Many working families face the dilemma of taking care of pets, particularly, deciding what to do with their dogs while they are at work, school, or on vacation. Taking care of animals often requires more time than many people have and sometimes dogs have additional needs that their owners simply can’t meet.

Some dogs require long walks, time spent with other animals or even a trip to the vet and the owners are unable to find an hour or two to fulfill these needs. If you love helping and taking care of animals, and want a great business opportunity, consider opening a doggie day care.

A doggie day care is a place designed to promote the overall health and well being of dogs. They can romp, play, sleep, and socialize. Additionally, the owners can rest assured they’ve left their dog at a center where their animals will receive the best dog care available. Pet care services provided vary greatly, however, simply choosing the right location for your business can often determine its success.

A successful location will greatly be determined by:

1. Accessibility - How accessible is your location to your clientele?
2. Size - Is your location large enough to handle all of the animal care services you want to provide?
3. Budget - How much money do you have to spend?
   
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine who will be coming to your dog care facility and where they will be coming from

Whether you decide to run the business out of your home or from a much larger location, your pet care center will need to be as accessible as it is likeable. Clients obviously want a space with easy pick up and drop off, and they also want that immediate, 'I like this place!' reaction.

I recommend: Local realtors can help you determine the demographics of your area and can assist with zoning questions. Find a local realtor at Realtor.com. Licensed contractors can often advise on the cost-effectiveness of remodeling a location, if you find that perfect spot that needs some work. ServiceMagic and 1800Contractor.com can help you find a contractor in your area.

Envision the pet care services you initially want to be able to provide

Visit local animal care and pet care centers to see which pet care services they are providing. As you brainstorm ideas for your dog care facility, explore nation-wide trends to ensure the size of your animal care center will be adequate.

I recommend: Joining a professional organization, such as Professional United Pet Sitter, LLC or Pet Care Services Association, provides many networking opportunities. Two of the more well advertised and popular dog care franchised facilities in the nation are Central Bark Doggy Day Care and Camp Bow Wow. Check out the many services they have to offer as you decide which animal care pet services you want to provide at your doggie day care.

Consider which pet care services you may want to add later

Don't be afraid to think outside the box. By partnering with local businesses, you may able to offer your customers discounts on pet care supplies, pet care insurance, or training with a local trainer. Even if you can't offer the service now, for example, taking dogs on walks and hikes, or picking up and dropping off animals at an animal care clinic, if you want to be able to provide it later, work it into your plan now.

I recommend: A successful business plan can help your doggie day care take shape. 125aDay.com sells business plans for operating your own kennel operation. Bplans.com also offers a variety of business plans for free or for sale, and has several which specifically target pet care services which you can tailor to your needs.

Research the costs involved in setting up an animal care center and get them in writing

Your doggie day care center will have its own set of daily operating costs as well as start up costs. Whether working from your home or buying or leasing a location, be sure, as you make phone calls and meet with contractors and realtors, to get everything in writing. Consulting an accountant or bookkeeper, depending on the scope of your business plan, may also be useful, in addition to protecting yourself from unforeseen events with liability insurance.

I recommend: Post an ad for a local bookkeeper through The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). If you prefer to consult with an accountant as you build your doggie day care, The American Institute of Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) has a searchable database of experienced professionals. Pet Sitters Associates is an association that includes general liability insurance along with other member benefits for those that join. Starting with the basic plan there are annual membership dues and you have the option to add coverage at an additional cost.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  They say that within 3 seconds we have a lasting impression of someone. With real estate, it's sometimes a few seconds longer. Be patient, diligent and thorough when researching your possible location; don't jump at the first opportunity you find.
• •  As you research possible locations for your pet care facility, keep good records. Your perceptions may change as you develop a thorough knowledge of your local area and its specific pet care needs.