you don’t have an RV, cottages and cabins are also available on-site. The most significant differences between these two options are the guest capacity and location. Cottages can accommodate groups of up to six, while cabins are designed for only one or two people. Unlike the cabins, which share a group patio area, each cottage has its own dedicated patio or deck.Visitors can reserve a tour of the sanctuary to see the beautiful views and the incredible work the organization is doing or sign up to volunteer. It’s the perfect opportunity for those who want to give back, dedicating a small portion of your vacation to helping around the sanctuary and leaving you with the good feeling of knowing you made a difference.You can schedule a volunteer shift up to a year in advance with tasks including:Walking the animalsPreparing and serving foodQuality time playing with or petting the animalsCleaning (dishes, mopping, etc.)Making toys or treatsGeneral maintenance and upkeep on the groundsThe minimum age for volunteering depends on the task, with the Bunny House and Parrot Garden accepting volunteers as young as eight.If camping isn’t your travel style, no problem. Five minutes down the road, you will find the Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile, a boutique pet-centric hotel. The location offers 40 rooms and suites, a complimentary vegan continental breakfast, an on-site pet grooming facility, and a dog park complete with a seasonal splash pad.With an allowed maximum of four pets per room and no pet fee, the hotel takes “pet-friendly” to a whole new level!Are you traveling without your pet and need to get your “fix” of cuddles and playtime? You can also host a sleepover with a dog or cat from the sanctuary at the hotel. Simply contact the hotel in advance to arrange for a furry sleepover guest.Of course, if you fall in love with an adoptable animal during your stay, you can always apply to add that furry (or feathered) friend to your family before leaving.Make your reservation to stay at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary on their website today!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Senior Dog Goes Viral for Ensuring Family Doesn't Move Without Her

Senior Dog Goes Viral for Ensuring Family Doesn't Move Without Her

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Numerous studies have investigated the bond between humans and dogs, showing that canine companionship offers physical and emotional benefits, such as reduced blood pressure, increased oxytocin levels, and decreased levels of the stress hormone cortisol. However, few studies have looked at what happens in a person’s brain when they interact with a dog. A new study, led by researchers in South Korea did just that!In this study, researchers measured the participant’s brain waves during interactions with a four-year-old standard poodle, named Aro. The team wanted to find out how specific activities affected the participants’ mood.The study involved 30 healthy participants who were asked to engage in eight distinct activities with Aro. The activities included meeting, playing, massaging, feeding, grooming, hugging, photographing, and walking the dog. Before the activities began, the participants were asked to sit and stare at a wall for three minutes to minimize any stimulation that could affect the study’s results. The researchers used headsets of electrodes to measure participants' brain wave activity while they interacted with the dog. The results showed that activities like walking the dog increased relaxation while brushing the dog improved concentration. Interestingly, playing with the dog increased both concentration and relaxation. “Previous studies of the potential benefits of animal interactions often take a holistic approach, comparing people’s mood or hormone levels before and after spending time with a dog,” explained Onyoo Yoo, the study’s lead author, and researcher at Konkut University in South Korea. “It is a significant finding that engaging in certain activities with dogs can increase specific brain activity,” he added, according to NBC News. Yoo’s team asked the participants to engage in eight activities, for three minutes each, while wearing brainwave-detecting headsets. The participants also needed to complete surveys after each activity, describing how they felt emotionally.The team discovered that alpha brain waves, which indicate relaxation and stability, became stronger when participants played with Aro using squeaky toys and when they took her for a walk on a park trail. These results showed that participants were in an increased state of rest and relaxation. On the other hand, beta brain waves, which are associated with attention and concentration, became stronger when participants brushed Aro or gave her a gentle massage. This showed that participants’ concentration improved without an increase in stress. All participants reported feeling less stressed, tired, and depressed after all eight activities. According to the study, activities such as hugging, feeding, and massaging the dog improved the participants’ moods, in particular. “This study demonstrated that specific dog activities could activate stronger relaxation, emotional stability, attention, concentration, and creativity by facilitating increased brain activity,” said Yoo. “In addition, interactions with dogs could decrease stress and induce positive emotional responses.”For example, playing with a dog not only relaxes the mind but also increases concentration. This dual effect shows that dogs could play an important role in therapies designed to reduce stress and improve mental focus. Past studies have suggested that dogs could help ease symptoms of depression or PTSD, but it’s still unclear how effective that type of pet therapy may be. Researchers agree that people need to enjoy being around dogs for this type of animal-assisted therapy to work. More studies are needed to confirm the validity of these findings. But if you already have a dog, there’s now even more evidence supporting interaction with your pet. So go ahead and take your dog for a walk or a play session in the park, you’ll both feel better after it!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Do I Choose the Best Muzzle for My Dog?

How Do I Choose the Best Muzzle for My Dog?

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Dog Ran A Mile to Her Doggy Daycare Center for Help After A Car Crash

