If you’re a dog lover, then starting your own dog daycare business might be the perfect opportunity for you! This article will serve as your ultimate guide on how to start a dog daycare business and find success in the pets industry. We’ll cover everything from creating a business plan to hiring staff and marketing your new business.

So, whether you’re just getting started or you’re already in the early stages of planning, read on for all the information you need to make your dream of owning a dog daycare business a reality!

What Is a Dog Daycare?

A dog daycare is a business that provides care and supervision for dogs during the day. This can include activities such as walks, playtime, feeding, and nap time. Moreover, dog daycares are often used by working pet parents who need somewhere to leave their dog during the day while they’re at work.

There are many different types of dog daycares, from small home-based businesses to large commercial facilities. The size and scope of your business will depend on a number of factors. Your budget, the amount of space you have available, and the number of dogs you’re able to care for are all prime examples.

What Will Your Job Responsibilities Include?

As the owner of a dog daycare, your job responsibilities will include a variety of tasks – from caring for the dogs to managing staff and finances.

Some of your daily duties may include:

  • Caring for the dogs, including feeding, walking, and providing playtime
  • Supervising staff members
  • Handling customer service inquiries
  • Managing finances, including bookkeeping and inv inquiries inquiries
  • Marketing your business (more on this later)

Required Skills and Qualifications

To be successful in the dog daycare business, you’ll need more than just a love of dogs. Running a business is a big responsibility and requires a certain set of skills and qualifications.

Some of the skills you’ll need to succeed include:

  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • The ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Basic marketing knowledge
  • Familiarity with dog behavior, canine body language, and care
  • The ability to lift 50+ pounds
  • Basic first aid knowledge
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Do You Need To Take a Dog Daycare Course?

You don’t necessarily need a formal education to start a dog daycare business. That said, completing a canine care program or a dog daycare course from an accredited institution will give you the skills and knowledge needed to be successful. Luckily, nowadays, this kind of professional training can easily be found both in-person and online!

Now, you may be wondering, “If it isn’t required, why should I take the time to get properly educated?”

Well, there are many reasons!

For starters, having a professional qualification will help you stand out from the competition. It shows potential clients that you’re serious about your business and that you have the knowledge and skills to back it up. Plus, if you plan on hiring staff members, they’ll likely feel more comfortable working for someone who has the proper credentials.

And last (but certainly not least), professional training will give you the skill-set and confidence needed to be successful. After all, it’s one thing to have a love for dogs… But it’s another to understand canine behavior and know how to properly care for them!

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Fun Fact: QC Pet Studies has launched a brand-new Dog Daycare certification course! Complete this program online, at your own pace – and earn an International Dog Care Professional™ (IDCP™) certification + designation in as little as 3-6 months!

Dog Daycare Owner Salary

It’s important to keep in mind that there’s no “one-size-fits-all” figure when it comes to salaries for dog daycare owners. Your income will depend on a number of factors, such as the size of your business, your location, and the number of hours you work.

That said, according to Oodle Life, the annual salary for a dog daycare owner in the United States typically ranges anywhere from $30,000 USD to $100,000 USD a year (before taxes). In Canada, according to Glassdoor, this annual salary ranges between approx. $23,000 CAD and $127,000 CAD.

Of course, these are just two countries to look at as examples. But based on these numbers, you can clearly see that there’s a lot of room for growth when it comes to income potential!

Dog Daycare Industry Projections

If you’re worried that a career in the dog daycare industry won’t be profitable for the long-term, think again!

According to ACCESSWIRE, the current pet daycare market (as of 2022) is valued at an estimated $3.7 billion in the United States alone. Furthermore, with an estimated 8% CAGR (compound annual growth rate) forecasted over the next 10 years, this industry is expected to reach an estimated value of $6.7 billion USD by 2032…

And again, this is just in the United States!

