Starting a dog boarding business can feel overwhelming at first. It can be difficult to know where to begin to set your business up for success. One of the most important factors in running a successful dog boarding business is choosing the right boarding facility. Professionals in the pet care industry find that our high-quality dog boarding structures offer an excellent solution for their housing needs. Since every boarding business has unique requirements, our customization options help you create a space that fits your specific challenges and goals.
We don’t just provide kennels to help you launch your business. In this blog, we’ll walk you through essential steps and tips on how to start a dog boarding business.
Tips on How To Start A Dog Boarding Business
It’s important to keep in mind that the steps to starting a dog boarding business will vary depending on the type of boarding services you plan to offer. The resources needed for a dog boarding facility are different from those required for a dog breeding operation. Below, we’ll go over some essential tips to help you get started, no matter what kind of dog boarding business you’re planning.
Step 1: Research & Define Your Business Model
Before investing time and money, research the pet care industry in your area. Answer key questions:
- What’s the demand? Are pet owners looking for overnight boarding, daycare services, or specialized care (e.g., senior dogs, high-energy breeds, medical needs)?
- Who are your competitors? Visit other boarding facilities, read reviews, and find gaps in their services.
- What type of boarding will you offer? Decide between:
- Traditional Kennel-Style Boarding (individual enclosures)
- Metal Kennel Kits (welded wire or chain link for secure boarding)
- Luxury Boarding (private suites, webcams, special perks)
- In-Home Boarding (smaller, personalized experience)
Step 2: Legal & Financial Setup
Before accepting clients, you need to make your business official.
- Choose a business name – Make it catchy, easy to remember, and check for availability.
- Register Your Business – Depending on your location, register as an LLC, sole proprietorship, or corporation.
- Get Permits & Licenses – Most areas require:
- Business license
- Zoning permits
- Animal care permits, as required by your local government
- Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) if hiring employees.
- Get Insurance – Protect yourself with liability insurance, property insurance, and pet care coverage.
Step 3: Setting Up Your Kennel Facility
Having the ideal setup is key to the success of your dog kennel business. The first step is to choose a location that is ideal for this. An area that meets zoning requirements, is easily accessible, and has plenty of space for the dogs is typically best. From there, you can design a dog kennel with everything you need, such as an indoor and outdoor area for your dogs, safe, secure, and clean kennels, and additional features such as play areas, climate-controlled kennels, whelping spaces, and grooming stations.
You’ll also want key equipment and supplies for your dog kennel business, including:
- Feeding & watering stations
- Cleaning supplies & Wash Down Solutions
- Training Tools such as agility equipment, leashes, and toys
- Bedding & comfort items
- Security Cameras for monitoring
Step 4: Set Up Your Pricing & Services
It’s time to set your pricing! Your pricing should reflect your services, location, and competitors.
- Basic Boarding Rates: Set a daily/nightly rate based on market research.
- Add-On Services: Offer extras like training, grooming, webcam access, or premium bedding.
- Memberships & Packages: Offer discounts for long-term boarding or repeat customers.
- Consider Seasonal Pricing: Adjust rates during peak times (holidays, summer vacation) when demand is higher.
- Tiered Pricing: Offer different levels of care, such as standard or luxury accommodations, for varying price points.
Step 5: Create Policies & Client Agreements
The specific policies and procedures you need will depend on the type of dog kennel business you plan to start. However, it’s essential to establish clear guidelines in key areas, including:
- Dog Intake and Admission: Requirements for vaccinations, health checks, and behavior assessments.
- Health and Safety: Protocols for maintaining cleanliness, handling emergencies, and managing sick or aggressive dogs.
- Feeding and Care: Schedules for meals, exercise, and administering medications.
- Drop-Off and Pick-Up: Clear processes for arrival and departure, including late pick-up policies.
- Client Communication: Guidelines for providing updates and addressing concerns.
- Liability and Legal Agreements: Contracts and waivers to protect your business and clarify responsibilities.
Step 6: Market & Launch Your Business
Marketing and launching your dog boarding business is crucial for building awareness and attracting your first customers. A strong marketing strategy helps you stand out in a competitive market, showcase your unique offerings, and establish a loyal customer base from the start.
Build an Online Presence:
- Create a website with booking options, service details, and testimonials. A clean and organized website will help you get more customers!
- Set up social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Google Business Profile). Social media is a great way to widen your brand!
Marketing Strategies:
- Run local ads (Google & Facebook)
- Partner with vets, groomers, and pet stores for referrals
- Offer promotions for first-time clients
- Encourage reviews and testimonials
Step 7: Deliver Outstanding Service & Grow Your Business
Delivering outstanding service is key to building trust and loyalty with your customers, ensuring they return and refer others. By consistently exceeding expectations, you’ll create positive word-of-mouth, helping your business grow and thrive in the long term.