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A frightened dog ran a mile through heavy traffic to its doggy daycare to get help after she and her owner were in a car crash. Melisa Fickel, the dog’s owner, said that Aries, a three-year-old pit bull mix has always been a smart pooch. The pup, who was adopted in 2020, learns tricks quickly and loves to play in the park. Aries recently got a chance to show exactly how smart she is. The pooch and her owner were heeded to a local park in Detroit, Michigan when another car hit them from behind. Luckily, no one was injured, and both vehicles sustained only minor damages. However, the car accident spooked Aries, prompting her to jump out of the car’s window and run off into traffic. “I had the windows down because Aries likes to hang her head out,” said Fickel to a local TV station. “As soon as there was that smack, as soon as I felt and heard it, almost instantaneously, she was out the window.”Fearing the worst, Fickel was concerned about her pup’s safety. While dealing with the police and her insurance company, her mind was preoccupied with all the ways Aries could be in danger,“I can’t really think about it because so many things could have happened,” she added.What Fickel didn’t know is that Aries ran about a mile down the road, to the safest place she could be in - the Hounds Town Metro Detroid, the doggy daycare she frequently visits. Security footage recorded at the daycare showed Aries arriving at the center during the staff’s noon break when employees usually shut down the lobby to clean and catch up with other tasks. According to Dominic Pace, the daycare’s general manager, he and another employee were in the lobby when they saw something outside. “We noticed something dart past the front door,” said Pace. “It was like a black blur that just went past.”Thinking that they might have seen a dog, Pace went outside and found Aries standing by the sidewalk leading to the daycare’s front door. The pooch was panting and looked scared. Once inside the daycare, Aries has calmed down. Pace thought the dog looked familiar, so he called Travis Odgen, the daycare’s owner. At first, Odgen thought that it might be a stray dog, but as he got a better look, he instantly recognized Aries. “I was like, ‘Oh, that looks like Aries’ and then she walks closer and I’m like ‘That is Aries!’” he said. “I start to pet her and she gives me kisses, and she rolls over for me, recognizing me.”Although happy to see Aries, Odgen was confused to see the pooch without her owner. He immediately called Fickel to find out what was happening and to tell her that her dog was in the daycare.Everything made sense once Odgen learned about the fender bender and Aries’ escape. He assured the pup’s owner that she was safe and sound, minus a small cut on her paw. The staff promised to look after the pup until her owner sorted out everything and was able to pick her up.According to Pace, Aries is a very friendly and sweet dog who loves to flop on her back, expecting belly rubs from anyone nearby. “Dogs do have an intuition of knowing where they are and where they can be safe,” he said. “She knows that she’s safe here, that she has people here that will take care of her and dogs are pretty intuitive when it comes to that kind of thing.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Does Your Dog Have What it Takes to Be a B.A.R.K. Ranger?

Does Your Dog Have What it Takes to Be a B.A.R.K. Ranger?

Is your dog your favorite adventure buddy? Do you dream of exploring America’s National Parks system with your furry best friend by your side? While many parks have limitations on where dogs are allowed, the popularity of pet-friendly travel is on the rise. In response, the U.S. National Park Service introduced a program to teach dog parents how to travel with their pups responsibly – the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program. But does your dog have what it takes to be a B.A.R.K. Ranger? What is involved in earning that title anyway? In this article, we will break down the B.A.R.K. principles and why they are so important for responsible outdoor travel. We will also share tips for helping your dog become a certified B.A.R.K. ranger. What Does the Acronym “B.A.R.K.” Stand For? Let’s start at the beginning—what exactly is the B.A.R.K. Ranger program, and what does the acronym “B.A.R.K.” stand for? Recognizing that a growing number of dog parents wanted to bring their pups with them when visiting the parks, the U.S. National Park Service recognized a need for education on how to travel with dogs responsibly. This means focusing on the importance of respecting the environment, local wildlife, and other visitors to the park. This program is a partnership between the National Park Service (NPS) and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). It is part of the Healthy Parks Healthy People Initiative, which is focused on the idea that “parks can be gateways to good health – for people and the planet.” The B.A.R.K. acronym stands for: B – Bag your pet’s wasteA – Always leash your petR – Respect wildlife K – Know where you can goThe concept is similar to the traditional Leave No Trace principles but focuses on how a dog may impact the environment and the overall park experience. What Are the Qualifications to Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger? The good news is that the requirements to become a B.A.R.K. Ranger are very broad. The program is open to dogs of all ages, breeds, sizes, and activity levels. From the senior chihuahua who prefers to be carried along the trail while still enjoying the fresh air to the high-energy Border Collie who could hike for days without stopping, all are welcome! So, does your dog meet the qualifications? As long as they are dog – YES!What is the Process of Getting Your Dog’s B.A.R.K. Ranger Certification? This is where the conversation becomes a little more complicated. While the B.A.R.K. Ranger program is a National Park Service program, the exact requirements to be named a B.A.R.K. Ranger vary from park to park. This allows each park to customize the program to best suit its area and the needs of those who visit each park specifically. At some parks, you will be asked to take a booklet and fill it out. Once you have completed the booklet, you will receive your commemorative leash tag. At other parks, a program is offered that you will attend to learn more about the B.A.R.K. principles and how they can be applied in your travels. Finally, some parks make it incredibly easy. They ask those interested to learn about the B.A.R.K. principles at home before coming to the park. Upon arrival, the dog's parents are asked if they understand and agree with them. They then take a pledge to follow these principles before their dog is given the coveted title.

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What to Do If Your Dog Ingested Something They Shouldn't?

What to Do If Your Dog Ingested Something They Shouldn't?