In terms of a global scale, Globe Newswire predicts that the pet daycare and lodging market will accelerate at a CAGR of approx. 6% between 2022 and 2026. By 2026, it’s anticipated that the global market will be valued at approx. $8.6 billion worldwide!

What does this mean for YOU?

Simply put: whether you’re looking at the United States market or the global market, there’s a LOT of room for growth in this industry. So, if you’re considering starting a dog daycare business, there’s never been a better time to do it!

How Much Does It Cost To Start a Dog Daycare Business?

The cost of starting a dog daycare business can vary greatly depending on the size and scope of your operation. For example, if you’re planning on starting a small home-based business, your start-up costs will be a lot lower than if you’re planning on opening a large facility.

Of course, there are also other factors to consider, such as your location and the type of services you plan on offering. But all in all, the average start-up cost for a dog daycare business is between $10,000 and $50,000 USD.

Now, this may seem like a lot of money… But keep in mind that this is just an average. If you’re smart about your spending and you have a solid business plan, it’s definitely possible to start a dog daycare business for less!

Do You Need a License To Open a Dog Daycare?

This is a common question that potential dog daycare owners often ask. And unfortunately, there’s no easy answer. The truth is, the licensing requirements for dog daycare businesses can vary greatly from one country to the next.

United States

In the United States, for example, there are no federal laws regulating dog daycares. However, each state has its own set of rules and regulations that dog daycare owners must comply with. So, if you’re planning on opening a dog daycare business in the United States, be sure to do your research and find out what the licensing requirements are in your state!

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Fun Fact: The same applies to dog daycares in Australia, too!

Canada

In Canada, things are a little bit different. There is no national organization that regulates dog daycares. However, each province has its own set of rules and regulations that dog daycare owners must comply with. So, if you’re planning on opening a dog daycare business in Canada, be sure to do your research and find out what the licensing requirements are in your province!

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, there are no national laws regulating dog daycares. However, each local council has its own set of rules and regulations that dog daycare owners must comply with. So, if you’re planning on opening a dog daycare business in the United Kingdom, be sure to do your research and find out what the licensing requirements are in your area!

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Fun Fact: The same applies for dog daycares in New Zealand, too!

That Said, You Probably WILL Need a Business License

It’s important to note that, even though you may not need a special license to operate a dog daycare business, you will most likely need a general business license.

A business license is basically permission from the government to operate a business in a specific location. The cost of a business license can vary depending on the type of business you’re running and the location of your business.

So, if you’re planning on starting a dog daycare business, be sure to check with your local government to find out what the licensing requirements are in your area!

Dogs at the daycare having fun in the sun.

Why Start a Dog Daycare Business?

There are many reasons why starting a dog daycare business can be a great career choice. Here are just some of these reasons:

  • You can be your own boss: One of the best things about being a business owner is that you get to call the shots! You’ll be able to set your own hours, choose your own staff, and make all of the decisions for your business.
  • You can make a difference: If you’re passionate about dogs and you want to make a difference in their lives, starting a dog daycare business is a great way to do it! You’ll be able to provide a safe and fun environment for dogs to socialize and exercise, and you’ll also be able to help out owners who might not otherwise have the time or resources to care for their furry friends.
  • You can be profitable: As we mentioned earlier, the dog daycare industry is expected to grow significantly in the next few years.
  • You’ll get to work with dogs: This one is pretty self-explanatory… If you love dogs, what could be better than working with them every day?
  • You can easily complement your dog daycare services with other dog-related services: Are you also interested in, say, dog grooming and/or dog training? If so, you can easily add these services to your dog daycare business! This will not only give you a competitive edge; it’ll also allow you to make even more money!

Basically, if you’re looking for a business that has the potential to be profitable AND let you do what you love for a living, this is definitely it!

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Pro Tip: Become a certified dog groomer AND dog trainer with QC Pet Studies’ self-paced, online courses!

What Are The Risks of Starting a Dog Daycare Business?

