dog boarding business plan pdf

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How to Write a Dog Boarding Business Plan

Creating a dog boarding business plan is one of the first steps most dog kennel owners have to take before opening their doors. From defining the target market to outlining a competitive marketing strategy, writing a dog boarding business plan is your roadmap to success!

Business owners who take the time to plan are 152% more likely to launch their business. So a business plan might just be the tool you need to make that exciting first step in opening your very own dog kennels.

What is a dog boarding business plan?

Think of a business plan as your roadmap for the journey ahead when starting your dog boarding business . It lays out where you want to go and exactly how you’re going to get there, spelling out three main things:

• What your business is about and what services you’re going to provide
• What you plan to achieve
• The actions you’ll take to achieve those goals

While a business plan will set key goals for you and keep you on track, it’s also necessary for approaching outside investors. If you plan to have outside investors own equity in your business, a business plan will almost always need to be presented.

A detailed business plan usually includes:

• Setting clear goals and objectives, defining the short and long-term goals of the business. It can also include your goals to open multiple locations .
• All the goods and services you plan to offer. This will include any other services like dog walking or dog training you plan to provide in addition to the dog boarding service.
• Market research that includes industry trends and gaps in the market to see where your business fits. Potential challenges in the market such as low seasons can also be included.
• Business operations, including the day-to-day running of the business and the number of employees needed .
• Financial planning, including how you plan to fund the business and the expenses you’ll encounter.
• The way you’ll measure progress and KPIs .

Importance of a business plan.

For a dog boarding business, a business plan can be incredibly valuable. It allows you to think about and set goals for your business. This helps keep you on track and ensures you don’t lose sight of the bigger vision you have for your business. 

A dog boarding business plan also forces you to think through every single aspect of your pet boarding business, from the services you’ll provide to the pet owners you’re trying to target.

It allows you to really analyze your financial goals and research the overhead costs your business will incur. It will also detail how you’ll raise the capital to fund these expenses and whether outside investors or a bank loan is needed.

Today, the pet boarding and grooming services are a whopping $11 billion industry . A well-detailed pet business plan can help you define exactly how you will take a chunk of this market and stand out from your competitors.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, it allows you to communicate your vision for the business to others in a clear and targeted way. It gives everyone on your business journey a map so they know exactly where you’re headed. 

How to write a dog boarding business plan - 8 necessary items.

Writing a dog kennel business plan can seem like an immense task, but breaking it down into smaller sections can make the process a lot easier to accomplish and not feel so overwhelming.  

You can start by including the below 8 items in your business plan and then add in any other sections you think necessary later.  

1. Executive summary.

An executive summary is a concise overview of your business. It details the main key points to anyone taking a quick glance at your business plan. 

What do you include in an executive summary? 

An executive summary should contain:

• Name and location of your business 
• A brief mission statement 
• The founding date and current status 
• Products and services offered
• Target market 
• Unique selling points 
• Financial summary  
• Requirements and regulations 
• Plans for growth

Although this is the first section of a business plan for your dog boarding facility, it’s often written last as it’s a key summary of the rest of the plan. 

2. Business overview.

The business overview should provide a comprehensive look at the company. It will cover aspects like the location, the vision for the future, where you see the business in the market, and any key metrics you will use to measure the success of the business. 

3. Organization and management.

Your business plan should cover organization and management, including the founder of the company and any key personnel and roles already filled. It should also include what the future staffing structure will look like.

Additionally, you can include how you plan to organize your customers when they come through the door. Will you use a barcode system or a more basic system?

4. Market analysis.

Business plans should also include market analysis, demonstrating an in-depth understanding of the market and your target demographic. It should include if there is a gap in the market that you can fill and how much competition you will likely face. 

Additionally, your market analysis section should also include any zoning regulations you will need to follow and any licenses you may need before opening your doors. 

5. Marketing strategy.

Your marketing strategy should detail how you plan to price and promote your services. Will your pricing be competitive, or will you position your business as a luxury brand with a higher price point? 

It should also include how you plan to create a strong business image and what you will do to promote your brand. Marketing strategies such as content and SEO , email marketing, advertising, and social media marketing can be included in this section. 

This section is also a great place to record how you plan to receive positive reviews online to help boost potential customers' trust in you. If you plan to use a pet care software like PetExec to help with review acquisition, you can record that in this section too.

6. Financials.

You’ll also need to provide some details about your financials. This will include all the expenses incurred to run the business like a pet care business software , funding requirements, how you will use those funds, and the potential ROI for investors so they can see the benefit of your business. 

7. Financial projections.

Financial projections are also great to add to your business plan. You can break these down into quarterly periods so they’re easier to digest. The projected profit and loss, as well as a sales forecast, are useful to have in your plan. 

8. Risk analysis.

Lastly, the business plan should include a risk analysis. This includes the risks that you predict you will face in the market as well as how to mitigate them and any contingency strategies. 

Lots of dog boarding businesses experience seasonal fluctuations. Your business plan can include how you plan to cover costs during the low seasons and methods you’ll use to increase revenue such as selling retail products . 

Tips for writing a boarding and dog daycare plan.

When writing a dog kennel business plan, there are a few tips to keep in mind to make the plan easier to follow. 

Firstly, keep it concise and focused . Although it can be tempting to explain every thought you have as a passionate pet boarding business owner, it’s important to make sure you’re only covering the necessary information without going off on tangents. 

Secondly, make sure you consider readability in your business plan format . Use headings and bullet points to create a lot of white space and ensure it’s both easy to read and scannable. No one wants to be hit with a wall of text when trying to read a business plan!

Lastly, make sure you support every statement you make with data and research . Part of the goal of the business plan may be to convince investors why your pet care services are worth paying attention to. If everything you say is backed with evidence, it’s easier to convince them of your worth. On average, small businesses need $40,000 in the first year , so being prepared for outside investors is recommended. 

Business plan template.

Below is a detailed example of a business plan template, feel free to copy and paste this and customize it to fit your business needs.

• Executive Summary:
• Business Name
• Mission Statement
• Founding Date
• Products and Services
• Business Description:
• Legal Structure
• Founders/Owners
• Key Personnel
• Location(s)
• Boarding Services
• Market Analysis:
• Industry Overview
• Target Demographic
• Competitive Analysis
• Market Trends
• Regulations and Licenses
• Organization and Management:
• Organizational Structure
• Key Personnel and Roles
• Ownership Structure
• Customers Accepted
• Pet Care Business Software
• Boarding Services for Dog Owners
• Detailed Description
• Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
• Marketing Strategy:
• New Customer Acquisition
• Advertising and Promotion
• Pricing Strategy for Services
• Review Acquisition
• Operational Plan:
• Location and Facilities
• Service Process
• Suppliers and Inventory
• Staffing Requirements
• Health and Safety Protocols
• Financial Plan:
• Sales Forecast
• Expense Budget
• Bookkeeping Method
• Net Operating Profit and Loss Statement
• Financial Projections (3-5 years)
• Funding Requirements
• Use of Funds
• Risk Analysis:
• Identification of Risks
• Mitigation Strategies
• Contingency Plans

Final thoughts.

Creating a dog boarding business plan is what turns your exciting idea into a reality. A business plan not only solidifies the goal for you but explains it to others who have the potential to get involved in your business too. It sets out a roadmap you can all follow together for success.

To learn more about how PetExec can help with your dog boarding business, book a free demo today !

Commonly asked questions.

How to start a dog boarding business.

To start a dog boarding business, firstly make sure you conduct thorough market research to understand the demand and competition in your area for dog kennels. Secondly, you’ll need to secure an adequate location with enough space for the dogs you plan to host. Once you’ve taken these steps, you can start to create your business plan with all of the aspects mentioned above. 

How to choose a business management software? 

Identify your specific needs before looking into business management software , such as project management or accounting. When you know exactly what you need in software, look for user-friendly software and check customer reviews to gauge if they have superior customer service and customer satisfaction. Make sure to take advantage of free trials or demos to test the pet care business software out and make sure it’s right for you. 

