9 Steps To Become a Dog Daycare Center

Why You Should Start a Dog Daycare Center Business Today

Doggy daycare or dog daycare that matches your dog's needs, your schedule, and your lifestyle.

Puppies and high-energy dogs
Dogs with unique needs, including seniors
Pet parents who work long hours
Dogs with separation anxiety

In the United States, 2 of every 4 persons have at least one pet. In fact, the animal industry raked in over 28 billion dollars in 2013 alone, and most of these pet owners need someone to look after their pets while they are away to work or on vacation. Common, what are you doing now? Watching TV? No, don’t while away your time. Time is precious.

There are several people out there looking for pet sitters, but they won’t broadcast it. You can start by approaching your neighbors’ (those with pets), and offer to babysit their pets. Some may have dogs, cats, or even more exotic pets like reptiles. I suggest you go to dogs.

The reason why I advised you target your neighbors before going out to solicit for clients is that your neighbors already know YOU. They trust you, and they know that will give them peace of mind, and their pet will be well taken care of.

Starting a Dog Daycare Center – Sample Business Plan Template

Step 1. Do Your Homework

The first step to starting a dog daycare center is to do your preliminary research. Is the idea sellable in your area? Are there pet owners in your area? If yes, do they need such services? After you have established the fact that an opportunity for a dog daycare exists, you can then proceed to the next step.

Step 2. Analyze the Existing Competition

You can start by making a list of the existing completion and the type of dog care services they offer. What are they doing that you can do better? Find out what makes them so successful. Interview people and find out what services they are interested in. By talking to 5 people, you will get a good idea of what services you should offer.

Step 3. Crosscheck the Existing laws in your state

Before starting your dog care business, you need to research this: Are there local or state laws governing dog businesses in your area? If there is any, then you need to approach your local council and find what it takes to start a dog daycare center (licenses, permits, taxes, etc.)!

You should also check within your courtroom. Who knows, pet sitting business may not be permitted in your neighborhood. So, ensure you research this information well ahead of time to clear headaches.

Step 4. Mingle with experts

It took me approximately a year and a half to build Strategicbusinessteam.com to succeed, but I didn’t do it all alone! I learned from experts like Darren Rowse and Zac Johnson. The same applies to when starting a pet sitting business. You need to visit a veterinarian. Ask him what you need to start your business, and things you can add to make your business stand out from the competition.

Step 5. Get prepared

It’s time to get prepared. I believe now you are done with your research. Are you? Okay, good. You will need to get clients for your doggie daycare. You must get them. It’s a license for your business. You also need experience. If you are planning to start a pet sitting business, BIG TIME, you need experience. Volunteer to join a vet clinic

Step 6. Come Up With a KICK-ASS Dog Care Business Plan

This is important. Example of questions you ask and answer when writing your business plan include:
What dog care services will you offer?
How much is it going to cost you to rent a shop or dog care center?
Where will the shop be located? Where will you be running the business from?
Are you planning on starting on a small scale level? Or, are you just doing it to get some part-time bucks?

You must try to answer these questions in the business plan. Your business plan should also include documentation on things like:

Mode of operation

House of operation

How to handle dogs with unique talents or needs

Startup costs and financial projections

Risks and challenges of running a dog daycare center

Step 7. You need a facility

Yes, you will need a facility to run your business from. You will need space (somewhere big enough to protect the pets). Your outdoor should be fenced; you also need to keep your facility stocked with foods and other medical supplies to care for the pets.

Step 8. Get Insurance Covering

This is very important as you would be dealing with pets that are not yours and may be difficult to control. So please get a pet insurance cover, as you might need it in case of a mishap. Also, you must set up this business alongside an attorney or lawyer. This will help ensure you are covered legally.

Step 9. Start executing your marketing plan

How are you going to advertise your doggie business? Through flyers, banners, or printed T-shirts? Through newspapers, ads, or word of mouth referrals? You need to decide on your marketing plan and start executing it immediately. Most people wait until their business is up and running before marketing their business, but smart entrepreneurs create awareness about their business before it is launched.

Also, you should start a Facebook fan page for your business. You should build a blog and post pictures and content of your business. Join social networking groups and participate in dog forums, as you are bound to meet prospective clients and get business tips from dog business owners.

In conclusion, you must bear in mind that it takes hard work to build a dog care business that generates thousands of dollars monthly. But you can create one if you focus. Yes. Focus.