We’d be doing you a disservice if we weren’t honest about the risks of starting a dog daycare business. So, here they are:

  • The initial investment can be costly: As we mentioned earlier, the average start-up cost for a dog daycare business is between $10,000 and $50,000 USD. This is a significant amount of money, and it’s not something that everyone has lying around.
  • You’ll need to be insured: Dog daycare businesses are considered high-risk, so you’ll need to make sure you’re properly insured. (We’ll delve into this more in a little bit!) This can be costly, but it’s definitely worth it to protect yourself (and your business) in case of an accident.
  • There’s always the possibility of failure: Of course, there’s no guarantee that your dog daycare business will be a success. Like any business, there’s always a risk of failure. But if you’re smart about your planning and you’re passionate about what you’re doing, the chances of success are definitely in your favor!

With all that said, however, we believe that the benefits of starting a dog daycare business far outweigh the risks. If you’re passionate about dogs and you’re willing to put in the work, we think this is definitely a business worth pursuing!

How To Start a Dog Daycare Business: A Step-By-Step Guide

So, now that we’ve covered all of the basics, let’s move on to the fun part: how to actually start a dog daycare business! Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Step 1: Write Your Dog Daycare Business Plan

The first step in starting any business is to write a business plan. This document will outline your business goals, strategies, and projected financials.

Don’t worry if you’ve never written a business plan before; there are plenty of free resources out there to help you get started. Importantly, you just need to remember to include the following information in it:

  • Your business’ mission statement
  • A description of your target market
  • An overview of your competitors
  • Your marketing and advertising strategies
  • Your pricing strategy
  • The projected financials for your dog daycare business

Example Of a Dog Daycare Business Plan

To help you get started, we’ve included an example business plan for a fake dog daycare business. This should give you a good idea of what your own business plan should look like.

Company Description

“Pawsibilities Dog Daycare is a start-up business that will provide doggy daycare services to the residents of Smalltown, USA. We will offer a safe, fun, and stimulating environment for dogs of all shapes and sizes. Our services will include daycare, boarding, grooming, and training.

We are a small business that is 100% family-owned and operated. We are passionate about dogs and their well-being, and we are committed to providing the best possible care for our furry clients.”

Mission Statement

“To provide a safe, fun, and stimulating environment for dogs to socialize and play.”

Vision Statement

“To be the premier dog daycare provider in our area, known for our quality services and happy customers.”

Target Market

“Our target market includes dog owners who work full-time and are looking for a safe, reliable place to leave their dogs during the day. We will also cater to dog owners who are going on vacation and need a boarding facility for their pets.”

Competition

“There are several other dog daycare businesses in our area, but we believe that we will be able to compete successfully by offering a higher level of customer service and a more personal touch.

We are also the only dog daycare business that offers grooming and training services as well. This will give us a competitive advantage, as dog owners will be able to take care of all of their pet’s needs in one place.”

Marketing and Advertising

It’s important that you choose a location that’s large enough to accommodate your business. You’ll need space for things like indoor and outdoor play areas, as well as storage for food and supplies.

The type of property you choose will also be important. For example, if you’re planning on offering boarding services, you’ll need to choose a property that has enough space for kennels. Alternately, if you’re planning on offering grooming services, you’ll need to choose a property with space for a grooming station.

Of course, the cost of the property is also an important consideration. You’ll need to factor the cost of rent or mortgage payments into your budget!

Finally, you’ll need to make sure that the property you choose is in a zone that allows for commercial dog daycare businesses. This information can usually be found on your city or county’s website.

“To market our business, we will use a combination of online and offline strategies.

Offline, we will distribute flyers and postcards in local pet stores, veterinary offices, and dog parks. We will also sponsor local events such as dog shows and agility competitions.

Online, we will create a strong presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram. We will also create a website and blog to promote our business.”

Pricing Strategy

“Our pricing will be based on the services we offer, with discounts for multiple services. For example, a dog that is boarded with us for one week will receive a discount on grooming services.