How to conduct market research for a pet boarding business plan?

Start by researching local competitors who provide overnight care for dogs and understanding your target customers. You can then use surveys, interviews, and online research to craft your market research.

How often should you update a business plan? 

You should regularly revisit and update your business plan to reflect market changes, your business’s performance, and any adjustments to your business’s strategy which will happen naturally over time.

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Dog Boarding Business Plan PDF Template (Free Download)

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Last Updated on January 6, 2024 by Arif Chowdhury

Looking to start a dog boarding business? In the booming pet care industry, kennels and dog boarding have emerged as lucrative opportunities for animal lovers and entrepreneurs alike. Whether you’re starting a kennel business plan or looking to join a kennel club, the demand for quality pet care services is on the rise.

With pet ownership on the rise and busy schedules leaving owners in need of reliable care for their pets, there has never been a better time to embark on the dog daycare venture. The dog kennel industry is booming, and dog kennel businesses are in high demand.

But before diving into this exciting startup endeavor, it’s crucial to have a well-crafted dog boarding business plan in place. This plan will help attract investors and establish a strong branding for your kennel club.

A comprehensive business plan serves as a roadmap for investors, outlining goals, strategies, financial projections , and income statement summaries. It also includes branding strategies. Having a well-defined financial plan is crucial for business owners.

Here is the download link for the Dog Boarding Business Plan PDF Template.

It not only helps you stay organized but also showcases your professionalism and dedication to potential investors or lenders. A strong financial plan is an essential component of branding your company.

In this competitive market, having a well-thought-out business plan is key to success. Investors and companies alike should consider the importance of this key factor.

So buckle up and get ready to unleash your entrepreneurial spirit with your company’s financial plan and marketing plan, which are key to success!

Importance of a Well-Written Dog Kennel Business Plan

A well-written dog kennel business plan is crucial for several reasons. As a company, you must understand the need for software to effectively manage your operations. Having a well-developed marketing plan is a must for any dog kennel business plan.

It not only helps attract investors and lenders but also ensures clarity in your goals and strategies. Having a well-defined marketing plan is a must for your dog daycare business. It allows you to identify potential risks and challenges that may arise in the course of running your kennel business.

1. Attracting Investors and Lenders

Having a solid business plan can be a game-changer. These individuals or institutions want to see that you have a clear vision for your kennel business and a strategic plan for its success. A well-crafted business plan demonstrates professionalism, dedication, and the potential for profitability.

By outlining key aspects such as your target market, competitive analysis, marketing strategies, financial projections, and operational plans , you provide potential investors with the necessary information to evaluate the viability of your kennel business.

This document serves as evidence that you have thoroughly thought through every aspect of your dog kennel business plan and dog daycare venture.

2. Ensuring Clarity in Goals and Strategies

A dog kennel business plan acts as a roadmap for achieving your goals. It helps you articulate what you want to accomplish with your dog kennel or dog daycare business and how you plan to get there.

By clearly defining your objectives in your dog kennel business plan, whether it’s providing top-notch pet care services at your dog daycare or expanding into multiple locations, you set yourself up for success.

Moreover, a well-written business plan outlines specific strategies that will enable you to achieve these goals. It identifies target demographics, marketing channels, pricing structures, customer acquisition tactics, and more.

This level of detail ensures that everyone involved in the operation of the dog daycare understands their roles and responsibilities while working towards shared objectives.

3. Identifying Potential Risks and Challenges

Running a dog kennel or dog daycare business comes with its fair share of risks and challenges. However, by conducting thorough research during the creation of your dog boarding business plan, you can proactively identify these kennel obstacles before they become major roadblocks.

By analyzing the dog kennel business market, competition, and potential risks, you can develop contingency plans for your dog daycare to mitigate any challenges that may arise.

For example, if there is a high level of competition in your area for dog daycare, you can outline strategies to differentiate your kennel business and attract customers. If you are starting a dog kennel business or dog daycare, it is important to address any regulatory requirements or licensing issues in advance.

Identifying potential risks and challenges in the dog kennel business also allows you to be prepared financially. You can allocate resources for unexpected expenses or downturns in business. This foresight demonstrates your ability to adapt and navigate through obstacles confidently in the dog kennel business.

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Key Elements of a Successful Dog Boarding Business Plan

1. market analysis and target audience identification.

To create a successful dog boarding kennel business plan, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough market analysis and identify your target audience. This involves researching the local dog kennel and pet care industry, understanding customer preferences for dog kennels, and identifying gaps in the dog kennel market that your dog kennel business can fill.

By analyzing factors such as demographics, competition, and trends, you can gain insights into the demand for kennel business services in your area.

Some key points to consider during market analysis and target audience identification for a dog kennel business include

• Researching the number of households with pets in your area is crucial when starting a dog kennel business.
• Identifying the preferences and needs of pet owners.
• Understanding the pricing and services offered by existing competitors.
• Examining any unique selling points or differentiators that can set your dog kennel business apart.

You can create plans to draw in and keep clients from your target market by carrying out a thorough market study for your dog kennel.

For example, if you discover that there is a high demand for luxury dog boarding facilities in your area but limited kennel options available, you could position your business as a premium provider with upscale amenities.

2. Comprehensive operational plan for day-to-day activities

Another essential element of a successful dog boarding kennel business plan is a comprehensive operational plan. This plan outlines how you will manage day-to-day activities in your kennel business to ensure smooth operations and provide excellent care for the dogs under your supervision.

Consider including the following aspects in your operational plan:

• Staffing: Determine how many employees you will need for your dog kennel business based on anticipated demand and outline their roles and responsibilities.
• Dog kennel business facility management: Detail how you will maintain cleanliness, safety, and comfort within your dog kennel business facility.
• Dog care protocols for a kennel business: Establish guidelines for feeding schedules, exercise routines , grooming practices, medical care procedures (such as administering medication), socialization opportunities, etc.
• Dog kennel business: Implement an efficient reservation system to manage bookings effectively for your dog kennel business.
• Health and safety measures in a dog kennel business: Develop protocols to prevent the spread of diseases, ensure vaccinations are up to date, and handle emergencies.

Having a comprehensive operational plan in place demonstrates your commitment to providing a high standard of care for the dogs entrusted to you. It also helps streamline processes, minimize risks, and maintain consistency in service delivery.

3. Financial projections and budgeting for sustainability

Financial projections and budgeting play a vital role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of your dog boarding business. This element of your business plan allows you to estimate revenue, expenses, and profitability over a specific period.

Consider including the following financial aspects in your plan:

• Start-up costs for a dog kennel business: Calculate the initial investment required for setting up your dog kennel facility, purchasing dog kennel equipment, obtaining licenses/permits for your dog kennel business, marketing expenses for your dog kennel business, etc.
• Revenue streams for a dog kennel business can include various sources of income such as boarding fees, additional services like grooming or training, and retail sales of pet supplies.
• Expenses for a dog kennel business: Estimate monthly costs for rent/mortgage payments, utilities, insurance premiums, payroll expenses (including wages and benefits), supplies/equipment maintenance costs, advertising/marketing expenses, etc.
• Cash flow management: Develop strategies to ensure positive cash flow by monitoring income and expenses closely.
• Profitability analysis: Project when you expect your business to become profitable based on anticipated revenue growth and expense management.

As you can see, you can decide on pricing structures and resource allocation with knowledge if you have accurate financial projections and a well-functioning budgeting process in place. This will assist you in pursuing long-term growth while preserving your financial security.

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Dog Boarding Business Plan Template

Creating a dog boarding business plan is essential for success in the pet boarding industry. It provides a roadmap for your business, helping you define your goals, strategies, and financial projections.

You may download our readymade Dog Boarding Business Plan PDF Template.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create an effective and comprehensive business plan for your dog boarding venture.