Focus on Customer Experience:
- Send photo/video updates to pet owners
- Provide a clean, stress-free environment
- Reward repeat customers with discounts or perks
Expand Over Time:
- Add more kennels or play areas
- Hire staff as demand grows
- Offer transportation services
Frequently Asked Questions When Starting A Dog Boarding Business
Do I Need A License To Start A Dog Boarding Business?
Yes, in most places, you will need a license to start a dog boarding business. The specific requirements vary depending on your location, but generally, you’ll need:
- A Business License: This is required to legally operate your business.
- A Kennel License: Many areas require a specific license to operate a kennel or pet boarding facility. This ensures that the facility meets safety and health standards.
- Zoning Permits: You may need to ensure your location is zoned for pet boarding services.
- Health & Safety Permits: Some areas require health inspections to ensure that your business meets sanitation and animal care standards.
It’s important to check with your local government and animal control department to find out the exact requirements for your area.
Can I Run A Dog Boarding Business From Home?
Yes, you can run a dog boarding business from home, but you’ll need to check local zoning laws, obtain the necessary licenses, and have enough space for the dogs. Be mindful of noise concerns from neighbors and consider getting insurance for pet-related incidents. With proper planning, it can be a successful option.
How Profitable Is A Dog Boarding Business?
A dog boarding business can be quite profitable, but it depends on factors like location, pricing, and capacity. If you’re in an area with high demand for boarding services, you can charge more and attract more customers. On average, dog boarding prices range from $25 to $50 per day, and offering additional services like grooming or daycare can increase your revenue. However, operating costs like food, supplies, insurance, and labor will affect your profit margin. With good management, a dog boarding business can earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, and potentially more as you grow.
How To Start A Dog Grooming And Boarding Business?
To start a dog grooming and boarding business, begin by researching your local market to understand demand and competition. You’ll need to create a solid business plan, secure the necessary licenses and permits, and find a location that’s both safe for pets and convenient for customers. Invest in high-quality equipment for both grooming and boarding, and develop a pricing structure for services. It’s important to establish clear policies for dog care, including health and safety standards.
If you’re also interested in starting a dog grooming business, we have a comprehensive guide that walks you through the steps of setting up your own grooming service alongside boarding. By offering both services, you can attract more customers and provide a complete pet care solution.
Is There A Demand For Dog Boarding?
Yes, there is a growing demand for dog boarding services. More pet owners are seeking reliable places to leave their dogs while they travel or work long hours. As pets become more integrated into people’s lives, the need for quality pet care services, including dog boarding, continues to increase. Additionally, pet owners often prefer boarding services that offer comfort, security, and extra amenities like grooming or daycare. As long as you offer a safe and welcoming environment, there will likely be demand for your services.
How Stressful Is Boarding A Dog?
Boarding a dog can be stressful, both for the pet and the owner. Dogs may experience anxiety being away from their familiar environment, and owners can worry about their pet’s well-being while they’re gone. However, if you start your own dog boarding business, you have the control to ensure that every dog is cared for correctly and receives the attention they need. By creating a calm, safe, and comfortable environment, you can help reduce stress for both the dogs and their owners, making their experience much more positive.
How Do You Clean A Dog Boarding Kennel?
Cleaning a dog boarding kennel is crucial for a healthy environment. Start by removing waste, soiled bedding, and toys. Disinfect all surfaces with a pet-safe cleaner and wash food and water bowls. Sweep and mop floors regularly, and clean bedding and toys between uses. Supplies that can help include pet-safe disinfectants, gloves, waste bags, scrub brushes, and a washing machine for bedding. Regular cleaning ensures a safe space for dogs and prevents illness.
Dog Boarding Customer Testimonial
Hear from one of our happy customers, Amber Laudenslager-Frey, who runs a successful dog boarding, breeding, and grooming business, Backroad Boarding, in Halifax, Pennsylvania. Amber’s story is a testament to how our custom dog kennels can help grow a business while meeting specific needs.
“The Dog Kennel Collection was very accommodating and worked with me to create a perfect 20×60 commercial dog kennel designed specifically for my dogs. It’s been an ideal fit for my growing business! I highly recommend The Dog Kennel Collection for anyone looking for quality, customized kennels. They listened to my requests and delivered a solution that worked perfectly for us. If you’re starting a dog business, they’re the go-to choice for reliable, tailored solutions.”
— Amber Laudenslager-Frey, Backroad Boarding
Want to hear more? Check out Amber’s full story!
Ready to Launch Your Dog Boarding Business?
Starting a dog boarding business can be a rewarding and profitable venture when you focus on providing excellent care and customer service. By setting clear pricing, offering a stress-free environment, and rewarding repeat customers, you’ll build loyalty and stand out in the market. As your business grows, consider expanding your services and facility to meet the increasing demand. We also offer custom dog kennels, play areas, and other boarding solutions to help you create the perfect environment for your furry guests. Keep track of your goals and progress to ensure that you’re on the right path to success. With dedication and planning, your dog boarding business can become a trusted go-to for pet owners in your community!