  • Daycare: $20 per day
  • Boarding: $40 per night
  • Grooming: $50 per session
  • Training: $100 per session”

Projected Financials

“Below are our projected financials for the next three years.

  • 1st Year: $100,000
  • 2nd Year: $250,000
  • 3rd Year: $500,000″

This is just a brief overview of what should be included in your dog daycare business plan. For more detailed information, please consult with a professional business consultant or accountant.

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Step 2: Choose a Business Structure

The next step is to choose a business structure. This is an important decision, as it will determine how your business is taxed and how you can raise capital. The most common business structures for small businesses are sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations.

Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure and is easy to set up. This structure is ideal for small businesses with a single owner. The owner is personally responsible for all debts and liabilities of the business.

Partnership

A partnership is a business structure in which two or more people share ownership of the business. Partnerships are similar to sole proprietorships, but with more than one owner. Each partner is personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

An LLC is a business structure that offers limited liability protection to its owners. This means that the owners are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. LLCs are ideal for small businesses that want to protect their personal assets.

Corporation

A corporation is a business structure that offers limited liability protection to its shareholders. Shareholders are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. Corporations are ideal for businesses that want to raise capital by selling shares of stock.

Step 3: Obtain the Necessary Licenses and Permits

After you’ve chosen a business structure, you’ll need to obtain the necessary licenses and permits. The requirements vary by state, but most businesses will need to obtain a business license, a tax ID number, and a zoning permit.

Business License

As we mentioned earlier, business license is a permit that allows you to operate your business. The requirements vary by state, but most businesses will need to obtain a general business license.

Tax ID Number

A tax ID number is an identification number used for tax purposes. The requirements vary by state, but most businesses will need to obtain a federal tax ID number from the IRS.

Zoning Permit

A zoning permit is a permit that allows you to operate your business in a specific location. The requirements vary by state, but most businesses will need to obtain a zoning permit from the local zoning board.

Step 4: Figure Out Your Brand Identity

Now that you’ve got the legal stuff out of the way, it’s time to start thinking about your brand identity. Your brand identity is what makes your business unique and sets you apart from your competitors. It includes your name, logo, tagline, and other elements.

Your Business Name

Your business name is one of the most important elements of your brand identity. It’s what customers will see first and it will be one of the things they remember most about your business. Choose a name that is easy to remember and that reflects your brand identity.

And don’t forget that once you decide on a name, you’ll need to get it registered! This way, no one else can use it and you’ll have the legal rights to it.

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Pro Tip: Here’s everything you need to know about finding the PERFECT name for your business!

Your Logo

Your logo is another important element of your brand identity. It should be simple, memorable, and reflective of your brand identity. If you’re not a designer, there are plenty of logo design services that can help you create a great logo. Alternately, you can also hire a professional designer to create your logo for you!

Your Tagline

Your tagline is a short phrase that sums up your brand identity. It should be catchy and reflective of your brand identity. Examples of a brand tagline for dog daycares could be:

  • “The ultimate destination for dog daycare.”
  • “The perfect place for your pup to play.”
  • “A safe and fun place for your furry friend.”

Other Elements

In addition to the above, developing your brand will also involve deciding upon your brand voice. This is the tone and personality that you want your brand to have. It should be reflected in all of your marketing materials, from your website to your social media posts.

You’ll also need to choose a color scheme and font for your brand. This will be used in all of your marketing materials, as well as across your entire online (and offline) presence. So, make sure it’s something you’re happy with!

Happy pomeranian dog playing at the garden. Dog daycare article.

Step 5: Determine Your Target Market

Now that you’ve got your brand identity figured out, it’s time to start thinking about your target market. Who are the people that are most likely to use your services? How old are they? What are their demographics?

Determining your target market is an important step in developing your marketing strategy. After all, you can’t market to everyone! You need to focus your efforts on the people that are most likely to use your services.