It’s no secret dogs are nosy – especially when they suspect food is involved. They’ll have no problem jumping on the counter, digging through trash, or “sneakily” stealing stuff off your coffee table if given a chance. Not only that this type of behavior can be really irritating for the owner, but it is also downright dangerous. Dogs can easily swallow something that could cause serious health issues – a tiny object that can cause choking, a hazardous chemical, or some human food that is poisonous to them. In either of these cases, the owner should be prepared and alert as acting quickly is crucial when your pet eats something that they shouldn’t have. But what exactly do you need to do if this happens? What is the course of action to help a dog who ingested something they simply should not? Let’s go over it.What to Do If Your Dog Ingested Something They Shouldn't: Step By Step ExplainedIf your dog has ingested something they shouldn't have, it's important to act quickly. Every second counts in this case so don’t panic even if that’s your first instinct. Going into panic mode never helps and can only make things worse. Instead, try to assess the situation and figure out what has been ingested so you can act accordingly. Here are some general guidelines to follow, but keep in mind that you should always consult with your veterinarian for advice tailored to your specific situation.It is imperative to stay calm. It's understandable to feel scared and panicked, but it's crucial to stay composed. Panicking can make it difficult to think clearly and take appropriate action. Take a deep breath, strengthen your resolve and act.Always try to identify the substance or item ingested, if it’s possible to do so very quickly. This information can be helpful for your veterinarian to provide accurate advice. Do you notice any small objects missing? Any open containers or something similar? Quickly try to find the clues.It goes without saying that it is always crucial to call your veterinarian immediately. Provide them with details about what your dog ingested, the amount, and any symptoms your dog is experiencing. After all, they are professionals who know how to deal with these situations in an efficient manner and will give you the guidelines suited to your situation.Keep in mind not to induce vomiting. Inducing vomiting can be dangerous in some situations and should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian. Certain substances or items can cause more harm if brought back up. Unless instructed otherwise, don’t do it.Disperse with the panic and fears, and follow the advice of your veterinarian to the letter. Your veterinarian will provide specific instructions based on the substance ingested. Follow their advice carefully, whether it involves inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, or other measures.It is important to monitor your dog and their behavior. Keep a close eye on them for any changes in behavior, signs of distress, or dangerous symptoms. Be prepared to provide this information to your veterinarian. Sometimes, nothing will show at first, but could later on. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend immediate action, such as going to an emergency veterinary clinic. Follow their advice promptly, or if you see that your dog is in danger, do so as fast as possible.

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How to Start a Dog Boarding Business

Dog boarding is a great business opportunity for animal lovers and, according to The American Pet Products Association, is also one of the fastest-growing aspects of the pet industry. In this column, we'll discuss how to start a dog boarding business and everything you will need to know to make your business venture a success.

Of course starting a dog boarding business is not for everyone, but for those who are passionate about animals, it is a business that can be emotionally, as well as financially, rewarding. Boarding kennels offer a convenient place for pet owners to leave their animals while they're traveling.

These types of facilities can range from luxurious pet “hotels” and “spas” to indoor and outdoor no-frills-type boarding. Some boarding facilities pair with dog groomers and other canine service providers to pamper and spoil your pet while you're away. Others are in-home businesses that treat your dog like a member of their own family.

Dog boarding businesses are almost guaranteed to have clients no matter where they are located. Whether you're in an urban area or a small rural town, there are sure to be dog owners located in your area who will be traveling and will require boarding services. The key is to plan your business to meet the needs of your customers.

With proper planning and preparation, you’re sure to be a success! Owning a business is not for everyone, but if you think you have what it takes and you're interested in learning more about how to start a dog boarding business, this guide will help you create a plan for getting your venture started.

Dog boarding sounds simple, right? All you have to do is build a few kennels, advertise, and the dogs will start showing up. Then you just feed them, walk them , and clean up after them for a few days until their owners return, and you get paid! Don't be fooled. Owning your own business is never that simple.

Before you stick an ‘Open’ sign on the front door, there are a few things that you need to think about. Small business owners wear many hats, and although you will be spending a lot of time with your four-legged guests, you need to be prepared for many other tasks as well. You’ll have to deal with:

  • Initial setup
  • Advertising
  • Customer Service
  • Office Administration

…and a few other things that will surely come up along the way.

RELATED: How to Start a Dog Breeding Business

It would be wise to take a small business class or two before jumping into the industry. Many organizations offer these types of classes for free. Do some research and speak with other small business owners to get a feel for all the things that you'll be responsible for. The more prepared you are now, the fewer surprises you'll find on the road to opening your dog boarding business.

The first thing you'll need is a passion for animals

The key to running a successful dog boarding business is having a passion for the clients you'll be working with. Remember it is imperative to provide a safe environment for the pets you are boarding and focus on the needs of each dog individually.

How to Start a Dog Boarding Business

To a pet owner, the health and happiness of their animal is high on their priority list, and they’re not going to board their furry friends with just anyone. Remember, people entrust that when they leave their pet in your hands, you are 100% committed to dispensing the best care possible for that animal.

It is imperative that your potential clients know that the same love and care you give to your pets is the love and care you will give to them. You'll likely be caring for a wide variety of dogs – some may be hyper, you'll likely care for senior dogs , and you'll surely meet a few that aren't super friendly – and you need to be prepared to give them all the time and attention that they deserve.

Gain Experience

Gaining experience in an animal-related field is a great way to get your feet wet before jumping into operating your own kennel business. Working as a pet sitter, dog walker, veterinary technician, or even an animal shelter volunteer is key to learning about facility maintenance, animal behavior, and animal health.

RELATED: 8 Ways to Work with Dogs as a Professional

Don't assume that just because you have your own pets, you will be fully capable of caring for other peoples' animals. Other dogs are trained differently than yours (and some aren't trained at all), and all animals have their own routines, preferences, and quirks. Not to mention that you will have multiple dogs at a time, and that could change the dynamic completely.

Check out the International Boarding and Pet Services Association and other membership groups that offer industry-specific training and education programs for kennel owners. Even if you have plenty of experience with animals and feel completely ready to take on a dog boarding business, additional training will look great on your resumé.

Research the Legalities

Before opening your boarding facility, you will need to contact your local zoning board to find out which zoning laws may be in place when starting and running a pet boarding business. Some areas do not allow pet boarding, so it is important for you to figure that out before you sign a lease on a commercial building. You should check with your local government and obtain written zoning department approval before moving forward.

How to Start a Dog Boarding Business

Your local government will also have all the information you'll need about any licenses or permits necessary to operate your business legally. There may be state and local procedures to follow and documentation to receive before your dog boarding business can officially open.

Boarding contracts will need to be drafted for your clients to sign as well. These contracts will protect you, your establishment, any employees you may have, and the dog and dog owner(s) as well. These contracts must be very detailed, and you may want to work with a lawyer to help you draft them.

