Pet Lovers Can Offer Kennel Services

Owning a dog or a cat can be very rewarding in itself, but why not turn your love for all things furry, feathered, and fuzzy into a business? If you have experience caring for animals and are willing to provide the kind of attention and care pet owners are looking for, a business in kennel services may be perfect for you. When pet owners have to leave for a long period of time, a reputable kennel is the best place for their beloved companions. Read on for tips on starting your own kennel business.

Franchise Versus Independent Kennel Services

There are two ways to go about starting your kennel business: you can either buy a franchise or build the business by yourself from scratch. If this is your first business venture, a franchise might be a better option. With a franchise, you don’t have to worry about setting up the business; you’ll be given the supplies, training, and proven marketing strategies to help you succeed. You won’t have to worry about hiring and training staff either, because you can get them through the company. On the downside, you cannot run the business your way because you need to adhere to the restrictions of the mother company. For some business owners, the restrictions are more of a blessing than a curse, since they do not get bogged down by options and decisions involved in the initial setup.

Experienced business owners might prefer starting the business from scratch. If you have the resources and the know-how needed for the pet care industry, you can take total control over the size and scale of your kennel.

Zoning Laws

Unlike a dog-walking business or a pet salon, kennel services will require lots of physical space. Before you even start, do research on the zoning restrictions of your city and ask about the licensing requirements for kennels. Accomplish the necessary paperwork before you start building and buying supplies.

Building the Kennel

A successful kennel business will require a large open space. Even if you intend to take in less than twenty pets, you’ll still need a large building to accommodate all those animals. If you choose not to purchase a franchise, you can start by expanding an existing structure or kennel.

Begin by building a secure fence around the kennel so the animals can’t escape. The fence should be constructed three feet underground so that dogs cannot dig their way through the fence, and should be high enough so that large dogs cannot jump over it.

Your kennel has to receive lots of natural light and ventilation, but it must also be weather-proof and spacious. Build special doors behind each pen so it will be easy to let dogs out into the open play area.

Buying Kennel Supplies

The supplies you’ll need depends on the services you’ll be offering, but the basics include padded flooring, metal dish bowls, veterinary bedding, cleaning supplies, and collars or leashes.

Other Ideas

To maximize your revenues, supplement your kennel services with other pet care services, like animal grooming and pet-sitting.