Here are a few things to consider when determining your target market:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Location
  • Income level
  • Profession
  • Marital status
  • Number of children

When it comes to your target market, you can be as broad or as narrow as you want! For example, you may want to target dog owners in your city, or you may want to target dog owners with small breeds. Alternately, you may wish to cater your business to anyone in need of dog daycare services.

The important thing is that you have a good understanding of who your target market is and that you focus your marketing efforts accordingly.

Step 6: Decide Whether Or Not You Want To Have a Niche

While it’s not necessary to have a niche, it can be helpful in terms of marketing and developing your brand identity. A niche is a specific segment of the market that you cater your business to.

For example, let’s say you live in New York City and you want to start a dog daycare business. You could choose to focus your business on small breed dogs, or you could choose to cater to a specific demographic like working professionals.

While having a niche is not required, it can be helpful in terms of marketing your business and differentiating yourself from the competition!

Step 7: Decide Whether Or Not You Want Your Business To Include Additional Services

In addition to dog daycare, there are a variety of other services that you could offer at your business. These include things like:

Do you want your business to offer just dog daycare services, or do you want to offer additional services as well? This is something that you’ll need to decide before moving forward with starting your business.

After all, you’ll need to factor the cost of additional services into your business plan! Not to mention, this will impact your target market and affect the way you approach your marketing strategies, too!

Step 8: Set Your Prices

Once you’ve decided upon the services that you want to offer, it’s time to start thinking about pricing. How much will you charge for your services?

When setting your prices, there are a few things to consider:

  • The cost of living in your area
  • The cost of running your business
  • Your target market
  • What your competition is charging

Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you should have a good idea of how much to charge for your services. Just make sure that your prices are competitive and in line with what other businesses in your area are charging.

Step 9: Choose Your Dog Daycare Business Location

One of the most important decisions you’ll make for your dog daycare business is choosing the right location. After all, this will be where your business is based out of and where all of the dogs in your care will stay!

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a location for your dog daycare business:

  • The size of the property
  • The type of property
  • Zoning regulations
  • The cost of the property
  • The proximity to your target market

Other Considerations

It’s important that you choose a location that’s large enough to accommodate your business. You’ll need space for things like indoor and outdoor play areas, as well as storage for food and supplies.

The type of property you choose will also be important. For example, if you’re planning on offering boarding services, you’ll need to choose a property that has enough space for kennels. Alternately, if you’re planning on offering grooming services, you’ll need to choose a property with space for a grooming station.

Of course, the cost of the property is also an important consideration. You’ll need to factor the cost of rent or mortgage payments into your budget!

Finally, you’ll need to make sure that the property you choose is in a zone that allows for commercial dog daycare businesses. This information can usually be found on your city or county’s website.

Step 10: Set Your Dog Daycare Business Up Online

In today’s day and age, it’s important to have an online presence for your business – even if you’re not selling physical products or services online!

There are a few things you’ll need to do to set your dog daycare business up online:

  • Create a website
  • Claim your business on Google
  • Get listed in directories
  • Create social media accounts
  • Set up an email list
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Creating Your Website

Your website will be the foundation of your online presence. The first step is to choose a domain name for your website. This is the address that people will type into their browser to find your site. For example, Google’s domain name is www.google.com.

Once you’ve chosen a domain name, you’ll need to purchase it from a domain name registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap.

Next, you’ll need to choose a web hosting plan. This is where your website’s files will be stored. Once you’ve chosen a web host, you can connect your domain name to your web hosting account and start building your website!

From there, be sure to include things like your contact information, location, hours of operation, and services offered on your site. You should also include some photos and/or videos of your facility, as well as a brief description of your business and links to your social media channels.

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Not sure how to build a website? Don’t worry – there are plenty of resources available to help you get started, such as this guide by Forbes!

Claiming Your Business on Google

Once your website is up and running, you’ll want to claim your business on Google. Essentially, this means that you’ll be able to show up in Google Maps and Google Search when people are looking for businesses like yours.