Consult with a commercial insurance agent, too, and take out a liability insurance policy and establish a plan for emergency veterinary care should an animal suffer a medical emergency. If you're planning to run your business out of your home, you'll need more than just your homeowners insurance to protect you, your home, and your assets.

RELATED: How to Start a Pet Business with Dogs

It is also wise to speak with your attorney or accountant about forming your business as a limited liability company (LLC), sole proprietorship, or another entity. Try and choose a CPA who is familiar with the pet-related industry. Many small businesses run as sole proprietorships for the first year or two and then establish themselves as LLCs to separate their personal and business assets.

Select a Profitable Location

Once you've gotten all the zoning issues figured out, you can move on to selecting a location for your dog boarding business. When selecting a location, there are a few factors that need to be taken into consideration. In a perfect world, franchising or buying an existing kennel is the ideal way to go, but it is certainly possible you will have to build your facility from scratch.

This is where the start of your planning and expenses will be.  The location is one of the most important aspects of running a successful business. Be sure to select a site that is easily accessible with plenty of customer parking and away from residential areas.

Study your regional boarding market, analyzing every kennel near your location. You want to be in an area with many dog owners, but you don't want to be too close to competing boarding facilities.

If you are constructing a new facility, you must first be certain that you are allowed to have a kennel there. Also, look into what building permits you may need to either construct a new building or remodel an existing building.

Speak with your local government to see if there are any extra building precautions that you'll need to take as well. For example, you may be required to put in an extra high fence or one that reduces sound. You also may be required to add an additional septic tank or some other form of disposal for the dog waste .

Dog boarding facilities should be air-conditioned and heated to maintain a comfortable temperature for the animals all year round. If the facility you choose isn't equipped with these amenities, you'll need to make sure that you allow for them in your budget. Heating and cooling systems can be expensive, so you may want to get an estimate before you make your final decision.

How to Start a Dog Boarding Business

Boarding facilities usually include large play areas as well, where the dogs may interact and exercise. You may also need space for dog runs and a mix of cages. Agility courses and splash pools are becoming popular features, and some high-end boarding facilities offer live streaming webcams, small “suites” with human beds, and even televisions.

RELATED: How to Start a Dog Walking Business

You'll have to make some decisions about the amenities that you'll offer before making a decision on the space that you'll rent. Likewise, if you're planning on starting your dog boarding business at your home, you'll need to make sure you have plenty of space for all the features that you want to offer your clients.

There are a plethora of marketing options for a boarding kennel, including local media coverage, vehicle decals, mass mailings, newspaper or magazine ads, phone book ads, social media accounts, web pages, and more. And don't forget to leave business cards and flyers at supermarkets, office complexes, dog parks, pet supply stores, veterinary clinics, and any other places pet owners may congregate.

Your ability to advertise will be closely tied to your budget . Advertising can get very expensive when you start paying for television commercials and radio ads. Set a strict budget based on what you can afford, and DO NOT exceed your allotted amount.

You can spend a lot of money very quickly in the advertising market, and you don't want to overspend in this area to affect the supplies you are able to purchase or the funds you have available for building or remodeling your location.

As you can see,, there is a lot more to planning, opening, and maintaining a small business than meets the eye. You will be the owner, operator, administrative assistant, janitor, maintenance person, and so on. Knowing how to start a dog boarding facility is one thing, but committing to making it successful is another.

You have a lot of hard work ahead of you. If you're committed and dedicated, you'll find success. Just remember that proper planning now will make everything from writing your business plan to obtaining financing much easier. Putting in the work now will save you from making many mistakes in the future.

References and further reading:

  • https://hr.cornell.edu/life/support/pet_care.html
  • https://ansci.illinois.edu/groups/companion-animal-biology/dog-boarding-day-care-andor-grooming-services-ownermanager
  • https://www.sba.gov/blogs/getting-started-animal-care-and-services-industry

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Dog Kennel Business Plan

Mar.02, 2021

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Dog Kennel Business Plan

Table of Content

Do you want to start dog kennel business plan?

Do you want to start a dog kennel business? Well, the business is quite profitable because many people cannot provide the required care and maintenance to their pet animals. Primarily due to their busy routines. A dog kennel provides shelter, space, and professional care to pet dogs for a short and long time.

While the business is profitable, it is extremely demanding too. To make sure that your startup becomes your success, you’ll have to manage the land, resources, and finances to the full.

If you are looking for how to open dog kennels business you are on the right site. In this blog we will be providing all the details and business plan for dog kennel startup, Jake’s Kennel Club.

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

Jake’s Kennel Club will be a dog kennel facility based in Detroit. The registered, licensed and insured business will aim at providing all the services relevant to dog care and maintenance. To assist people who might not be able to take care of their dogs for any reason, we will provide a wide range of services from bathing their dogs to letting them exercise.

2.2 Management of Dog Kennel Business

Management of a dog kennel is not an easy task. When you are searching for how to set up a dog boarding business you must keep in mind that you’ll require to hire persons who are specialized in dog care and training. Moreover, you will be needing some vets, a lot of cleaners, and resource and finance management staff for starting a dog boarding business at home or any commercial building.

In this blog on how to start your own dog boarding business plan , we’ll provide all details of the personnel plan, financial plan, and all management-related strategies of Jake’s Kennel Club.

2.3 Customers of Dog Kennel Business

Our major customers will be adults and youngsters who cannot afford to care for their pets due to their job routines. Children and teens and senior citizens will also be availing of our services frequently.

2.4 Business Target

Our major targets are:

  • To achieve a repeat purchase rate of 90% by the end of the first six months.
  • To maintain a CSAT score of above 95% throughout our service years.
  • To earn a net profit margin of $26.7k per month by the end of the third year.