• Executive Summary: Start with an executive summary that highlights the key aspects of your business. This section should include an overview of your business concept, target market, competitive advantage, and financial projections.
• Company Description: Provide detailed information about your dog boarding business. Explain what sets you apart from competitors and outline your unique selling points. Describe the services you will offer, such as overnight boarding, daycare, grooming, or training.
• Market Analysis: Conduct thorough research on the pet boarding industry in your area. Identify trends and opportunities in the market and assess the demand for dog boarding services. Analyze your target audience and competition to identify potential gaps in the market that you can capitalize on.
• Organization and Management: Outline the structure of your organization and introduce key members of your management team. Highlight their qualifications and experience in the pet care industry.
• Services Offered: Detail the range of services you will provide at your dog boarding facility. Include information about accommodation options, exercise routines, feeding schedules, grooming services, and any additional amenities or specialized programs.
• Marketing Strategy: Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy to attract customers to your dog boarding business. Identify channels such as social media platforms, local advertising, partnerships with veterinarians or pet stores, and referral programs.
• Financial Projections: Create realistic financial projections based on thorough research and analysis of costs involved in setting up and running a dog boarding facility. Include projected revenue streams from different services, as well as expenses such as rent, utilities, staffing, and marketing.
• SWOT Analysis: Conduct a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis to evaluate the internal and external factors that may impact your business. Identify strategies to leverage strengths and opportunities while mitigating weaknesses and threats.
• Operations Plan: Outline the day-to-day operations of your dog boarding facility. Include details about staff responsibilities, cleaning protocols, safety measures for dogs in your care, and procedures for handling emergencies or health issues.
• Legal Considerations: Research local regulations and licensing requirements for operating a dog boarding business in your area. Ensure compliance with zoning laws, health and safety regulations, insurance coverage, and any necessary permits or certifications.
• Appendix: Include any additional documents or information that supports your business plan. This may include market research data, resumes of key team members, lease agreements, or property documentation if applicable.

Customizable sections for easy adaptation to your specific needs

The template provided above is a general guide to help you structure your dog boarding business plan effectively. However, it’s important to customize each section according to the unique needs and goals of your specific venture. Tailor the content to showcase what makes your dog boarding business stand out from the competition.

Consider incorporating industry trends and best practices into each section of your business plan. Stay updated on advancements in pet care technology or innovative services that can enhance the customer experience at your facility. Highlighting these aspects will demonstrate that you are aware of industry developments and committed to providing exceptional care for dogs in your custody.

Remember that a well-crafted business plan is not only crucial for securing funding but also serves as a roadmap for successfully launching and growing your dog boarding business. Regularly review and update your plan as needed to adapt to changing market conditions or expansion opportunities.

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Steps to Create a Comprehensive Dog Kennel Business Plan

To create a comprehensive dog kennel business plan, there are several important steps you need to follow.

These steps will help you conduct market research, define your unique selling proposition (USP), and outline your marketing, staffing, and financial strategies.

Conduct Market Research

Before diving into the dog boarding business, it’s crucial to conduct thorough market research. This step involves gathering information about the demand for dog boarding services in your area and understanding the competition.

• Understanding the market demand will help you determine if there is enough potential for success.
• Analyzing the competition will enable you to identify gaps in their services that you can capitalize on.
• Market research can be time-consuming and require effort.
• Gathering accurate data may involve reaching out to multiple sources.

Define Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

To stand out in the competitive dog kennel industry, it’s essential to define your unique selling proposition (USP). This is what sets your business apart from others and attracts customers.

Key Information:

• Determine what makes your dog kennel different from others.
• Identify specific features or services that make your business unique.

Outline Marketing, Staffing, and Financial Strategies

Once you have conducted market research and defined your USP, it’s time to outline your marketing, staffing, and financial strategies. These strategies will guide how you promote your business, manage staff members, and handle finances.

Marketing Strategies:

• Develop a strong online presence through social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook.
• Offer promotions or discounts to attract new customers.
• Collaborate with local pet-related businesses for cross-promotion opportunities.

Staffing Strategies:

• Determine how many employees you need based on the size of your facility and expected demand.
• Establish hiring criteria to ensure you find qualified and compassionate staff members.
• Provide ongoing training to your employees to maintain high-quality service.

Financial Strategies:

• Create a budget that includes all expenses, such as rent, utilities, supplies, and employee wages.
• Determine your pricing structure based on the services you offer and the local market rates.
• Regularly review your financial statements to track revenue, expenses, and profitability.

These stages will help you draft a thorough business plan that addresses every facet of your dog kennel endeavor. Keep in mind to periodically review and revise your plan as necessary to accommodate modifications in the market or industry.

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Crafting an Effective Marketing Strategy for Your Dog Boarding Business

To ensure the success of your dog boarding business, it’s crucial to have a well-crafted marketing strategy in place. This will help you attract customers, build brand awareness , and stand out from your competitors.

Utilizing Online Platforms for Promotion and Customer Acquisition

In today’s digital age, online platforms play a significant role in promoting businesses and acquiring customers. Leveraging the power of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be highly beneficial for your dog boarding business.

Create engaging content showcasing happy dogs at your facility or sharing useful pet care tips to attract potential customers.

• Wide reach: Online platforms allow you to connect with a large audience beyond your local area.
• Cost-effective: Compared to traditional advertising methods, online promotion is often more affordable .
• Targeted advertising: Social media platforms offer advanced targeting options that enable you to reach specific demographics or pet owners in your area.
• Time-consuming: Managing multiple social media accounts and creating regular content can be time-consuming.
• Competitiveness: With many businesses vying for attention online, it can be challenging to stand out.

Leveraging Partnerships with Local Pet-related Businesses or Organizations

Partnering with local pet-related businesses or organizations can significantly increase visibility and customer acquisition for your dog boarding business. Collaborate with nearby veterinary clinics, groomers, or pet supply stores to cross-promote each other’s services.

You could offer special discounts or referral programs to incentivize customers from these partnerships.

• Increased exposure: Partnering with established businesses allows you to tap into their existing customer base.
• Trust-building: Associating with reputable organizations builds trust among potential customers.
• Enhanced credibility: Collaborating with experts in the pet industry can enhance your business’s credibility.
• Finding suitable partners: Identifying compatible businesses or organizations may require some research and networking efforts.
• Maintaining relationships: Building and nurturing partnerships requires ongoing communication and effort.

Implementing Targeted Advertising Campaigns

Targeted advertising campaigns can help you reach your desired audience effectively. Consider using online platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads to target pet owners in your local area.

Use keywords related to dog boarding, pet care, and nearby locations to ensure your ads are shown to relevant users.

• Precise targeting: Targeted advertising allows you to reach potential customers who are actively searching for dog boarding services.
• Measurable results: Online advertising platforms provide detailed analytics that allows you to track the performance of your campaigns.
• Flexible budgeting options: You can set a specific budget for your ads, ensuring you have control over your marketing expenses.
• Initial learning curve: Understanding how to optimize online advertising campaigns may require some time and experimentation.
• Cost considerations: Depending on the competitiveness of keywords and your target market, online advertising costs can vary.

You may develop a successful marketing plan for your dog boarding company by using internet resources, forming alliances with nearby companies, and putting focused advertising campaigns into action. These strategies will aid in raising awareness, drawing clients, and building a solid brand presence in the marketplace.

Don’t forget to frequently assess each strategy’s effectiveness and make the required modifications.

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Financial Analysis and Projections for Your Dog Boarding Business

Starting a dog boarding business requires careful financial planning to ensure its success.

Calculating Startup Costs

Setting up a dog boarding facility entails various expenses that need to be considered in your financial plan. These costs may include:

• Facility setup: Renting or purchasing a suitable location, renovating or constructing kennels, and installing fencing and security systems.
• Equipment: Purchasing crates, bedding, food bowls, grooming supplies, cleaning equipment.
• Licensing and permits: Acquiring necessary licenses and permits from local authorities.
• Insurance: Obtaining liability insurance to protect against potential accidents or damage.
• Marketing materials: Designing and printing brochures, business cards, and signage.