Getting Listed in Directories

You should also get listed in online directories, such as:

By listing your business in online directories, you’ll be helping potential customers find your business when they’re searching for dog daycare businesses in their area!

Creating Social Media Accounts

Social media is a great way to connect with potential and current customers, as well as promote your business. Be sure to create social media accounts for your business on platforms like:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

When creating your accounts, it’s important to link back to your website in your bio description. Additionally, once you begin posting, be sure to share only the highest-quality (and original) content on a regular basis. Use relevant hashtags so that your content can be easily found by potential customers.

For example, if you’re posting about a dog daycare business in Los Angeles, you might use hashtags like:

  • #dogdaycare
  • #doggydaycare
  • #doggiedaycare
  • #losangelesdogs

Setting Up an Email List

Finally, you should set up an email list. This will allow you to send periodic updates about your business to those who have signed up to receive them.

To set up an email list, you’ll need to choose an email marketing platform like Constant Contact or MailChimp. From there, you can create sign-up forms to add to your website and social media accounts.

When people sign up for your email list, be sure to send them a welcome email that includes a coupon or discount code for their first visit!

Step 11: Develop Your Online and Offline Marketing Plan

Now that you have all of the pieces in place, it’s time to start marketing your dog daycare business! You’ll want to develop a marketing plan that includes both online and offline components.

Puppy biting camera. Dog daycare article.

Offline Marketing

Nowadays, people seem to think that the only marketing strategies worth investing in are the ones online. However, this simply isn’t true! There are plenty of offline marketing strategies that can be just as effective – you just need to get creative.

Some of the most effective offline marketing tactics for a dog daycare business include:

When developing your offline marketing plan, be sure to choose tactics that are a good fit for your target market and budget.

Online Marketing

That said, there’s still a reason why online marketing is so popular! After all, there are endless online marketing opportunities – especially for a dog daycare business. Some of the most effective online marketing tactics include (but aren’t limited to):

When developing your online marketing plan, again, be sure to choose tactics that are a good fit for your target market and budget.

Step 12: Put Together a Client Retention Plan

When looking at all of the marketing strategies mentioned in the last step, your mind was probably focused on client acquisition, right?

Well, what if we told you that in order for your dog daycare business to be successful long-term, you’ll need to put just as much effort (if not more) into keeping your clients?

It’s true!

See, the thing is, it costs a lot more to acquire a new client than it does to keep an existing one. In fact, according to multiple studies, acquiring a new customer can cost as much as five times more than keeping an existing one!

This is why it’s so important to have a plan in place for retaining your clients.

Some of the most effective client retention strategies for a dog daycare business include:

  • Regular communication and follow-up
  • Surveys and feedback opportunities
  • Client appreciation events
  • Referral programs
  • Loyalty programs or discounts for repeat customers
  • Flexible pricing options
  • Customized service packages
  • Add-on services

By prioritizing client retention, you can not only save a ton of money on marketing and advertising, but you can also create a more sustainable and profitable business.

Step 13: Hire the Right Team (If Needed)

Another important step in starting a dog daycare business is hiring the right team, if needed. After all, your employees will be the ones responsible for providing care and services to clients’ dogs. So, you’ll want to make sure they’re up for the task!

When hiring employees for your dog daycare business, be sure to look for individuals who have experience working with dogs (preferably in a professional capacity). What’s more, you’ll want to hire people who are:

  • Patient and kind-hearted
  • Physically fit and able to handle the demands of the job
  • Responsible and reliable
  • Good at following instructions
  • Comfortable working long hours, if needed
  • Comfortable working weekends, if needed

Of course, you’ll also want to make sure your employees are a good fit for your specific business! For example, if you’re running a high-end dog daycare facility, you’ll want to make sure your team is professional and polished. However, if you’re running a more laid-back and casual dog daycare business, you may not need to worry as much about this.

Once you’ve found the right employees, be sure to provide them with the training they need to do their job well. This may include showing them how to handle different types of dogs, teaching them the rules of your facility, and more.