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

Jake’s Kennel Club will be started by Jake Frost. Jake is an MBA with an extreme passion for pet care. Throughout his life, he has kept several animals just because he loves helping nature.

3.2 Why the dog kennel business is being started

Jake wanted to start some different and newer sort of business. After analyzing his passion and interests he decided to start a dog kennel. The major reason behind this decision was his passion. He wanted to earn by doing what he loved the most.

3.3 How the dog kennel business will be started

Step1: Plan Everything

The first step is to study dog kennel business plan examples to understand what others are doing in this business domain. After analyzing several running a dog kennel business plans you should start developing a business plan for your startup. To help you in identifying the major components of a business plan, we are providing dog kennel business plan sample for Jake’s Kennel Club, free of cost.

Step2: Define the Brand

The second step is to acquire the licenses and registration and start working on defining the company’s values, targets, customer care policies, and services. Through these things, your customers will know who you are and how you are different than your competitors.

Step3: Establish Physical and Web Presence

The next you have to do is establishing your dog kennel. For that, you will have to recondition your land for providing activities, sleeping, and bathing spaces for dogs.

Moreover, to let your customers have an insight into your care and maintenance operations, you should launch your website. Through that, you will also be able to get online orders and payments.

Step4: Promote and Market

The last thing to finalize your launch is to develop and execute your sales strategy. It is only through influencing advertising that you will be able to attract more and more customers to your site.

By owning a dog kennel business you have the freedom to decide on any type of services. You may choose to provide general pet sitting services and you can also offer the services for just dog breeds.

Jake decided to offer services specifically restricted to just dogs. The services he’ll offer are listed here in this dog kennel business plan template.

  • Dog Daycare & Grooming: Our primary service will be providing a daycare facility for dogs. This service will last for 6 to 15 hours a day, according to the clients’ requirements. In this, we’ll be responsible for feeding, grooming, cleaning, and engaging your dog till the time you’re busy with other tasks. This service will include
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Walking Business
  • Dog Cleaning/ Washing/ Bathing
  • Dog Feeding
  • Dog Training: We’ll also provide dog training services business . In this, we’ll train your newly petted dogs to make them behave as you want.
  • Dog Boarding Service: In this service, we’ll provide dog daycare service on a long-term basis with night care and sleeping arrangements incorporated too. We will offer several packages for full-time dog care for multiple days to several weeks and months.
  • Dog Shuttle Service: To facilitate our customers we will offer dog shuttle services. In this, we will provide pick and drop services to their dogs. So that they don’t have to come to us to pick their pet animals.

Marketing Analysis of Dog Kennel Business

Marketing analysis is a must before you set up dog kennel business plan. In marketing analysis, you study the target marketplace to identify previous ups and downs and forecasted market analytics. Moreover, this analysis helps you in identifying your customers so that you can also set a pricing strategy that meets their needs and incomes.

In this blog on how to write a business plan for a dog kennel, we are providing marketing analysis done for Jake’s Kennel Club, free of cost.

5.1 Market Trends

Dog kennel businesses are high in demand and will remain in demand for the next five to ten years. According to IBISWorld, over 139k pet grooming and boarding businesses are running in the United States. In the past five years i.e. from 2016 to 2021, this industry has seen a growth rate of 1.9%. And the business is expected to grow by 23.4% in the U.S. in 2021 alone. Moreover, the U.S. market size of this business is estimated to be $8.8 billion in 2021 by the same source.

All these stats suggest that there are minimum risks of failure if you enter this venture. Therefore, you should not unnecessarily delay the launch anymore.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

Before you make a business plan for starting a dog kennel, you should explore the groups of your target customers. In-depth knowledge of your customers, their average incomes, buying capabilities, and interests help you in estimating sales. Through that, you can figure out how much to spend on your startup on a particular service while considering it from a sales point of view.

In this business plan for opening a dog kennel we’re providing the marketing segmentation done for Jake’s Kennel Club. By studying this you can have an idea of who is most likely to avail of your services.

5.2.1 Working Class

Our primary customers will be the adults and youngsters who have to go for their 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. jobs. Such people can never meet the needs of their pet animals whether they are hygienic or care-related.

To help this group, we’ll take care of their dogs for a specified time every day. In our dog daycare business plan , their dogs will be groomed and fed. Moreover, they will be involved in games, and exercising activities.

5.2.2 Senior Citizens

The second group of our target customers will comprise the senior citizens living in our city. Senior people usually keep pets but find it very hard to train or groom their pets themselves – that too daily. Therefore, we will do this difficult task for them.

5.2.3 Children & Teens

Our last group of customers will be the children and teens who are fond of keeping pets. But are too irresponsible to take good care of them. Thus, they are expected to bring their dogs to us for training, grooming, and washing them.

5.3 Business Target

Very professional.

Very professional and efficient services. Highly recommended.

Our business targets are to attain a net promoter score above 60 within a year of our launch. Moreover, we aim at achieving a repeat purchase rate of 90% by the end of the first six months. And to ensure a customer satisfaction score of above 95% throughout our service years.

5.4 Product Pricing

Our prices are almost the same as that of our competitors. Moreover, due to our highly customer-oriented policies, we have priced our shuttle services at the lowest rate in the whole market. To retain our potential customers, we’ll also be providing several discounts to our repeat clients.

Marketing Strategy

After establishing your business, you should start exploring dog kennel ideas plans to figure out the most suitable advertisement strategy. In this dog kennel business plan pdf we are providing the sales strategy for Jake’s Kennel Club to help you in developing yours.

6.1 Competitive Analysis

Our competitive benefits are listed below:

  • We are highly customer care oriented. To satisfy our customers we’ll allow them to monitor their pets at any time through a video call, or our mobile app.
  • Our prices for dog shuttle services are the lowest among all of our competitors.
  • Our workers are highly collaborative and loving. They will treat your animals with utmost care and love.