It is essential to research and obtain accurate quotes from suppliers and contractors to estimate these costs effectively. By considering all these factors upfront, you can create a realistic budget for starting your dog boarding business.

Estimating Revenue Streams

To project your business’s financial viability accurately, it is crucial to estimate potential revenue streams. This involves analyzing the different services you plan to offer at your dog boarding facility:

• Boarding fees: Determine the daily or weekly rates for overnight stays based on market research and competitor analysis.
• Additional services: Consider offering add-on services such as grooming, training classes, and daycare options for additional revenue streams.
• Retail sales: Explore selling pet products like food, toys, and accessories within your facility.

By carefully pricing your services based on market demand and competitor rates while factoring in operational costs like staffing expenses and overheads (utilities), you can estimate potential revenue with greater accuracy.

Creating Profit-and-Loss Statements

Profit-and-loss statements (also known as income statements) provide an overview of your business’s financial performance over a specific period. These statements outline your revenue, costs, and expenses to determine your net profit or loss.

To create a profit-and-loss statement for your dog boarding business, you need to consider the following:

• Revenue: Calculate total income from boarding fees, additional services, and retail sales.
• Costs of goods sold: Include expenses directly related to providing services or selling products (e.g., food, grooming supplies).
• Operating expenses: Account for overhead costs like rent, utilities, insurance premiums, and marketing expenses.
• Payroll expenses: Factor in wages for staff members involved in daily operations.
• Depreciation: Consider any capital assets that will depreciate over time (e.g., equipment).
• Net profit/loss: Subtract total expenses from revenue to determine your business’s profitability.

You can improve overall profitability by identifying areas where expenditures can be decreased or income can be increased by routinely reviewing and analyzing these figures.

Financial analysis is crucial when seeking funding from investors or applying for loans from banks. It demonstrates your understanding of the market and your ability to generate profits. For a dog boarding business, you can create a strong financial plan by precisely estimating revenue sources, carefully calculating startup expenses, and producing thorough profit-and-loss statements.

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Awesome, you have now completed several crucial sections in your journey to create a successful dog-boarding business. By focusing on the importance of a well-written dog kennel business plan and understanding the key elements necessary for success, you have laid a solid foundation for your venture.

Utilizing our updated dog boarding business plan template and following the steps to create a comprehensive plan , you are well on your way to turning your passion for dogs into a thriving business.

But remember, creating a successful dog boarding business goes beyond just planning. Now it’s time to put that plan into action! Craft an effective marketing strategy that will attract pet owners and showcase what makes your facility unique.

And don’t forget about the financial analysis and projections – this will help you stay on track and ensure profitability. With determination, hard work, and a clear vision, you can build a reputable dog boarding business that provides exceptional care for furry friends while also achieving your entrepreneurial goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can i start a dog boarding business without any prior experience.

Starting a dog boarding business without prior experience is possible but may present some challenges. It’s important to educate yourself about the industry by researching best practices, attending workshops or seminars, and seeking guidance from experienced professionals.

Consider volunteering or working part-time at an existing dog boarding facility to gain hands-on experience before launching your own venture.

How much does it cost to start a dog boarding business?

The cost of starting a dog boarding business can vary depending on various factors such as location, size of the facility, equipment needed, licensing fees, marketing expenses, and more.

On average, startup costs can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more. It’s essential to create a detailed budget as part of your business plan to accurately estimate these costs and secure adequate funding.

What permits or licenses do I need to operate a dog boarding business?

The specific permits and licenses required to operate a dog boarding business can vary depending on your location.

Generally, you will need to obtain a business license, zoning permit, and possibly a kennel license or animal care facility permit. It’s crucial to research and comply with local regulations and requirements to ensure the legal operation of your business.

How do I attract customers to my dog boarding business?

To attract customers to your dog boarding business, it’s essential to develop an effective marketing strategy. Utilize online platforms such as social media, create a professional website, and list your services on relevant directories.

Offer promotions or discounts for first-time customers and consider partnering with local pet-related businesses for cross-promotion. Providing exceptional customer service and ensuring the well-being of the dogs in your care will also help generate positive word-of-mouth referrals.

What insurance coverage do I need for my dog boarding business?

Insurance coverage is crucial for protecting your dog boarding business from potential liabilities. Consider obtaining general liability insurance, which covers accidents or injuries that may occur on your premises. Specialized animal bailee insurance can provide coverage for any harm or loss that may happen to the animals under your care.

Consult with an insurance professional who specializes in pet-related businesses to determine the most appropriate coverage for your specific needs.

Dog Daycare Business Plan: The 2022 Getting Started Guide

BUSINESS  |   3/13/20 2:30 AM  |  by Gingr

So, you’ve decided to start a doggy daycare. Maybe you’re a huge “dog person,” or maybe you’ve noticed a need in your community and are ready to fill that space with what will hopefully be a profitable venture.

Regardless of what’s landed you here, there are quite a few steps between choosing to open a dog daycare business and actually welcoming your first furry guest. This guide will provide an overview of everything you need to get started with your dog daycare business plan. After reading it, you’ll hopefully have a good foundation to begin brainstorming for your new venture.

While this guide dives into the basics, there’s still a decent amount of information to dive into. Feel free to navigate to a specific section of this guide if you know what you’re looking for. If not, continue reading to get started.

How to Start a Doggy Daycare: FAQs

How do you start a dog daycare business.

Before you begin accepting reservations and purchasing every dog toy you can get your hands on, there are a ton of business considerations to work through for your dog daycare.

Creating a dog business plan is the first place to start. In your business plan, you’ll define:

• An objective and mission for your business.
• Your cohesive brand and marketing strategy.
• Your competition and how you’ll stand out from the crowd.
• The facilities you’re going to utilize.
• How you’ll remain profitable, addressing costs and revenue.

You’ll need to decide where your business will be located, who you’ll be working with, which services you’ll offer, and which tools and software you need to offer those services. You’ll need to decide all of this— as well as how you’ll fund the venture overall— before actually putting any of these plans into action.

Do I need a license to start my dog daycare?

You will likely need specific licensing to start your dog daycare facility.

For starters, you’ll need to obtain the proper business licenses required of any start-up. While some businesses will need federal licenses (ex: restaurants selling alcohol), your doggy daycare licenses will probably be handled on the state and local levels.

Each state and locality handles this licensing differently, from which types of licenses are required to the requirements needed to fulfill such licenses. For example, some states require different permits and licenses for dog daycares versus dog kennels , with the key difference being dog kennels also house animals overnight. Other states might l have stricter zoning and size requirements for businesses looking after animals.

Because of that, your best bet is to contact your state and local licensing bodies for definite answers. While it might be frustrating digging into your region’s laws, remember these requirements are aimed at keeping the animals in your care as safe and healthy as possible.

How much can you earn owning a dog daycare?

When it comes to the earning potential of a dog daycare, the answer will vary depending on your specific circumstances.

There are a ton of factors that go into how much you can earn owning a dog daycare, including:

• The services you provide (daily dog care, grooming services, overnight care, etc.).
• How you price services.
• How money-savvy you are once operational.
• The need for such a business in your community.

Every aspect is unique to your personal situation, including your initial investment, the pricing of licenses and permits in your area, and even the cost of daily operations.

As you continue reading, you’re going to explore various profit equations. Use those equations to predict the daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly profitability of your dog daycare under certain estimated circumstances.

Profitability of a Dog Daycare Business: Key Considerations

While we’d love to say your dog daycare business can sustain itself on a love for dogs alone , that’s just not the case. To open your dream business and keep it open, you have to stay profitable throughout the process.

As you’ll see, this requires your revenue to outweigh your costs. This means the payments you’re receiving from customers have to (collectively) be more than the cost of providing those services. The costs include rent, staff wages, utilities, and dog-care specifics such as pet-care management software, animal-friendly cleaning products, dog treats and food, and any other costs of operation.