Step 14: Purchase the Right Type(s) Of Insurance

Another item you’ll want to check off your To-Do List is purchasing the right insurance for your dog daycare business. After all, you’ll want to make sure you’re protected in case of an accident or injury!

Some of the most important insurance policies for a dog daycare business include:

  • General liability insurance
  • Workers’ compensation insurance
  • Professional liability insurance
  • Commercial property insurance
  • Business interruption insurance

Depending on the type of dog daycare business you’re running, you may need other types of insurance as well. For example, if you’re going to be transporting dogs in your own vehicles, you’ll want to make sure you have commercial auto insurance.

When shopping for insurance, be sure to shop around and compare rates from multiple insurers. You’ll also want to make sure you’re getting the coverage you need at a price you can afford.

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Step 15: Invest In High-Quality Tools and Products

High-quality means long-term durability.

Long-term durability means happy customers and fewer returns.

Fewer returns mean more money in your pocket.

It’s a simple equation, but one that’s often overlooked by new business owners. So, don’t make the same mistake!

What To Invest In

When setting up your dog daycare business, be sure to invest in high-quality tools and products, such as:

  • Dog beds
  • Crates
  • Leashes
  • Collars
  • First-aid supplies
  • Dog grooming tools and products
  • Dog training tools and products
  • Food and treats
  • Bowls for food and water
  • Toys
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Towels
  • Waste bags
  • Refrigerator for any food and/or medicine that needs to stay cold

Not only will this save you money in the long run, but it will also ensure that your clients are happy with the services you’re providing.

Step 16: Figure Out Your Accounting and Bookkeeping Situation

You’ll also want to make sure your accounting and bookkeeping are in order before you open your doors for business. After all, you’ll need to keep track of your income and expenses so you can stay profitable!

There are a few different ways you can handle your accounting and bookkeeping, such as:

  • Hiring an accountant or bookkeeper
  • Using accounting software, such as QuickBooks or FreshBooks
  • Doing your own accounting and bookkeeping

If you’re not comfortable doing your own accounting and bookkeeping, it’s probably best to hire someone to do it for you. This will ensure that everything is done correctly and in a timely manner.

Step 17: Put Aside Money For Taxes and Major Expenses

Additionally, you’ll want to make sure you’re putting aside money for taxes and major expenses. This will help you avoid any financial surprises down the road!

Some of the most common expenses for a dog daycare business include:

  • Rent or mortgage payments
  • Utility bills
  • Insurance premiums
  • Employee salaries (if applicable)
  • Supplies
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Accounting and bookkeeping
  • Major repairs or renovations

It’s also critical that you set aside money each month to pay your taxes, too. This will help you avoid any penalties or interest charges from the IRS!

How Much Should You Put Aside?

As a general rule of thumb, you should aim to put aside 10-15% of your monthly income for taxes and major expenses. This will give you a nice cushion in case of an unexpected expense, and it will help you stay on top of your finances.

Step 18: Get Business Funding (If Needed)

Last but not least, you’ll need to get business funding if you don’t have the money to finance your dog daycare business yourself.

There are a few different ways you can get funding for your business, such as:

  • Small business loans
  • Personal loans
  • Business credit cards
  • Crowdfunding
  • Investors
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Pro Tip: If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend checking out this Ultimate Guide To Small Business Loans by Business.org. This guide will give you all the information you need to get started, including where to find the best deals on loans!

Dogs at doggy daycare playing.

So, Should YOU Build a Dog Daycare Business?

Honestly, only you can know this for sure.

But if you love dogs, are great with people, want to be your own boss, want to make great money, and have the time and money to invest in a dog daycare business… Then the answer is probably YES!

Just be sure to follow the 18 steps we’ve outlined above, and you’ll be well on your way to success. We wish you the best of luck in your new venture!

Become a certified dog care professional and launch your very own doggy daycare in as little as 12 short weeks. Enroll with QC Pet Studies today to start your journey!

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