6.2 Sales Strategy

  • We’ll run a social media campaign emphasizing how we can help people taking care of their animals.
  • We’ll advertise our startup through Google Local ads service, local magazines, local newspapers, and by installing posters.
  • We’ll offer a 50% discount on dog daycare services for the first month of our launch.
  • We’ll provide a 30% discount on our dog training services for the first two months.

6.3 Sales Monthly

6.4 sales yearly, 6.5 sales forecast, personnel plan.

While you write business plan dog kennel you should also prepare a list of employees you’ll need to run your business. A good strategy for business is to also include their job descriptions and average salaries so that you can plan all aspects relevant to them.

7.1 Company Staff

Jake will be the CEO herself. For his assistance, he’ll hire:

  • 1 Co-Manager to monitor business operations
  • 1 Accountant to maintain financial records
  • 1 Dog Playground Supervisor to supervise dogs’ activities
  • 2 Pet Behavioral Trainers to train dogs
  • 4 Dog Groomers to ensure the dogs are clean and tidy
  • 2 General Dog Care Workers to take care of dogs’ health and food intake
  • 1 General Assistant
  • 1 Web Developer to manage the online presence
  • 1 Sales Executive to execute the sales strategy
  • 2 Cleaners to clean the facility
  • 1 Driver to provide shuttle service

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

Financial plan.

Setting up your business doesn’t ensure long-term success unless you have an accurate financial plan. The importance of a financial plan can never be ignored no matter how small your business is. When you are creating a business plan for a dog kennel you must include a detailed financial plan in it.

A comprehensive financial plan should contain break-even analysis, projected profit and loss tables, gross margin charts, cash flow table, and balance sheet. These analytics can help you understand how to minimize or avoid loss. Moreover, they can also help you proactively manage risks and unexpected situations.

For reference, we’re providing the financial plan developed for Jake’s Kennel Club here.

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 break-even analysis, 8.3 projected profit and loss, 8.3.1 profit monthly, 8.3.2 profit yearly, 8.3.3 gross margin monthly, 8.3.4 gross margin yearly, 8.4 projected cash flow, 8.5 projected balance sheet, 8.6 business ratios.

Download Dog Kennel Business Plan Sample in pdf

OGScapital also specializes in writing business plans such as a  business plan for horse training , business plans for cleaning .

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

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Embarking on a transformative journey through six chapters, we traverse India's landscape, exploring pioneering startups and their revolutionary...

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11 Super Cool Indian Pet Startups That Care About Your Furry Friends

Here are 10 Indian startups that cater to both four legged friends and the humans who love them. After all, pets are family!

11 Super Cool Indian Pet Startups That Care About Your Furry Friends

“Until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” – Anatole France

W ith over four million dogs, the Indian pet care market is pegged at over USD 1.22 billion with an annual growth rate of over 35 per cent. The exponential rise of pet ownership in cities like Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai and Bengaluru, has ensured that the Indian pet care industry is the fastest growing pet care industry globally.

As a result, a new breed of Indian entrepreneurs have emerged on the startup scene, striving to solve problems for what they are deeply passionate about – pets!

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From professional healthcare for your pets to finding safe homes for them when you travel, these startups are creating a whole new industry through services that were hitherto confined to the neighbourhood pet shop or are completely new.

Here are 10 Indian startups that cater to both, furry friends and the humans who love them. After all, pets are family!

1. vivaldis health and foods.

vivaldis

Vivaldis Health and Foods Pvt. Ltd. is a healthcare products company born out of the vision of professionals passionate about animal and human healthcare. The startup manufactures and markets novel medicines for chronic pet diseases such as obesity, cancer and arthritis. Since in India, almost 40% of pets suffer from lifestyle diseases, Vivaldis has also designed lifestyle management products for pets, duly supported by formulations for infection and infestation control. Founded in early 2015 by OP Singh, an animal health industry veteran, and Kunal Khanna, a London Business School graduate, Vivaldis operates in 25 cities across India.

2. TimeForPet

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Timeforpet.com  was founded by a team of pet lovers with a serious passion for helping pets and pet owners. This startup is a one-stop destination for everything a pet needs, be it food, accessories or medical care. It allows you to post free advertisements through which you can put up your pets for adoption or adopt a pet. The site also provides doctor’s advice, which basically means you can get assistance from a vet in case your pet has a medical emergency. The website also houses a list of reputed veterinary clinics in Bengaluru.

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Petdom is a pet adoption platform on a mission to find the right, deserving home for all pets in India. With the help of technology, Petdom aims to aggregate and facilitate the adoption of thousands of dogs from animal shelters and NGOs. Even current pet parents who are looking to re-home their loved pet can use Petdom to find suitable families and individuals. They have a verification process and a binding agreement which the pet adopters have to sign. Petdom also helps both the pet and its new family adapt to each other.

4. BarkNBond

A unique canine consultation service, BarkNBond was started by Pranita Balar, who quit her well-paying job to follow her love for animals and turn it into a profession. Balar, a canine consultant and ‘dognition’ evaluator, believes that positive training methods are the key to a fulfilling relationship between you and your pet. BarkNBond helps you find all pet-related places – from veterinary clinics to pet friendly cafes – with just a few taps on your phone. The startup also provides ‘dogs on demand’ to bring some canine cheer to offices. Currently, the app covers the city of Mumbai.

5. Collarfolk

collarfolk-dog-dreams

CollarFolk is for those people who hate to leave their pets behind when going on a vacation and would love for them to come along! This startup was born out of the founder Rukmini Vaish’s need to step out of town for a fun break without leaving behind Kiki, her 5-month-old golden retriever. She decided that she wanted to do both, and then went on to set up her startup to help like-minded people. Collarfolk helps people plan pet-friendly vacations with their ever-growing list of pet-friendly hotels, resorts and home stays across India. Other than that, they also help you find the right grooming and boarding services for your dogs. They even help you get a pet friendly taxi for the trip.