There are a ton of variables to juggle to ensure your dog daycare is profitable. Use the following equations and considerations to help make sense of it all.

The Profit Equation

No surprise here— but keeping the doors open to your doggy daycare requires keeping the business profitable overall. This requires ensuring your incoming revenue is higher than your outgoing costs, which is where the profit equation comes into play.

First, let’s look at a few key terms in this equation:

• Revenue: This refers to the price you’re charging for services multiplied by the number of services you deliver by that price. So, for example, if you charge $25 per day for daycare services, and care for 50 dogs on a given day, your revenue is $1,250 for that day.
• Variable Costs: This refers to the business operation costs that change day-to-day, varying with how busy you are at any given moment. This includes hourly staff wages, providing food to animals (if you do so for free), or cleaning services linked to the number of animals in your care at any moment.
• Fixed Costs: This refers to your operational costs that have little variation. For example, monthly rent and insurance payments are a fixed cost.
• X: The “X” refers to the unknown variable that affects how your revenue or variable costs are changed (multiplied) for the number of dogs in your care. So, how much revenue you’re making with X number of dogs and how high your variable costs are with X number of dogs.

Essentially, to successfully operate a doggy daycare, your profit has to be positive. This is a large overview calculation, and now we’ll break it down into more specific considerations.

Gross Profit

Gross profit refers to the profit your dog daycare business makes after you deduct the costs associated with providing your services. Specifically, this looks at the money you make with one particular transaction compared to the cost of providing that service.

Let’s define a few key terms:

• Revenue: In this equation, revenue refers to the profit brought in per dog cared for. For example, $25 for one dog, one day.
• Cost of Goods/Services Sold: This variable refers to the cost of providing dog daycare services for one dog. This includes hourly wages represented in that dog’s stay, the cost of receiving and processing payments, and any other costs related to managing one sale of your services.

This equation adds specificity to the original profit equation by telling you the profit your daycare makes from each and every dog in your care. Essentially, the equation gives you a variable profit multiplier— a number to multiply by the number of dogs in your care at any given time to calculate that day’s profit.

Net Operating Profit

Net operating profit expands upon the gross profit equation, adding fixed costs to your considerations. Rather than looking at one transaction (ex: one dog cared for on one day of operations), this equation looks at your total revenue and operating costs over a time period.

The goal of this equation is to see how much of your revenue will translate to profit. Because it is an equation looking at finances over time, it’s essential that you keep time units consistent across the board.

• Net Profit: This number is a representation of your gross profit (refer to the previous section) over time. Essentially, the net profit equation looks like this: Net Profit = (Gross Profit Per Dog x Number of Dogs) x Number of Days in Time Period
• Total Fixed Expenses: This represents your fixed costs across a time period. For example, $10,000 per month.

This is similar to the general profit equation from the first section. The key difference is that net operating profit combines the Revenue and Variable Costs sections into one overall Net Profit variable.

Pricing as Branding

While it’s essential that each of these equations results in a positive profit for your dog daycare to stay afloat, there are other important considerations to make when setting your business’s prices.

How you choose to price your services sends a strong message to your customers, and setting these limits too low (or high!) can give a negative first impression.

This pricing tells potential customers where your business lies in the market of doggy daycare services. If your pricing is too low, customers may fear you’re providing sub-par services to provide discount pricing. On the other hand, if your pricing is particularly high, you’ll have to make a strong case for the investment. If your pricing is too complicated , you’re likely to deter customers as well.

Many dog daycare businesses have found success in providing higher-quality service (for example, a lower dog-to-staff ratio) paired with a slightly higher price point. In that case, it’s essential that you support your pricing with a strong branding strategy, great first impressions, and a positive customer experience reputation.

If all of these equations and considerations seem a bit overwhelming, don’t fret— Gingr has put a lot of thought into dog daycare profitability. Check out our Doggy Daycare Profitability Model Spreadsheet to begin your profit analysis.

Elements of a Winning Dog Daycare Business Plan

A serious love for animals and a knowledge of profit equations aren’t enough to build and grow your future dog daycare business— there are a few other elements that are necessary for any successful dog kennel business plan.

With that, let’s explore the essential elements of a successful dog daycare business plan:

Define Your Brand

Dogs are often cherished as family members themselves, so for their human counterparts to feel comfortable leaving them in your care is a huge decision. Branding your dog daycare or kennel effectively is how you show these owners that you’re the right fit for their four-legged friend.

There are two steps to this— defining your brand and communicating that brand.

When defining your brand, consider what makes your dog daycare stand out from the others in your community. What makes you and your staff so passionate about caring for pets? What makes your approach to pet-care superior to others in your field?

For example, maybe your daycare specializes in providing care to senior dogs, centering your branding around a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere. Or, maybe your key selling point is the expertise of your staff, who have advanced experience in puppy etiquette and training. Find your key selling point and brand accordingly.

From there, it’s essential that this brand is consistent across all communications you have with potential and current customers. Your facility itself, your website, your social network profiles, and any advertisements and direct communications you send out should convey this consistent branding.  

Know Your Competition

This is where you get into the nitty-gritty of what makes your doggy daycare better than others in your community. We know that competition is increasing in the dog daycare realm, both in more traditional daycare settings and newer home pet-care camera technology.

Research other local facilities and popular options to ensure you’re offering features that make you stand out from the crowd. Some ways to truly make your mark as the premier dog daycare facility in your community are:

• Set competitive pricing compared to others in your area providing similar services. Don’t make the mistake of setting your pricing significantly higher or lower than your competition, as you’ll stand out for all of the wrong reasons.
• Offer a peek into your operations. Streaming video from inside your facility (ex: in a dog play yard) and sending home a doggy report card reassure owners that your daycare is a safe, fun space for their pets.
• Leverage convenient, customer-oriented software tools. Manage your operations using software made for dog daycare businesses, with convenient online booking and payment, one-click check-in, and easily managed recurring services.

If branding is the key to making customers feel emotionally comfortable sending their dogs to your daycare, standing out from your competition is the key to making them logically comfortable.

Choose the Right Facilities

To successfully open a dog daycare or kennel, you also have to invest in superb facilities. Choosing your space is often a balance of two desires:

• Having enough space (and maybe even built-out facilities) to provide the best care possible to your customers.
• Being within your budget to not diminish the profitability of your business overall.

Because choosing a facility is an investment, you’ll want to really do your research before settling into one location.

Remember that each state and locality will have different statutes and zoning laws playing into your facilities as well. From where in the community you’re allowed to set up shop, to how large your facilities need to be— there’s a decent chance your state and local government have an opinion on what’s acceptable as well. 

Leverage Effective Software

You’ll soon realize that analog methods of managing your business will be ineffective as it expands and grows. Your best bet is to invest in the right dog daycare software from the start , allowing it to scale with the business as it grows.

However, if you’re new to the dog daycare business (or simply looking to improve operations), you may not be familiar with this type of software. Start by evaluating what your customers and staffers are looking for in a software solution. Popular features to look for in a pet-care software solution are:

• Client and pet management features. This includes unlimited client profiles with photos, paperless waivers and other signed agreements, hidden internal staff notes for specific clients, and easy access to vaccination records, to name a few.
• Online booking and customer portal. This should be mobile-friendly, allow for digital signing of waivers and uploading of vet records, have the ability to collect deposits online, and even let customers view photos and videos of their pets. Plus, you should be able to customize the services, features, and forms available through online booking.
• Reservation management features. Look for easy customization of reservation types and viewing of availability, both for your staff and customers. Further, look for simple check-in/check-out procedures that still ensure you have all of the information needed to provide a safe stay.
• Communications features. Your customers will appreciate automatic communications for reservation confirmations and reminders, vaccination reminders, and report cards. Your staff will appreciate it when they don’t have to waste time manually sending these communications.
• Retail features. The ability to use your software as a point-of-sale system and offer add-on services and retail products will increase the profitability of your business.
• Marketing features. Top software can send SMS and email marketing communications quickly and easily. Further, you should be able to easily filter your customers and customize communications to them accordingly.
• Staff management features. Features to manage your staff, such as personalized to-do lists, commission tracking, a time-clock with associated reports, and even specialist scheduling (groomer, trainer) will drastically improve your internal processes.