You May Like :  This Woman Rescued 44 Dogs from the Streets and Is Raising Them in Her House. Here’s Why!

6. BarkLoot

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BarkLoot is the brainchild of Usha Raghav, who started the online portal as a gesture of love for her dog, Atom. The portal brings you, or rather your pet, a box-full of cool things that are both safe and beneficial for the pet’s health. With BarkLoot’s monthly subscriptions, pets get to enjoy different products – from toys and treats to grooming products – every month. Pet parents also save big on time and money by letting the start-up curate and deliver the products right at their doorsteps.

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The doggie version of AirBnB, Waggle is an online community of dog lovers that help traveling pet parents find safe and pet-friendly homes in the places they are visiting. Waggle handpicks each of it’s hosts through a vetting process to ensure that they are genuine dog lovers with sufficient knowledge in pet care. The founder duo of Sameera Abraham and Arjun Mathai also host dogs at their own homes frequently.

8. Doggie Dabbas

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Doggie Dabbas aims to change the fact that while humans have plenty of choice to order food, pets have to be content with packaged food at best. It is a one-stop shop which provides the benefits of home-cooked food combined with the convenience of traditional packaged dog food. Healthy, home-cooked and customized meals are vacuum-packed with the latest technology and hand-delivered to the doorstep. Founder and pet chef Rashee Kachroo got a brainwave about getting into the cuisine-for-canines business when she realised that her own three dogs preferred her cooking over branded dog food products.

9.PetPhotographer

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Missed out on taking pictures of your pet chasing his tail, sleeping on the window sill or asking for more food with that irresistible wide-eyed look? PetPhotographer captures those fun moments with your pets, be it indoors or outdoors. Founder and pet photographer, Aakanksha Tavag takes pictures that highlights your pets’ personalities in the best ways possible. As the former Google employee likes to say, she loves capturing precious moments with pets through her camera.

10. Dogsee Chew

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Dogsee Chew  was founded purely for the love of dogs. Founder Bhupendra Khanal, who headed an analytics firm for 7 years, quit his job to start DogSee Chew. The start up makes organic dog treats from natural ingredients that are directly sourced from the Himalayas. They are then made using an ancient recipe of hardened yak and cow milk. They have also collaborated with Therpup, a dog cafe in Bengaluru where pet lovers can come, relax and play with dogs.

11. The Paws Pack

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The brainchild of Tanya Kanetkar Kane and Neha Panchamiya Jangle, The Paws Pack offers holistic solutions for pet-lovers, from hydrotherapy and hostels to pet transportation and training clubs. They also have a state-of-the-art pet resort where a pet can get its own room to relax in when their pet parent is not in town. The pet-loving duo are also proud to have a RESQ veterinary clinic on their Pune premises that offers permanent discounts to pet owners who have adopted Indian breeds.

Also Read :  This Girl Celebrated Her Dog’s 14th Birthday by Treating 70 Street Dogs to the Bash of a Lifetime!

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Kennel & Pet Boarding Business Plans

Animal day care business plan.

Doggie Pause plans to collar the market for canine daycare giving well-heeled professionals a new leash on life.

Dog and Cat Kennel Business Plan

Noah's Arf is a full service animal care facility providing quality pet care and excellent service in a pet friendly environment.

Dog Kennel Business Plan

The Creature Nannie offers specialized dog boarding and care in a home environment as an alternative to kennels.

Horse Boarding Real Estate Business Plan

EquineAcres is a clean, attractive, well run resort community dedicated to horses and their owners.

Create an experience that your guests can’t stop barking about by opening your own kennel and pet boarding business. Get started with one of our sample business plans to make sure you have everything in order to keep their tails wagging.

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery and Museum

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

dog boarding business plan india

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

dog boarding business plan india

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

dog boarding business plan india

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

dog boarding business plan india

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

dog boarding business plan india

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

dog boarding business plan india

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

dog boarding business plan india

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

dog boarding business plan india

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  2. How much does it cost to build a dog boarding facility

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  2. What supplies do I need for a dog boarding business? Part Five: Play

  3. #huskey #ViralHuskey #trandingshorts #tranding #viralvideo #subscribers #INDIA🇮🇳

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  5. Owning and operating a dog boarding business from home! Repairs and a messed up knee? #dogboarding

  6. What supplies do I need for a dog boarding business? Part Four: Walking

COMMENTS

  1. [Start-it-up] How to Start a Dog Boarding Business

    Setting up a dog boarding requires one-time heavy investment on setting up the facility. Furnishing and additional construction in the facility will cost INR 4.5-5 lakh. Setting up the play area ...

  2. How to Start a Dog Daycare or Dog Boarding Business in India

    How to Start a Dog Daycare or Dog Boarding Business in India. There are 19.5 million pet dogs in India as per a report tabulated in 2018.The pet dog population is expected to rise to 31 million by end of the year 2023. Pet ownership traits have increased tremendously even in these times of pandemic. The pet boarding and grooming industry is also all set to take a major chunk out of the pet ...

  3. Dog Boarding Business Plan [Free Template

    Industry Overview. The market size, measured by revenue, of the Pet Grooming & Boarding industry, is $8.4bn in 2021 and is growing rapidly. The growing preference for having pets increased awareness about their health and hygiene requirements has led to this growth. The dog boarding industry has grown due to people having full working days and ...

  4. Dog Boarding Business Plan PDF Template (Free Download)

    Key Elements of a Successful Dog Boarding Business Plan 1. Market analysis and target audience identification. To create a successful dog boarding kennel business plan, it's crucial to conduct a thorough market analysis and identify your target audience. This involves researching the local dog kennel and pet care industry, understanding ...