Choosing the right software from the start will set your business up for success going forward. You’ll cut down on staff costs, lessen the risk of error, and stand out from the crowd with customer-facing features.

At Gingr, we’ve been working to create the best pet-care software platform possible for business owners like yourself. Contact us today for more information on our solutions.

Related Blog Posts

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Dog Daycare Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 5,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their doggie daycares. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a dog daycare business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What Is a Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your dog daycare business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan

Source of Funding for Dog Daycare Centers

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a dog daycare are bank loans, personal savings, credit cards and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

Another common form of funding for a dog daycare is angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding, or, like a bank, they will give you a loan. Venture capitalists will not fund a doggie daycare. They might consider funding a chain, but never an individual location. This is because most venture capitalists are looking for millions of dollars in return when they make an initial investment, and an individual location could never achieve such results.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

Your business plan should include 10 sections as follows:

Executive Summary

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of dog daycare business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a dog daycare that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of doggie daycare businesses.

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the dog daycare industry. Discuss the type of dog daycare you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of doggie daycare business you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types:

• 100% cage-free : this type of doggy daycare allows dogs to freely roam the facility, under the supervision of a staff member.
• Cage-free play : this type of doggy daycare typically cages the dogs for a portion of the day, and allows dogs to play outside their cages at certain times.
• Kennel : this type of doggy daycare offers cages or runs where the dog remains for the entirety of the stay.
• Indoor-only doggy daycare : this type of dog daycare has indoor-only facilities, where dogs interact and play indoors, as well as relieving themselves in a designated indoor area.
• Indoor and outdoor doggy daycare : this type of dog daycare has both indoor and outdoor areas for dogs to enjoy.
• Extended-stay dog boarding : this type of doggy daycare provides care for an extended time while the owners are on vacation.

In addition to explaining the type of doggie daycare you operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include sales goals you’ve reached, new facility openings, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the dog daycare industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy particularly if your research identifies market trends. For example, if there was a trend towards 100% cage-free dog daycare, it would be helpful to ensure your plan calls for this accommodation.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your doggie daycare business plan:

• How big is the dog daycare business (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your dog daycare. You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your doggie daycare business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: pet owners aged 30 to 49; pet owners aged 50 to 64, etc.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of doggie daycare you operate. Clearly baby boomers would want a different atmosphere, pricing and product options, and would respond to different marketing promotions than millennials.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most doggie daycares primarily serve customers living in their same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

If you plan to offer extended-stay dog boarding as well, you may want to consider segmenting customer behaviors as well. Local dog owners who are planning a vacation would be a targeted segment for marketing and advertising.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Direct competitors are other doggie daycare businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from you that aren’t direct competitors, such as dog walkers. You need to mention such competition to show you understand that not everyone who owns a dog uses a doggie daycare each day.

With regards to direct competition, you want to detail the other dog daycare centers with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be dog daycares located very close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What dog daycare services do they offer?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to stand outside your competitors’ locations and ask customers as they leave what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide superior dog daycare services?
• Will you provide doggie daycare services that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you make it easier or faster for customers to use your services (e.g., reservations via a mobile app)?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan. This might include adding grooming services, boarding services, mobile-friendly services or other pet care services. Also, consider getting involved with your local animal shelters to build community involvement and spread the word about your dog daycare facility.

Marketing Plan

Product : in the product section you should reiterate the type of dog daycare that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific services you will be offering. For example, in addition to regular dog daycare, will you offer items such as premium food, a water park, one-on-one staff attention, grooming, etc.?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your dog daycare. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your doggie daycare located next to a heavily populated office building, or gym, etc. Discuss how your location might provide a steady stream of customers.

Promotions : the final part of your dog daycare marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Making your dog daycare’s front store extra appealing to attract passing customers
• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local bloggers and websites
• Partnerships with local organizations (e.g., pet store purchasers get a free day of dog daycare with each $100+ purchase)
• Social media marketing
• Local radio advertising
• Banner ads at local venues

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your dog daycare such as check-in, procuring supplies, keeping the facility clean, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to serve your 1,000th customer, or when you hope to reach $X in sales. It could also be when you expect to hire your Xth employee or launch a new location.

Management Team

To demonstrate your dog daycare’s ability to succeed as a business, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in the dog daycare business. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in dog daycares and/or successfully running small businesses.

Financial Plan

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you serve 50 customers per day or 100? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : While balance sheets include much information, to simplify them to the key items you need to know about, balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. For instance, if you spend $100,000 on building out your dog daycare, that will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $100,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a dog daycare:

• Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
• Cost of equipment like kennels, dog beds, activity centers, etc.
• Cost of food and treats and maintaining an adequate amount of supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your facility design blueprint or location lease.

Doggie Daycare Business Plan Summary

Doggie Daycare Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my dog daycare business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete your Dog Daycare Business Plan.

What is the Goal of a Business Plan's Executive Summary?

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of dog daycare business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a dog daycare that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of dog daycare businesses.

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Dog Daycare business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   Click here to see how Growthink’s business planning advisors can create your business plan for you.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Sample Dog Boarding Facility Business Plan

Dog boarding business plan sample.

Dog boarding business mainly focuses on providing a safe and convenient place where people who have travel plans can keep their dogs and be rest assured that their dogs will be taken good care of.

Dog boarding businesses provide a wide range of dog-related services , as well as providing other pet-related services too.

If you are interested in writing a good business plan for your dog boarding business and have considered all the key steps for starting the business, then you will find this dog boarding business plan sample very useful towards guiding you write a good one for your business.

Here is a guide for starting a dog and cat kennel company .

BUSINESS NAME: Carson Jenkins Dog Boarding Services LLC

Table of Content

• Executive Summary
• Our Products and Services
• Vision Statement
• Mission Statement
• Business Structure
• Market Analysis
• Sales and Marketing Strategy
• Financial Plan
• Sales Forecast

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY   

Carson Jenkins Dog Boarding Services LLC is a dog boarding business which will not only provide it services to dog owners in Tennessee, but to dog owners in the whole of the United States. The business will particularly be concerned with providing a number of services which will range from dog boarding to dog grooming and training, and others.

Mr and Mrs Carson Jenkins will own Carson Jenkins Dog Boarding Services LLC, and they will be concerned with the management of the business. Both Carson Jenkins, and his wife are experienced players in the industry, and they will go right into the business to become recognised as the number one in the whole of the United States.

A total of $250,000 is what will be required to start up Carson Jenkins Dog Boarding Services LLC in Tennessee. This budget will be sourced from both the owners and from their banks.

OUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Carson Jenkins Dog Boarding Services LLC will be a dog boarding service that is fully ready to provide its services to customers in Tennessee, and all around the United States. The following are the services we will be concerned with providing to our customers:

• Boarding of dogs and other pets
• Operating pet shelters
• Pet grooming (particularly dogs)
• Operating dog pounds
• Sales of dog and other pet related products such as pet foods, dog chains, dog tie, pet clothes, pet shampoos, etc.

Our services which are particularly aimed at providing a safe place for dog and pet owners to keep their pets secure while they may be away from town will not be limited to the above listed services, but will also include dog walking and dog training services.

VISION STATEMENT

We have come into this business with a simple business vision. Our business vision is to build a reputable dog boarding business that will be very successful and competitive, and highly effective enough to be regarded as the number one in the industry.

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission in the industry is simply to become the number one dog boarding business in the United States that will become reputed as a true pace setter, and a brand which is committed to providing services that are second to none in the industry.

BUSINESS STRUCTURE

We well know that the success of any business truly rests upon the structure which it is founded. We have realised that many businesses fail before they even start simply because they are not built upon a strong and reliable structure.

We have a vision and a target to meet; hence, we will be very serious about recruiting only the very best hands to handle the affairs of our business. A major criterion for selecting our employees would be good number of years of working experience. Candidates that will be recruited into our business must be very experienced in their respective fields. The following are the positions to be filled in our business structure:

• Chief Executive Officer
• Veterinary Doctor
• Human Resources and Admin Manager
• Dog Trainers and Handlers for each of the required skill set.
• Sales and Marketing Manager
• Accountants

MARKET ANALYSIS Market Trend

People always cherish their pets; and over the past years, there has been marked growth in revenue in the industry albeit in the face of recession and economic challenges. The reason is because consumers are much more interested in providing adequate care for their pets, and they go all the way towards affording a whole lot of services for them.

This trend is not seen to wane any time; rather, it is seen to gain more momentum with time.

In the industry, if you want to be very profitable, you must be ready to be very creative with your services, ensuring you provide quality services. This is the trend if you really want to rake in good profits in the industry.

Target Market

We know it is highly important to do a thorough research to know the people who particularly need your services. We have recognised the following groups as the people that need our services, and they make up our target market.

• Individuals who own dogs and other pets
• Household that own dogs and/or any other pet
• Corporate organizations
• Dog Breeders
• Governmental Bodies

SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

There is so much competition in the pet industry in the United States. We recognise this, and we are mindful of it; for this reason, we have consulted sales and marketing experts to help us in developing sales and marketing strategies suited for our kind of business.

Also, as mentioned, we will recruit only qualified and experienced hands into our team of marketing executives, and we will provide trainings for them from time to time. The following are the sales and marketing strategies we will adopt for our dog boarding business.

• We will not hesitate to start our dog marketing campaign for our business by introducing our dog boarding business to the various groups which we have recognised to make up our target market.
• We will not fail to encourage our employees and loyal customers to use word of the mouth in helping us promote our business.
• We will ensure we drop off our fliers and business brochures at strategic places in a strategic manner; places such as schools, libraries, transport stations, etc.
• We will also ensure we place adverts of our dog boarding business on newspapers, pet related magazines, radio and TV stations, etc.
• We will also take our business online and promote it on sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and particularly, Instagram.
• We will also key into the affiliate marketing to promote our dog boarding business.

FINANCIAL PLAN Sources of Start up Budget

We have been able to estimate the total startup budget we will require to start up our dog boarding business. We will require a total of $250,000. This estimate is based upon our knowledge of the industry, as well as from available statistical data in the industry.

We will source this startup capital from only two (2) sources; the owners’ savings and sales of their assets, and from obtaining loan from the owners’ banks.

SALES FORECAST

First Fiscal Year                    $250,000 Second Fiscal Year                $400,000 Third Fiscal Year                   $800,000

The above sales projection is what we have come up with for our dog boarding business for the first three years after startup. This sales projection is quite flexible and subject to further adjustments; however, it provides us with the necessary business guide to work with.

This business plan sample is a dog boarding business plan sample which has assumed the business name, ‘Carson Jenkins Dog Boarding Services LLC’. The dog boarding business will be established in Tennessee , and its owners will be the Jenkinses. The business will be committed to fully achieving its set out goal by implementing the objectives set out on this plan.

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Dog Daycare Business Plan Sample

DEC.11, 2017

Doggie daycare business plan for your own dog kennel

Are you planning to start a dog daycare business? Well, dogs are the most popular pet in the world especially in the United States where 89.7 million dogs were owned as pets in 2017. Most of these dog owners need the services of dog daycare centers which can take care of their beloved dogs when they are not around. The people in the United States never hesitate to spend on their pets, for instance, the US residents spend tens of billions of dollars on their pet friends, the majority of which are dogs. This shows how profitable a dog daycare business can be. So, if you are thinking about starting this venture you should know that you can earn some serious cash provided you plan your business efficiently.

The first thing before starting any business is to write a comprehensive business plan which establishes the basis of your company’s future operations and decisions. It also provides detailed guidelines about everything you will be doing in the next few years. If you are wondering how to write an effective dog daycare business plan then here we are providing you the business plan for a dog daycare startup named ‘The Dog Cave’.

Executive Summary

2.1 the doggy daycare business.

The Dog Cave will be located at the East Lake Shore Drive District in Chicago, Illinois. We will be strategically located in one of the richest neighborhoods in the United States. The company will be licensed by American Pet Association and equipped with all resources and manpower to provide the highest quality of services possible. The business will be owned and operated by Dr. John Spenks, a renowned veterinary doctor of the United States. Dr. Spenks studied Veterinary Sciences from the University of Florida and had been serving in various Government as well as privately-owned veterinary and pet care centers throughout the United States for the last 20 years. It is probably due to his vast experience spanning two decades that he knows everything about how to start a dog daycare business .

2.2 Management

The company will be initially launched as a small startup operating only in Chicago. Dr. Spenks will manage the overall operations of the company and will be assisted by his nephew Mike Spenks, who is an MBA from Harvard and has served in various managing positions at many small and medium-sized businesses. Mike will also manage the finances of the company. Opening a dog daycare business plan is not an easy task that’s why Dr. Spenks will hire a team before the company’s launch to help him throughout the process.

2.3 Customers

The company aims to serve one of the richest residential zones of the United States. The community living in the region has the annual mean household income of $593,454; hence, they can easily afford our quality services .

2.4 Target of the Company

The company aims to provide highest quality service to its customers and become the best daycare center in Chicago within three years of its launch. Dr. Spenks also plans to launch a few more centers in other cities as well.

2.4.1 Objectives

The target of the company can be achieved by fulfilling the following objectives:

• To achieve the net profit margin of $30k per month by the end of the first year
• To increase the profit margin by at least 20% each year
• To balance the initial cost of startup with earned profits by the end of three years

The company’s financial experts have forecasted following sales and profits for the next three years of launch.

2.4.2 Keys to Success

The keys to the success of fulfilling our objectives and achieving our target are as follows:

• Comprehensive planning of ‘everything
• Hiring the best staff for operations
• Respecting our customers and their beloved pets
• Maintaining strict checking on the staff with reference to health and cleanliness aspects of the facility

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

The Dog Cave will be owned by Dr. Spenks who has been in veterinary and pet care industry for the last 20 years. Dr. Spenks has been planning this startup for the last couple of years and hence perfectly knows how to open a dog daycare business and operate it to yield profit even in the first year of launch.

3.2 Why the Dog Daycare Business is being started

Dr. Spenks has always wanted to start start a doggie daycare business  plan out of his love for dogs and had been planning for it for quite a time. But he finally decided to start this venture after receiving his share of wealth from his father recently. Starting this business was undoubtedly the best way to not only invest his money but also to fulfill his long-awaited dream.

3.3 How the Doggie Daycare Business will be started

The Dog Cave will be a bonded, insured and licensed dog daycare business. Dr. Spenks is nearly halfway through the process of acquiring a license for the company and has already procured a beautiful facility near the residential zone of the city. The facility was previously used as local school so a lot of work will be required to convert it into a dog daycare center. Dr. Spenks has acquired the services of a contracting firm which is currently working on the facility. Dr. Spenks has planned everything about his business. He has even hired a team of professional experts from various fields to just help him craft a detailed plan for his venture. His nephew, Mike, will be in charge of all financial activities and will oversee other experts. The initial main expenses for the startup include rent of the facilities and other utilities along with the expenses due to marketing or advertising of the company. After that, the biggest expense will be in the inventory needed for start-up including shampoo, grooming products, food and other supplies for the dogs. All the initial investment will be made by Dr. Spenks himself and he won’t need any loans, at least for the first year of operations. Mike, with the help of financial experts, has forecasted following costs for expenses, assets, investment, and loans for the Start-up.

The detailed start-up requirements, start-up funding, start-up expenses, total assets, total funding required, total liabilities, total planned investment, total capital and liabilities as forecasted by experts, is given below:

Services for customers

Our dog day care center is primarily aimed to provide a place to dog-owners where they can leave their dogs anytime. We will take care of our customer’s dogs while they are at work, or away on a vacation, or enjoying a weekend trip. Besides providing a safe place for their dogs, we will also provide many other services which are:

• Dog training
• Exercising and feeding
• Veterinary services
• Washing and grooming

Along with these services, we will also open a small store for selling pet-related products like shampoos, foods, medicines, ties, chains, and clothes for the dogs.

Marketing Analysis of dog daycare business

The most important and difficult part of developing an effective dog daycare business plan was its accurate marketing analysis that’s why Dr. Spenks acquired the services of marketing experts. They not only helped him throughout the process but also showed him several dog daycare business plan samples to give him an idea about how to carry out an accurate marketing analysis. Dr. Spenks then made his own doggie daycare business plan after he had gone through various dog day care business plans . The success or failure of a startup is totally dependent upon its marketing strategy which can only be developed on the basis of accurate marketing analysis. There are four main steps to carry out an accurate marketing analysis which are to identify the current market trends of your business, identify your target audience and potential customers, set out the business targets to achieve, and finally set the prices of your products or services in accordance with the first three steps.

5.1 Market Trends

The pet industry is one of the few industries which have seen a consistent increase in revenue. According to the American Pet Products Association, the residents of US spent a staggering amount of $60.28 Billion in 2015, $66.75 Billion in 2016, and are estimated to spend $69.36 by the end of 2017. These stats show that this industry can be immensely profitable provided that you market yourself successfully. The most interesting aspect of this industry is its dynamic nature. With latest technologies and luxurious pet products, pet owners’ demands have also changed accordingly. The need for daycare centers, especially for the dogs which is the most favorite pet in the United States, has increased the demand for such facilities beyond limits. Especially for the regions housing well-off community are in a dire need of daycare facilities.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

A startup must develop a good plan to market itself to its target customers. A successful and efficient marketing strategy can only be developed after we completely know our potential customers. That’s why our marketing experts carried out an extensive research to identify our target customers and develop an effective marketing strategy for them. Our experts have identified the following type of target audience which can become the future consumers of our services and products:

The detailed marketing segmentation of our target audience is as follows:

5.2.1 Individual Households

The biggest consumer of our services and products will be the community living in the residential zones of Chicago. We will specifically target the neighborhood of East Lake Shore Drive which is also the location of our facility. The residential community often has to leave their homes for various purposes and most of the time they can’t take their dogs with them. That’s why they will need our daycare services throughout the year. Moreover, they are also much likely to acquire our dog grooming, washing, training and veterinary services along with the purchase of pet products from our adjacent store. These individual households will contribute the biggest portion of our sales hence they have a major role in deciding our strategies and policies.

5.2.2 Corporate Organizations

Many corporate organizations like police or security agencies also own a lot of detective dogs. We also plan to serve them by providing dog grooming, washing, and veterinary services. Although these organizations also own trained staff for these purposes yet they can still become our potential customers of various pet products like food, medicine, clothes etc.

5.2.3 Dog Dealers

There are also various dog dealers in the central business district of Chicago city. Although they a little far from our facility center but we have made a plan by which we can attract these dealers. We will arrange special transportation facilities for them so that they can easily bring their dogs to us. We will also offer special packages and discounts for the purpose of attracting them towards our services. We hope that these dealers will also help us generate a lot of revenue.

5.2.4 Animal Shelters

There are more than 3500 animal shelters in the United States for accommodating abandoned, stray, or lost animals. We also hope to target hundreds of animal shelters present in Chicago for washing, grooming, and veterinary services. We will also provide them transportation services and special offers. The detailed market analysis of our potential customers is given in the following table:

5.3 Business Target

We aim to become the best dog care business in Chicago within next three years. Our business target is to balance the cost of our startup within just three years of our launch.

5.4 Product Pricing

We have priced our products and services in the similar ranges as of our competitors. For daycare services, we have developed various plans for charging our customers such as per hour, per day and per week plans. We will provide better services than our competitors for the same prices. The reason behind this pricing policy is to achieve our minimum attractive rate of return while also attracting the customers towards us.

Dr. Spenks carried out extensive research and hired financial experts to help him develop an effective marketing and sales strategy for the startup. The experts made a detailed strategy for him to start dog daycare business .

High Quality Business Plan and Professional Support

It was amazing to work with OGS Capital for our business plan. They promptly responded our enquires and delivered document on time.The document was well organized high quality and content.We succeded with Alex and his team support. We thank you guys again for professional approach and easy communication.

It wasn’t that Dr. Spenks didn’t know how to open a doggie daycare business , he only took help from various experts to ensure the success of this great venture. The strategy of our company as developed by the experts is as follows:

6.1 Competitive Analysis

We have a really tough competition because there are several other dog daycare centers in Chicago, many of them are established since decades. But still, Dr. Spenks is positive that our company will beat all of the competitors within no time. Our competitive edge will be our better quality and luxurious services within the same amount as that of our competitors. Our second competitive edge will be our unparalleled customer service where we will treat our customers and their beloved pets with extreme respect.

6.2 Sales Strategy

We will introduce our startup to our target customers and stakeholders by sending brochures and introductory letters about us. We will also carry out a large-scale social media campaign for our advertisement.

6.3 Sales Forecast

We believe that people will always leave their dogs with us if they use our service even for once. Considering the market demand and the quality of our services, our sales pattern is expected to increase with years. By analyzing our market segmentation strategy, our experts have forecasted the following sales on the yearly basis which are summarized in the column charts.

The detailed information about sales forecast, total unit sales, total sales is given in the following table.

Personnel plan

Dr. Spenks acquired the services of a Human Resource Manager for helping him develop a personnel plan to open dog daycare business . He developed the following personnel plan for the staff needed for the dog daycare center along with their average salaries with the help of experts.

7.1 Company Staff

Dr. Spencer will manage the overall operations of the daycare center. The company will initially hire following people

• 1 Accountant to maintain financial records.
• 4 Sales and Marketing Executives responsible for dealing with corporate businesses, dog dealers, and animal shelters
• 15 Workers for performing various tasks such as feeding, washing, grooming, and training of dogs
• 5 Workers to maintain the facility and for doing its routine cleaning
• 4 Drivers to transportation of dogs owned by dealers, organizations, and shelters
• 1 Front Desk Officer to act as a receptionist in the company office
• 1 Salesperson to operate pet products store

To ensure the best quality service, all employees will be selected through vigorous testing and will be trained for a month before starting their jobs.

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

The following table shows the forecasted data about employees and their salaries for next three years.

Financial Plan

Mr. Spenks with his nephew Mike developed the financial plan for his business. Mike, being a financial expert, helped him through all the problems encountered in this phase. The problem wasn’t about how to open your own daycare business but the problem was how you plan it incorporating all financial aspects. The financial plan developed by them outlines the development of company over the next three years.

8.1 Important Assumptions

The company’s financial projections are forecasted on the basis of following assumptions. These assumptions are quite conservative and are also expected to show deviation but to a limited level such that the company’s major financial strategy will not be affected.

8.2 Brake-even Analysis

The following graph shows the company’s Brake-even Analysis.

The following table shows the company’s Brake-even Analysis.

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

The following charts show the company’s expected Profit and Loss situation on the monthly and yearly basis.

8.3.1 Profit Monthly

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

The following table shows detailed information about profit and loss, and total cost of sales.

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

The following column diagram shows the projected cash flow.

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

The following projected balance sheet shows data about total current assets, total long-term assets, total assets, subtotal current liabilities, total liabilities, total capital, total liabilities and capital.

8.6 Business Ratios

The following table shows data about business ratios, ratio analysis, total assets, net worth.

OGS capital staff also specialize in writing business plans such as pet photography business plan , horse boarding business plan , dog walking business plan , horse training business plan , pet hotel business plan and etc.

Download Dog Daycare Business Plan Sample in pdf

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

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