  5. How to Start a Profitable Pet Boarding Business [11 Steps]

    1. Perform market analysis. Before diving into the pet boarding industry, a thorough market analysis is essential to understand the demand, competition, and potential for growth. This initial step lays the groundwork for a successful business by providing insights into the needs and preferences of your target market.

  6. The #1 Pet Boarding Business Plan Template & Guidebook

    How to Write a Pet Boarding Business Plan in 7 Steps: 1. Describe the Purpose of Your Pet Boarding Business. The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your pet boarding business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers.

  7. How to Write a Dog Boarding Business Plan

    A dog boarding business plan also forces you to think through every single aspect of your pet boarding business, from the services you'll provide to the pet owners you're trying to target. It allows you to really analyze your financial goals and research the overhead costs your business will incur.

  8. How to Start a Dog Boarding Business (2024 Guide)

    9. Hire Your Staff. Another critical part of opening a business is hiring staff. You cannot be the only employee of your boarding business, so you are going to have to hire. Some boarding ...

  9. How to Start a Profitable Dog Boarding Business

    During your planning stages, decide how to make your business profitable. Setting a price initially seems easy, but it will actually be one of the hardest decisions you'll make. Prices vary widely. Cupps says the average rate for boarding a dog is around $12-18 per day where she lives, but Care.com puts the rate at closer to $20-25 per day.

  10. Paw Power: How pets are becoming a serious business in India

    India's pet care industry is growing at a CAGR of 16.5%, according to Decipher Market Research Agency, with the market size expected to reach $1,932.6m by 2030. The fastest growing pet care sectors are pet food, pet accessories, grooming, and healthcare, with increased spending leading to higher investor appetite. Premium pet products - such as organic food, luxury accessories, personalised ...

  11. Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Dog Boarding Business

    Starting a dog boarding business is a thrilling venture that allows you to combine your love for dogs with entrepreneurship. By conducting thorough market research, ensuring legal compliance, creating a welcoming facility, and implementing effective marketing strategies, you can lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling business.

  12. How to Start a Dog Boarding Business

    1. Choose the Name for Your Dog Boarding Business. The first step to starting a dog boarding facility is to choose your business' name. This is a very important choice since your company name is your brand and will last for the lifetime of your business. Ideally you choose a name that is meaningful and memorable.

  13. What You Should Know Before Starting a Dog Boarding Business

    If your primary motivation for opening a dog boarding business is to make easy money, you should think again - as is true of any business, you need money upfront to get your business started and then it could take some time before you start to see a profit. It could cost you anywhere between $25,000 and $80,000 to get your business off the ...

  14. How to Start a Dog Boarding Business

    All you have to do is build a few kennels, advertise, and the dogs will start showing up. Then you just feed them, walk them, and clean up after them for a few days until their owners return, and ...

  15. PDF Dog Boarding Business Plan Example

    Dog Boarding BUSINESS PLAN Your dog's favorite time of the day Prepared By John Doe (650) 359-3153 10200 Bolsa Ave, Westminster, CA, 92683 [email protected] https://upmetrics.co. Table of Contents Executive Summary 4 Mission Statement 5 Vision Statement 5 Customer Focus 6 Success Factors 6 Financial Summary 6

  16. Dog Kennel Business Plan Sample [Edition 2024]

    To help you in identifying the major components of a business plan, we are providing dog kennel business plan sample for Jake's Kennel Club, free of cost. Step2: Define the Brand. The second step is to acquire the licenses and registration and start working on defining the company's values, targets, customer care policies, and services.

  17. 11 Indian Pet Startups That Care About Your Furry Friends

    BarkNBond helps you find all pet-related places - from veterinary clinics to pet friendly cafes - with just a few taps on your phone. The startup also provides 'dogs on demand' to bring some canine cheer to offices. Currently, the app covers the city of Mumbai. 5. Collarfolk.

  18. Dog and Cat Kennel Business Plan Example

    20 visits = $10.00 discount. Three referrals = one free day care visit gift certificate. Monthly business card drawing = one free visit. Create specified packages = one day, one night, one wash for a special discount price. Multiple pets from the same family = family discount rate.

  19. Kennel & Pet Boarding Business Plans

    Horse Boarding Real Estate Business Plan. EquineAcres is a clean, attractive, well run resort community dedicated to horses and their owners. Create an experience that your guests can't stop barking about by opening your own kennel and pet boarding business. Get started with one of our sample business plans to make sure you have everything in ...

  20. Time difference between Wardha, India and Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast

    Time difference between Wardha, India and Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast, Russia. Wardha is 2 hours 30 minutes ahead of Elektrostal. Time in Wardha Time in Elektrostal; 07:38 PM Thursday, April 25, 2024 Wardha's time zone: UTC+05:30 or IST : 05:08 PM Thursday, April 25, 2024

  21. Transport in Zvenigorod

    Zvenigorod is located in 50km from Moscow and has very good transport connection with Moscow. Zvenigorod Railway Station Zvenigorod Railway Station is located far from the city centre. To get to the centre from the railway station, take bus No. 23 or No. 51.

  22. Russia: Gazprom Appoints Pavel Oderov as Head of International Business

    March 17, 2011. Pavel Oderov was appointed as Head of the International Business Department pursuant to a Gazprom order. Pavel Oderov was born in June 1979 in the town of Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast. He graduated from Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas with an Economics degree in 2000 and a Management degree in 2002.

  23. Stormy Daniels Takes the Stand

    On today's episode. Jonah E. Bromwich, who covers criminal justice in New York for The New York Times. Stormy Daniels leaving court on Thursday, after a second day of cross-examination in the ...

  24. Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery and Museum

    Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar ...