How to Start a $60K/Month Dog Boarding Business (2024)

  • 3 years ago

Do you love dogs? What if you could harness your affection for animals to provide a fun and safe place for pets to hang out while their owners go about their routines, vacations, and unexpected events?

According to the latest statistics, Americans recently adopted new pets at a staggering rate, especially dogs. Rover.com reports that 49% of Americans adopted a new dog during the early COVID pandemic. 

If you ever thought about working with dogs, here’s your cue to secure the rewarding livelihood that a dog boarding business can provide.

We interviewed Larry Fosnick Davis and his wife. They conditioned their Seattle-based dog daycare and boarding business, Metro Dog Seattle , for continued success.

With all the great insight Larry offered, we were able to compile this step-by-step guide to help you start your very own boarding business. Keep reading to find out if opening a dog daycare is the right business for you.

Step 1: Learn more about pet boarding

Let’s start with an overall view of the pet care services industry.

What is dog boarding?

Simply put, dog boarding is the act of caring for dogs while their owners are away. Boarding facilities charge a set fee to pet owners for an agreed-upon length of stay.

The goal is to provide a safe and fun place for animals to lodge when pet owners have obligations to attend to or want their animals to socialize. Simple, right?

Learn the lingo

Learn the “dog words” associated with this business by checking out this glossary published by the American Kennel Club (AKC), a leading authority on dogs in the United States.

Study other terminology sources, such as this grooming glossary provided by Petco.  

Trade organizations

The good news is that there are wonderful organizations that set standards for the doggy care industry. Here are a few notable ones.

The AKC is a respected, 130-year-old non-profit organization dedicated to canine pets. Turn to them for expert advice on breeds, behavior, products, and services.

The Cat Fanciers’ Association ( CFA ) and Alley Cat Allies provide information for feline pets.

Other international and national organizations

Related trade organizations for animal lodging and care include:

  • The International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA)
  • National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS)
  • National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA)

Last time we checked, organizations like these are an excellent place to dig up some research. So be sure to go out and do it.

Publications

Pick up a copy of Pet Boarding and Daycare magazine and leap into this list of other pet-related publications .

Certification

Research if Professional Pet Boarding Certification ( PPBC ) might help you achieve credibility in your desired market.

Other certification programs are available through the IBPSA , NAPPS , and NDGAA .

After all, earning a certificate from a respected organization could be a good selling point to set you apart from the local competition. It makes sense, right?

Step 2: Pick up some training and experience

You’ll want to fetch some training and experience. There’s a lot that goes into caring for dogs, so you’ll need to be sure you have what it takes to keep both them and their owners happy. Let’s get into it.

Now let’s go over some skills you’ll need to operate a boarding business confidently. Technical abilities are a must.

Of equal importance is nurturing the soft skills furry four-legged friends need to feel safe and secure. Let me explain.

Technical abilities

Complete a course on pet handling techniques like low-stress and fear-free . According to Larry, these skills—along with pet first-aid—are essential to pet owners.

The public as a whole started to realize how important it was that their hired caregivers have the same sort of qualifications that you might find in a human daycare provider.

Pursue additional training in the following areas:

  • Pet safe cleaning and sanitation to limit the spread of disease
  • Breed knowledge to understand their various needs
  • Grooming, such as nail clipping, brushing, and bathing

Soft skills

OK, I know what you’re thinking: what about those soft skills? Here are some tips on techniques to learn and practice:

  • Clear communication because owners love their pets and want to talk about them!
  • Patience because you will need to learn and adapt to many personalities, both human and pet.
  • Empathy because you’ll be caring for someone’s best buddy, often considered a family member.

In truth, treating each pet as your own will be the key to success in this business.

Reference material

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) maintains an engaging library on dog care that I recommend you review and save to your favorites list to reference as needed.

Gain experience by jumping at the chance to:

  • Work for a boarding business.
  • Walk dogs or pet sit with apps like Rover.com or Wag .
  • Work in a related field, such as for a veterinarian, groomer, or animal shelter.
  • Watch pets for friends and family.
  • Take a pet first-aid class, like the one offered by Metro Dog .

Pets at home are OK, but not enough

Prior experience with pets, not just the ones at home, is highly recommended because you will need to determine if you can:

  • Physically handle different breeds and sizes of dogs.
  • Deal with various personalities and behaviors.
  • Properly feed, medicate, and groom them.
  • Know how to recognize issues that require you to call a veterinarian or the owner.

The best part is that experience is easily accessible and, in many cases, requires no formal education or training.

Step 3: Decide what type of animal boarding business is right for you

When you think of the ubiquitousness of pets and how much people love them, the number of pet business ideas from which you can profit is wide open and very promising.

As such, boarding kennels can trail off into several different directions, so you’ll want to know which is best for you.

Prepare yourself for this important decision by taking IBPSA’s complimentary webinar on business models . The following sections offer some specific points to consider. Keep reading.

At-home kennels

There are two types of home-based kennels: at the customer’s home or in your home. And here’s a fun fact: Experts feel this is a wonderful option for anxious dogs .

If you offer this arrangement, be transparent about other pets and pet guests in the home and the conditions of the house. Consider setting up a meet-and-greet with prospective customers.

Before trotting off in this direction, check local laws and ordinances , especially if you’re a renter.

Pet sitting and dog walking

Larry and his wife started small. Initially, they sat pets and walked dogs for extra income. Two decades later, they invested $700k to open a larger location to serve as a local “community center for pets.”

Please keep it simple by registering with a service like Rover.com, a bookings portal for sitters and dog walkers. Also, read this article on how to start a  pet sitting business .

Housesitting

Don’t snooze on offering dog sitting as part of housesitting as these services are often combined and allow you to travel to exciting destinations. 

Like pet sitting and dog walking, housesitting is an excellent way to begin your business with limited start-up funds.

Investigate how to start a dog kennel

Kennel-based animal care facilities might be what most people think of for boarding. There are crated and private room facilities, like The Doggy Dorm . There are even crate-free layouts, like at Dogs Unleashed .

If you’ve got the resources to make it happen, consider opening a brick-and-mortar location. Big or small, physical space will provide the most freedom to allow you to accept more furry guests than doing it at home.

Start a doggy daycare at a veterinarian’s office

If you are a veterinarian, then assess how to offer kenneling as an additional service. Pets with age-related or health issues usually benefit from this amenity.

Include cats and other pets

Tips for boarding other types of pets are available on petinsurance.com.

Larry and his wife diversified their services to include daycare, boarding, pet sitting, walking, first-aid training, and more, made possible by their years of experience in the industry.

Some providers endorse and sell products, such as personalized tags and collars, shampoos, and collapsible dog dens .

Larry says retail is new for his business and, while speaking about Metro Dog’s new location, mentions: 

In addition:

So, don’t be afraid to add on products and services related to pets.

Step 4: Write a dog boarding business plan

You’re super excited about the idea of making tons of fluffy friends, right?

So, let’s document a plan to put this idea in motion. A business plan is crucial, and we have advice and resources to help.

Sniff out the market

Before drafting your business plan, it’s best to analyze the market. Tease out your target audience and local options for pet lodging. Here’s the magic: you’ll land in a better position to make intelligent decisions.

Be specific

No matter the type of business, the sections of a business plan are the same. Make it a practical, living document by delving into specifics within each area.

Specific items to highlight in your kennel business plan are:

  • Additional services you might provide
  • Answering the question, “Are there kennels in my area?”
  • The best location for starting a dog kennel 
  • Financial projections and costs, especially as the business grows
  • Pet boarding kennel insurance to provide adequate coverage
  • Regulations for being a pet boarding business owner
  • The unique competitive advantage of your professional dog kennel

When you’re ready to play ball, use our in-depth guide that comes with a free business plan template.

Be flexible

We’ve all done it: create a beautiful plan on paper only to realize that bringing it to life requires adjustments.

Larry says:

When we did our original business plan, it looked great on paper. But in practice, many of the ideas were not as great as we thought and required a change in paradigm.

The bottom line is that while you need to go through the exercise of writing a business plan, it’s not a static document. Just remember to be flexible and embrace change, and everything will work out.

Step 5: Choose the right name for your pet care business

After figuring out your boarding business model, devise a memorable and playful name. Let me show you how.

Have fun, but leave some wiggle room

Make sure the name is easy to spell, pronounceable, and gives strangers some idea of what your business does. 

For instance, Room & Bark Boarding Services is light and easy to say, and there’s no guessing what the enterprise offers. 

Are you not sold on cute and quirky names? Then try sleek and elegant or something that includes your location, like South Austin Pet Lounge or Metro Dog Seattle.

Try to ensure it won’t need changing in the future because that can be troublesome and expensive.

Hang a tag with a brand

Remember branding when choosing a name because it’s like a shiny label your business wears to distinguish itself from others. 

Ask yourself how your name will look on a logo or graphics and an image you might incorporate that complements your selected moniker. Learn more in the sales and marketing section (Step 13) of this guide.

Gobble up a dot com

Check to see if your business name is available as a  dot com . Using one for your website will give you an established look and make your virtual address easier to remember. 

Search for available domain names and dig into UpFlip’s guide on creating a website . Give it a go!

What if I buy an existing business?

In most cases, boarding kennels that are “for sale by owner” already have a name. Research the business’ reputation to decide if you want to keep the name or rebrand with a new one.

Chew on a bit of feedback

Run your name through Google Trends and seek your friends’ and family members’ feedback.

Google Trends will tell you what searches are trending on the Internet, while your friends and family will just tell you their opinions. 

After that, you decide, but it can’t hurt to hear what others think, especially if they’re looking out for your best interests.

Registration

If all looks good and you’re ready to make it official, then register your business name with the government.

Step 6: What is legally required to start a dog daycare business?

Selecting a  legal structure is like placing your doggie daycare in the right-sized crate. The truth is, this step is usually beyond the expertise of many entrepreneurs.

So, expect to incur costs engaging the services of an accountant, attorney, and tax professional. The best part is, many of these professionals make excellent business coaches !

Licenses and permits

Figure out what licenses, permits, and tax forms you’ll need . It all depends on your location and the services offered. For example, your city might have a barking ordinance. It’s understandable.

Evaluate how to set up your business as one of the following:

Regulations

As expected, dealing with live animals and their byproducts merits a figurative collar and leash to control the effects on the facility, community, and environment. Learn about regulations in your locale and comply with them.

For example, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency ( OhioEPA ) has precise rules about animal waste. Non-compliance can result in serious penalties. Don’t let this be you.

Step 7: Select a location

Larry and his wife found a dog daycare location in 2001. He says:

We found a suitable location in August 2001 and signed the lease a month later. We opened for business November of that year.

The location you can have or access goes paw-in-paw with the type of boarding business you can own. Let me explain.

How much does it cost to build a dog boarding facility?

A brick-and-mortar location requires you to investigate the feasibility of building a new facility, leasing a space, or buying an existing building.

While investigating, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Can I find a dog boarding business for sale in the area where I want to do business?
  • Is there commercial leasing for a pet boarding business near me?
  • What’s the proximity to similar boarding facilities?
  • What are the area’s demographics, and how do they compare to my targeted customer base?

Dig a little deeper by making these inquiries:

  • Is this location the right size for the services I want to offer?
  • Should I buy a  business for sale ?
  • What utilities and infrastructure are needed?
  • What are the zoning laws for my type of business?

A quick note about leasing a commercial property

Investigate the condition of the property to ensure business disruptions will be minimal. At least make sure the building passed its code inspections.

Nevertheless, some things are unavoidable, like when Larry’s landlord closed his whole building for two weeks —r ight in the middle of the busy summer boarding season — to upgrade the electrical system.

Designing a kennel or at-home location

The right location and design will elevate you to alpha status in this business.

The Barkleigh Store (cute name) sells a book on how to design a kennel . Information for an at-home operation is also available in Upflip’s guide on starting a  pet sitting business .

No matter your location, zoning is super-important. Learn as much as you can so that you don’t bark up the wrong tree with local authorities, especially the public health department.

Step 8: Hire the right people

Now let’s consider your labor options. Like Larry and his wife, you could start on your own or with a partner, at least until business picks up.

Limiting staff keeps costs down without worrying about whether you can pay employees fairly and keep them around. It’s a perfect option if you plan to start with walking and sitting gigs rather than a full-on boarding facility.

However, hiring someone who has experience could get things off the ground sooner rather than later if you have the money to do it.

Just be sure that whomever you hire has the same level of passion for pet care as you and that they’re comfortable and confident working with dogs of all breeds and sizes.

For inspiration, view this kennel attendant job description and interview questions .

If you bring on some helping hands, use the following checklist to comply with employment laws:

  • Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
  • Keep employment tax records per this guide provided by the IRS.
  • Pay federal unemployment tax.
  • Hang Workplace Posters in a visible spot.

Step 9: Stock your boarding facility with equipment and supplies

However you decide to outfit your boarding business, just remember that cleanliness and organization are your keys to success. Now let’s go over the equipment and supplies you’ll need.

If you’re planning to start small like Larry and his wife, only basic supplies and equipment are needed. 

It should include the following:

  • Hands-free leash and waist pack
  • Pet first-aid kit
  • Treats and water

For an extensive list of pet-sitting supplies, have a look at this guide from Pet Sitters International.

Brick-and-mortar

For those opening a brick-and-mortar boarding business, there’s quite a bit more to consider. 

Most importantly, the days of crated dog care are on their way out, as many dog owners now prefer cage-free environments for their precious companions.

Overnight boarding

Have some crates and large kennels for overnight care. 

To keep up with the progression of daytime dog care, customers prefer open areas where dogs can socialize and play.

Indoor and outdoor spaces

Cutting-edge boarding facilities include indoor and outdoor spaces, so you’ll want to consider materials for outfitting both if that’s the route you take. The Home Depot offers a delightful collection of dog playground equipment .

Cleaning and sanitizing

Once you build a safe and secure space for your four-legged guests, you’ll need plenty of cleaning supplies to keep everything sanitized. 

Pick up basic grooming supplies, like bathing stations , soaps, shampoos, plenty of towels, and nail trimmers.

There are so many whimsical and clever ways to decorate a pet-focused business. Take advantage of the possibilities and be creative! 

Larry says this about his new facility, “It’s also bright on colors and lighting. Even during the public health inspection, the inspector commented on how nice and bright it is.”

If you’re looking for inspiration, then check out what Amazon.com has to offer.

Step 10: Incorporate safety protocols for boarding kennels

The most important part of dog boarding is keeping your furry guests safe and healthy. After all, that’s why their owners brought them to you. The safety of you and your staff is also a top priority.

As we mentioned earlier, you and your employees will need training in first aid for dogs. Keep contact information for each pup’s veterinarian on file.

It wouldn’t hurt to have a working relationship with a local vet’s office, just to be safe. Being up to speed on basic human first-aid will also be helpful in the case of a  bite or other injuries.

Meet and greet

Require a “ trial day ” to help prevent incidents. During the evaluation, closely monitor new dogs to get to know them. 

Be sure you and your staff can accommodate and address any anxiety and behavioral issues your pet guest presents.

Require all clients to provide vaccination records for their dogs to limit the spread of illness and disease. All dogs should also be spayed and neutered.

In addition, discuss these areas in your safety plan:

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance
  • General things that can go wrong and how to handle them
  • Regular inspections for safety issues
  • Working conditions per Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements

Step 11: Get the right insurance

I’ve been there, thinking there’s insurance for everything nowadays. You’re probably asking if you need to take on that extra expense. The short answer is a resounding yes.

Insurance protects your business if something happens to a dog, you, or your property. General liability insurance is a must because it covers bodily injury, property damage, and medical payments — all-important for a pet business.

On average, kennels spend $300 to $700 for every $1m in coverage, which is about what other types of businesses spend on this type of insurance policy.

Other types of coverage to consider are:

  • Commercial property insurance
  • Commercial umbrella insurance
  • Commercial auto insurance
  • Home-based business insurance

Make it a priority to spend some time reading more about insurance for kennels .

Step 12: Handle your kenneling costs and revenue with a sound financial plan

It’s time to talk finances. Ambling in this area will prevent your kennel business from covering the ground it needs to succeed. Let me explain.

Bank account

Accounting, taxes, and money flow are easier to manage in one location, such as a business bank account for all your business transactions. Some businesses even set up a separate account for payroll .

A well-thought-out budget is like a dog gate to secure your finances by keeping them where you want them to be.

If numbers aren’t your thing, explore affordable budgeting courses from Udemy.com and Coursera . 

Manage your budget with an application like Xero or QuickBooks.

Ways to acquire funds for your new business include the following:

  • Angel investor or venture capitalist
  • Credit cards
  • Crowdfunding
  • Government programs
  • Home equity loan
  • Partnership
  • Personal funding
  • Loans from friends or family
  • Loans from a lending institution
  • Rollover for business startups (ROBS)

Each option has its pros and cons . Take a look at this SBA guide for an introduction to business funding to learn more.

Pricing is a mysterious obstacle faced by many business owners. Take control of it by determining the value of your service. Start by researching your market and competition.

Refer to the market analysis section of your business plan, check the prices in that market, and then use the information to determine your value proposition on the price of kenneling dogs or cats.

How much is dog boarding?

Most boarding businesses charge by the day, with the option for add-on services like grooming.

The American Pet Products Association ( APPA ) publishes market research every other year, informing what consumers spend and other significant data. Give it a chance.

Keep in mind that you might need to increase prices annually to keep up with minimum wage increases and inflation.

You might be wondering how much a dog boarding business makes. 

For Metro Dog Seattle’s first two years, the salary from Larry’s full-time job supported the business. After the start-up period, however, revenues grew enough to employ Larry and his wife full-time.

Although Larry and his wife opened the doors in 2001, weathering economic and global events over the years, within the last five years, his revenue increased from $660k to over $800k annually. Not bad.

Cuddle up to this dog daycare cash flow . See what the average consumer spends annually on pet ownership — including boarding costs — on Investopedia.com .

Step 13: Kick-off a sales and marketing campaign

Marketing attracts customers, and sales bring in revenue. Be the leader of the pack by following the advice in the sections below.

Know your customer

Here’s the magic: Tapping into the pet care services market won’t be difficult as consumers are already spending tons of money on pet hotel costs.

In fact, according to recent Economic Census statistics , consumer spending on pet care services totaled $5.8bn. Think about that for a minute.

Figure out what your ideal customer looks like by creating a  customer avatar . Keep reading.

Partnerships and Specials

Build relationships with other entrepreneurs. Veterinarians, pet stores, and groomers might be open to exchanging service promotions.

For instance, “Buds N Suds” grooming can provide their customers a unique promotional code to redeem with your business for 10% off your services—or vice versa.

At Metro Dogs, Larry offers special deals for foster and service dogs. Think about what this could mean for your business.

Establish a logo and brand identity

DIY or hire a graphic designer to develop a simple and effective logo and brand identity. Branding is your visual introduction to the public, so be sure to do the work required. 

While you’re at it, follow Forbes’ expert advice for small businesses. It provides excellent guidance for establishing your:

  • Tone – Are you professional, casual, or funny?
  • Values – What’s important, and how will you communicate it?
  • Blog – Because 81% of readers trust the information.

You can DIY your logo and brand identity, but if it’s too time-consuming, then consider hiring a freelancer to assist.

Digital marketing

The digital age all but demands a strong strategy for online marketing. You’ll fare much better if you set up a website, social media profiles, and email newsletter subscriptions.

If you’re interested in going further, buy digital ads, try search engine optimization (SEO) techniques, and set up a digital business card with Popl .

A fun fact is that featured snippets can establish you as a dog-boarding authority. It’s worth your time to learn how to optimize for these in your web-based content.

Printed marketing collateral

Include printed materials in your marketing strategies, such as brochures, car magnets, flyers, door hangers, t-shirts, and other printed items. Take advantage of the robust templates and graphics-editing tools on Canva.com .

Direct contact

Direct contact can be effective. Visit dog parks or even try cold calls to fetch initial clients.

Professional appearance as a walking advertisement for your business

Sales and marketing tactics are super important, but what reigns supreme is your level of service and how you represent your business.

Maintain a clean and organized facility. Provide efficient and friendly service to match. Implement neat uniforms, even if it’s simply a branded polo shirt .

Proactively seek reviews and respond to negative reviews professionally.

Take it from Larry, who says:

The achievements we’re most proud of are what our clients have to say about us.

Media outlets

Don’t leave traditional media outlets out of your marketing plan because they can still provide great exposure for your business.

Television talk shows interviewed Larry and his wife, and he’s written articles about pet safety. The Seattle Times quoted him about safety hikes with dogs, and the couple demonstrates pet first aid at events. 

Step 14: Establish sound business processes for daily operations

Business process maps might seem like something giant corporations pay consultants tens of thousands of dollars to create. 

However, they’re a simple tool that any entrepreneur can use to:

  • Establish operational processes.
  • Create customer-facing materials.
  • Deploy new products and services.
  • Work through the ideal and alternative paths of daily processes.

LucidChart has several excellent tutorials , videos , and a free cloud-based application to get you started.

Well-thought-out processes will also give you a better idea of which tasks to delegate to staff. Use them as a starting point for a   policies and procedures manual .

Key processes to document

Here are a few ideas of process diagrams you can create to document your business operations:

  • Acclimating new pet guests
  • Answering pet parents’ questions and concerns
  • Handling incidents
  • Laying out the facility
  • Keeping people and pets separate and secure
  • Processing payments and reconciling accounts
  • Running the back office and providing administrative support
  • Sanitizing on a schedule and performing the related activities
  • Scheduling exercise, feeding, and grooming

Refer to this article by AKC Pet Insurance to guide you to the kinds of processes you might need.

After mapping your processes, set expectations of acceptable and prohibited behavior (by staff and customers) with clearly written policies centered around topics such as:

  • Emergencies
  • Hours of operation
  • Health conditions and medications
  • Pick up and drop off
  • Weather events
  • Vaccinations

Check out the policy and procedure templates available on Smartsheet.com and Template.net.

People will always need pet care, so go out and do it!

The three pillars of Metro Dog Seattle’s success are tenacity, knowledge, and flexibility. As Larry says:

You always keep your options open and never ever give up.

Now that you know what it will take to open your very own dog boarding business, what’s your next step?

At this point, there’s not much standing between you and a room full of loveable furballs!

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Am I the right person to own a pet boarding business?
  • Do I have what it takes to handle customers and their concerns?
  • How can I ensure my facility is profitable?
  • Do I still want to be a dog daycare business owner?

Learn even more by watching our video on how to start a business . Now go out and do it!

Donna C. Arceneaux

Donna C. Arceneaux has over 20 years of experience in technical, governance, and content writing for corporations, small businesses, and the public sector. She received her MBA in Telecommunications Management from UD and BA in French from TAMU.

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2 thoughts on “How to Start a $60K/Month Dog Boarding Business (2024)”

Great article. But “bussiness plan?”

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Dog and Cat Kennel Business Plan

Start your own dog and cat kennel business plan

Executive Summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. It describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">

Noah’s Arf is a full-service animal care facility dedicated to consistently providing high customer satisfaction by rendering excellent service, quality pet care, and furnishing a fun, clean, enjoyable atmosphere at an acceptable price. We will maintain a friendly creative work environment which respects diversity, ideas, and hard work.

The timing is right for starting this new venture. Animals are playing a larger role in our lives, and working people are choosing to provide them with a good life. Loving families with active pets and an active conscience are in search of better lives for their pets and peace of mind for themselves, causing busy animal lovers to flock to an ever-growing number of animal day care facilities across the nation. For customer convenience, in addition to day care, Noah’s Arf will include overnight care, in-home care, wash your own, pet grooming, animal behavior, pet portraits, gift and pet specialty products, 24 hour service, and special requests, all at one facility.

Kris Price, owner, has worked at a high paced, customer service oriented profession at a growing company for twenty-three years. She has earned the respect of her colleagues through hard work and dedication. Her daughter is a graduate from veterinarian technical college and will join the staff in the fall of Year 1. Kris cares for pets of friends often, and at any given time there have been one or more animals living in her home. From business colleagues to friends surveyed, Kris has what it takes to make this venture extremely successful. She will count on her reputation to exceed expectations while continuously establishing an active client base.

To achieve our objectives, Noah’s Arf is seeking a long-term commercial loan. This loan will be paid back from the cash flow of the business within seven years, collateralized by the assets of the company, backed by personal integrity, experience and a contractual guarantee from the owner. Start-up costs will be used to purchase fixed assets, supplies, advertising, and opening cash on hand.

Dog and cat kennel business plan, executive summary chart image

1.1 Objectives

  • Monthly sales increasing steadily throughout FY 1.
  • Gross margin higher than 50% on pet products.
  • Full capacity by year end FY 2.
  • Expansion of services by FY 3.

1.2 Mission

To provide excellent animal care in a pet friendly atmosphere while ensuring our customers, both pet and owner, receive excellent service in a playful safe environment.

1.3 Keys to Success

The keys to success in our business are:

  • Superior Customer Service : 24 hour high-quality care and service.
  • Environment : provide a clean, upscale, odor free, enjoyable environment conducive to giving professional trusting service.
  • Convenience : offering clients a wide range of services in one environment.
  • Location : provide an easily accessible location for customer convenience.
  • Reputation : credibility, integrity, and 100% dedication from 23+ years employment at current workplace.

LivePlan Logo

See why 1.2 million entrepreneurs have written their business plans with LivePlan

Company summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">.

Noah’s Arf is a new company that will provide high-level animal care and customer service in the following categories:

  • Overnight care.
  • In-home care.
  • Wash your own pet.
  • Pet grooming.
  • Animal behavior classes.
  • Pet portraits.
  • Special events.
  • Special requests.
  • 24 hour service.

What will set Noah’s Arf apart from the competition is our commitment to provide these services in one convenient location that is not limited to dogs and cats.

2.1 Company Ownership

Noah’s Arf will be created as a Oregon Limited Liability Company (LLC) based in Multnomah County, privately owned by its principal operator.

2.2 Start-up Summary

Total start-up requirements include legal costs, logo design, stationery and related expenses. The start-up costs are to be financed partially by the direct owner investment and long-term loan financing. The details are included in the following table and chart.

Dog and cat kennel business plan, company summary chart image

2.3 Company Locations and Facilities

This facility will be established in an upscale, growing area in Northwest Portland described as the Pearl District. We will service the growing condominium area, the West Hills area, while capturing the Beaverton area for those customers coming into the Downtown Portland and airport areas. The facility is zoned EXD, which will allow day and overnight care.

Products and Services

Noah’s Arf wants to set itself apart from other animal service facilities that may offer only one or two types of services. While talking to several pet owners, I have come to realize they desire the services I am proposing, but are frustrated because they must go to several different businesses. The focus of Noah’s Arf is day care and overnight care. However, the services we provide will be above and beyond what our competition can offer.

Our business atmosphere will be clean, friendly and upscale where customers will be comfortable leaving their pets. We will offer a personal touch, such as birthday cards and a daily report card for each pet that is registered with Noah’s Arf.

Our business will offer 24 hour service, a unique concept in this type of industry.

3.1 Product and Service Description

Noah’s Arf will be considered an upscale, full-service animal care facility. We will offer a wide range of services, not limited to dogs or cats. Services are as follows:

  • Overnight Care : Leave your pet for as long as necessary for 24 hour care and attention. 26 large dog runs and eight kitty condos.
  • Day Care : Provide 3,000 sq. ft. for a fun, safe atmosphere for pets to spend the day exercising and enjoying the company of other pets.
  • In-home Animal Care : Staff will go to homes to feed, walk, play, and check on pets as often as requested. Mail will be picked up and plants watered if requested.
  • Wash Your Own Pet : Provide four tubs, brushes, environmentally safe shampoo, dryers and aprons for clients who bring their pets in to wash.
  • Pet Grooming : Provide on-site professional pet grooming services.
  • Animal Behavior Courses : Provide certified animal training courses for the beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
  • Pet Portraits : On-site portrait opportunities.
  • Gift Shop : Provide specialty pet-related gifts and products.
  • Special Events : Coordinate pet birthday parties or any other special occasions on-site or at a location of choice.
  • Special Requests : Provide service for pets with special needs including administering medication, assisting with recovery from surgery, handicaps, etc.

3.2 Competitive Comparison

The competition comes in several forms. There are several organizations that offer one or two services at their location.

Day care is a new business, offered currently only to dogs. There are eight dog day care facilities in the Portland area:

  • Urban Fauna in Northwest.
  • Lucky Dog Day Care in Tigard.
  • Happy Go Lucky Dog Training and Playcare in N. E. Portland.
  • Day Care for Doggy in N. E. Portland.
  • Doggone Fun! in Tualatin/Sherwood.
  • Kountry Kanine in Gresham.
  • No Bonz About It N. E. in Portland.
  • See Spot Play in S. E. Portland.

None of these facilities offer 24 hour care making it inconvenient for clients to pick up their pet by a specified time.

Noah’s Arf will service all domestic animals within reason. We will not be limited to dogs only.

There are seven wash your own dog facilities in the Portland area:

  • Beauty For the Beast in N. E. Portland.
  • Rub-A-Dub Dog Wash in S. E. Portland.
  • The Dog Wash in Beaverton.
  • Bowsers Bath in Tigard.
  • Connie’s U Wash Dog Wash.
  • Aqua Dog in Beaverton.
  • Pups & Cups in N. E. Portland.

There are 73 grooming and boarding combined facilities and 18 dog training and obedience combined facilities in the Portland area. Noah’s Arf offers complete and total services at one location. One-stop high-quality pet care for customer convenience.

3.3 Sales Literature

This business will begin with a general corporate brochure establishing offered services. This brochure will be developed as part of the start-up expenses and distributed to large businesses, restaurants, local veterinarians, pet stores, real estate agencies, fire departments, The Humane Society, and the Washington Park Zoo. There will be a direct mailing to registered pet owners and a website created.

Literature and mailing for the initial market forums will be very important, with the need to establish a high-quality look and feel in order to create a trusting sense of professionalism.

3.4 Technology

Noah’s Arf will maintain the latest Windows and Internet capabilities including complete email capabilities on the Internet to work directly with clients for reservations, purchasing products online, asking questions, providing information, etc., as well as a Web page will provide information and maximum exposure of available services.

3.5 Future Products and Services

ONE YEAR GROWTH PLAN

  • Veterinarian technician on staff to administer vaccinations on specified days and tend to any unforeseen emergencies.
  • Internet access to watch your pet online.
  • Monthly newsletter.
  • Weekly play hour.
  • Espresso and juice bar.
  • Expand the number of overnight kennels by 10.
  • Mobil pet wash–will go to pet owners home to wash their pets.
  • Sell and distribute gifts and products online.
  • Add an exercise pool.
  • Combine facility with a local veterinarian.

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

Noah’s Arf will focus on dual-income, traveling professional families with hectic schedules. Those trying to strike a balance between the demands of their careers, personal lives and their pets. Our most important group of customers are those who do not have as much time as they desire to invest in their pets and are willing to seek additional help regardless of costs.

Two years ago, doggie day care did not exist in Portland. Today, there are eight such centers complete with entrance requirements and waiting lists.

4.1 Target Market Segment Strategy

We will not be successful waiting for the customer to come to us. Instead, we must focus on the specific market segments whose needs match our offerings. Focusing on targeted segments is the key to our future.

Therefore, our focus and marketing message will be the services offered. We will develop our message, communicate it, and fulfill our commitment to excellence.

4.2 Market Needs

Our target customers are pet owners, not restricted to only one pet per household. They are working professionals that need reliable, trusting and convenient pet care available to them to keep up with the demands of their hectic schedules. There is a need for one-stop convenience.

4.2.1 Market Trends

Today’s trend consists of professionals having their families later in life or deciding not to have children at all. Pet owners are increasingly treating their pets as they would their children. Pets aren’t just part of the family anymore. In some cases they are the family. They are willing to invest dollars to have them cared for in an environment that would mirror their home surroundings.

Another important workplace trend is working longer hours and more days. There is also the traveling professional. Professionals are looking for help to care for their pets in a loving playful daycare. There is a need to have pets cared for over long periods of time while their owners are away on business trips. Downtown and condominium living has also become very popular for professionals. This creates the need to provide a daily exercise and a playful environment for their pets.

In 1998, the amount of money Americans spend on dog food totaled $5.9 billion. America’s hottest new publication is The Bark , a monthly publication for dog owners. Portland has their own publication, Dog Nose News . Hotel chains are encouraging pet owners to bring their pets to stay in their hotels.

4.2.2 Market Growth

The benefits of sharing our lives with our pets offers owners affection, companionship and security. For busy families, professionals and single pet owners, Noah’s Arf offers a peace of mind alternative to leaving their pets home alone. Over 350,000 Portland Metro households have dogs, according to the Dog Nose News . The nation’s 58 million pet owners spent an estimated 22.7 billion on their pets in 1999 according to the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council.

A 1998 American Animal Hospital Association survey of pet owners who took their animals to a vet, found that nearly one-third said they spend more time with their pets than with their friends. Animals are playing a larger role in our lives and working people are choosing to provide them with a good life, according to the director of community programs at the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Pet owners can be confident that their pets are in the best of hands at Noah’s Arf. Pets can socialize with buddies, revel in attention from expert care givers, and enjoy play activities.

4.3 Service Business Analysis

The animal care service industry consists of many small individual facilities. Noah’s Arf direction is to establish itself as a full-service, 24-hour facility, creating customer convenience.

4.3.1 Business Participants

The animal care industry is made up of many small participants that are function-specific. These businesses offer one or two services. There are no businesses that offer full care, including day care, overnight care and in-home care for 24 hours a day. Current facilities have limited hours, causing a great inconvenience for the customer. Noah’s Arf will change these trends and offer “one stop convenience” for all their pet needs.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

Emphasize Customer Service

Noah’s Arf will differentiate themselves from other animal care facilities. We will establish our business offering as a clear and viable alternative for our target market.

Build a Relationship-Oriented Business

Build long-term relationships with clients, not just an occasional visit. Let them become dependent on Noah’s Arf to help out in many situations. Make them understand the value of the relationship.

Focus on Target Markets

We need to focus our offerings on the busy professionals, who want to save time to enjoy convenience, multiple services, and total satisfaction of services.

Differentiate and Fulfill the Promise

We can’t just market and sell service and products, we must actually deliver as well. We need to make sure we have the knowledge-intensive business and service-intensive business we claim to have.

5.1 Competitive Edge

Noah’s Arf starts with a critical competitive edge: There is no competitor that can claim several multiple services, 24 hour care, and customer convenience at one location.

5.1.1 Pricing Strategy

Noah’s Arf will be priced at the upper edge of what the market will bear, competing with similar types of services in the area.

5.1.2 Promotion Strategy

We will host an open house with a business card drawing for one free service. We will offer discounts after a specified number of visits for the first six months to establish a client base.

  • 10 wash your own = one free day visit gift certificate.
  • 10 day care visits = one free overnight visit gift certificate.
  • 10 overnight visits = one free wash your own gift certificate.
  • 20 visits = $10.00 discount.
  • Three referrals = one free day care visit gift certificate.
  • Monthly business card drawing = one free visit.
  • Create specified packages = one day, one night, one wash for a special discount price.
  • Multiple pets from the same family = family discount rate.
  • Use promotional items such as frisbees, collars, coffee mugs, etc. with Noah’s Arf logo imprinted.

5.1.3 Marketing Strategy

Our marketing strategy is a simple one: satisfied customers are our best marketing tool. When a customer leaves our business with a happy pet knowing that it has had a fulfilled day, our name and service will stand on its own. We have talked with many friends, and associates who are excited about our plans and are anxious to use our services.

In addition, we will distribute advertising brochures to large businesses for bulletin boards, (Nike, Adidas, Columbia Sportswear, Fred Meyer, Epson, Intel, Planar, etc.) offering a 10% discount for a limited time to build a client base.

Local TV news shows (AM Northwest, Good Day Oregon) will be contacted to feature our business as a new service to the community. Direct mail will be sent to registered pet owners in the Portland Metro area. Brochures will be distributed to hotels, restaurants, condominiums, pet stores, coffee shops, Washington Park Zoo, local veterinarians, etc. Create a Noah’s Arf Web Page. Advertise in the Oregonian, Willamette Weekly, Portland Tribune, and Dog Nose News newspapers.

5.2 Sales Forecast

The following table and charts present the sales forecast for Noah’s Arf.

Dog and cat kennel business plan, strategy and implementation summary chart image

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

Noah’s Arf will be organized and managed in a creative, innovative fashion to generate very high levels of customer satisfaction. We will create a working climate conducive to a high degree of personal development and satisfaction for employees.

A policy manual will be developed and implemented. Job descriptions will be developed to identify necessary competencies and skill sets. Team oriented professionals with common goals will be hired.

We will conduct weekly staff meetings to discuss ideas, suggestions, and operations. An annual motivational seminar will be held and we will develop an employee recognition program. As the business grows, the company will offer an employee benefit package to include health and vacation benefits for everyone.

6.1 Personnel Plan

The personnel plan will be as follows:

  • One manager to oversee and fill-in for all areas.
  • Two front desk reception to greet customers, receive payments for services/products, set appointments, answer phones, check-in pets, distribute wash your own supplies and maintain files of clients with data entry.
  • Four playground supervisors will feed and water pets, keep area clean, walk and exercise, collect pets at check-out time. Two will be on staff full time and two will work part time.

Contract Employees:

  • One pet groomer.
  • One behavioral trainer.

In the first year, assumptions are that there will be only one receptionist, four playground supervisors, and the manager will serve as part time receptionist and night personal until the business can build. The groomer and trainer will work on contract. In the second year, a second receptionist, two playground supervisors and a groomer will be added to the payroll.

6.2 Management Team

Kris Price: Owner and Operations Manager

Nike, Inc. – 1979 to present:

***Owner resume has been omitted for confidentiality.***

Classes and Seminars:

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

The following is Noah’s Arf’s financial plan.

7.1 Important Assumptions

The following table summarizes key financial assumptions, including payment for services in cash or credit card. We assume fast-growth and large demands in this new specialized service.

7.2 Key Financial Indicators

The benchmark comparison chart highlights our ambitious plan. We feel this is a new fast growing service offered to the community. The opportunity to expand services is endless.

Dog and cat kennel business plan, financial plan chart image

7.3 Break-even Analysis

For our break-even analysis, we assume monthly costs which include our full payroll, rent, and utilities, and an estimation of other running expenses.

Dog and cat kennel business plan, financial plan chart image

7.4 Projected Profit and Loss

Month-by-month forecasts for profit and loss are included in the appendix.

Dog and cat kennel business plan, financial plan chart image

7.5 Projected Cash Flow

The following chart and table show the project cash flow for Noah’s Arf.

Dog and cat kennel business plan, financial plan chart image

7.6 Projected Balance Sheet

The Projected Balance Sheet is quite solid. We do not project any real trouble meeting our debt obligations–as long as we can achieve our specific objectives.

7.7 Business Ratios

The table follows with our main business ratios. We intend to improve gross margins and inventory turnover. Industry profile ratios based on the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code 0752, Animal Specialty Services, nec., are shown for comparison.

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dog boarding business plan template

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How to Write a Dog Boarding Business Plan

You love dogs and want to open a dog boarding business, but you aren't sure where to begin. Unfortunately, running a successful dog kennel takes more than just a love of dogs. Before you can turn your passion into a thriving and profitable enterprise, you will need to know how to write a dog boarding business plan that's solid .

A proper business plan is vital in starting any business, as well as the #1 tool for gathering investors. Before you even consider taking a single dog into your care, you must research and map out a proper strategy. This strategy will be the guide that outlines your goals and brings your vision to life.

There are business plan templates available online to help you, or you can come up with your own. There are a lot of variables when planning a business, so everyone's business plans will look a little different, but they will all state the details of the business, the scope of the business, how the owner will get the business started, and what the owners' plans are for the near future.

How to Write a Dog Boarding Business Plan

You may be thinking that your dog boarding business is going to be a small operation run from your home and you'll be tending to the dogs of your friends, family, and neighbors.

So, why would you need a business plan?

No matter how small your business, you're going to have some kind of startup costs. Granted, your business may not need much, but you'll still need some basic supplies and possibly a slight remodel of the intended location. Your also going to need some amount of advertising and you'll have insurance and legal issues to work out as well.

Don't think for a second that you can get away with not having a business plan. If you're serious about your business you need a solid plan that will help you start it, build it up, and run it for years to come. Think of your business plan as a road map for the next 5+ years of your business's existence.

The scope of your business will vary from other dog boarding businesses, which will effect the details of your business plan, but this will give you a general idea of the parts of a business plan, why they are all important, and what to include in your plan.

RELATED: 10 Great Dog Business Ideas for Petreneurs

Before you get started you need to make sure that there is a need for your business in your area. Every pet owner travels at some time or another or has to board their dog for any number of other reasons. Unless there are other similar businesses in your area, you should be good to go.

However, don't count your idea out just because there is another boarding business in your local area. Is there a need for another one?  Maybe you live in an urban area and the local dog boarding facility is full most of the time with a wait list for cancellations. In that case you could probably open your business up next door and still get customers.

Do some research to find out what your local competition will be and whether or not this type of business is needed in your area. Once you've established a need, you can move on with creating your business plan.

State the Goals of Your Dog Boarding Business

The first part of any business plan is a brief overview of what you have in mind for your particular business. Investors and bankers know what a dog boarding business is, but what are the specific details of your operation.

Here is an example: I will start my dog boarding business, Forever Friends Kennel and Boarding, in my home. I will convert my existing two car garage into a kenneling facility. If things go well, there is room for expansion in a few years. I will not take anymore than 6 dogs at a time. I will provide doggy daycare services as well.

It is also necessary to list all related experience you and your staff will bring to the venture when writing a business plan for your dog kennel. Care of an owner's pets can be both complicated and emotional, and the more experience you bring to the table, the more peace-of-mind your clients will have.

How to Write a Dog Boarding Business Plan

This section should state your dog-related accomplishments, relevant pet care experience, credentials and all other pertinent qualifications. This part is brief, but it shows the reader exactly what your intentions are.

Be honest in your business plan. Investors aren't necessarily looking to back a business that has intentions on growing into a franchise, they just want to see that you have a plan to make your business, however big or small it may be, successful.

Executive Summary

Write a thorough but brief summary of your dog boarding business and how you plan for its success. Be sure to add a full list of the services that your boarding facility will offer. Some dog kennels operate full boarding facilities and even offer dog training for the animals and their owners while others provide day services only. Supply as complete a picture as you can of your new business.

Your executive summary should be written last, after you have done all the groundwork in preparing your business plan – it is, after all, meant to be a summary of everything in your plan. This is the page that needs to grab the interest of potential investors and clients and should include when the investors can expect to see a return on their investment.

RELATED: How to Start a Pet Business with Dogs

Your executive summary should include your officers and employees and all major leading players who are going to assist in managing the business and generating the returns for the investors. It should also discuss any business partners (silent or working) that you may have, and what type of entity your business is going to be (sole proprietorship, limited liability corporation, etc…)

Financial Summary

If you don't have sufficient cash, you may need outside sources to help with funding. A proper dog boarding business plan gives possible investors and banks the tools they need to analyze your business. You need to provide a projected cash-flow statement to show how your proposed business will make a profit.

How much money you will need to start up, and how you intend to repay it, should be a significant portion of your business plan. It may take months for your business to grow so be realistic about your projected cash flow. A good rule of thumb to follow is to make sure that you plan to have enough startup money in the bank to run your business for 3 months without any cash flow and an additional 3 months with only enough income to pay half your bills.

How to Write a Dog Boarding Business Plan

Start by indicating that you will open both a business checking and savings account. List your projected expenses including salary along with credit cards that you will use for equipment, office furniture, leashes, collars, dog food , and other supplies. Make a list of all the equipment for boarding dogs, such as sanitation, flooring, crates and fencing.

RELATED: How to Write a Dog Walking Business Plan

You don't have to get exact figures for the cost of all your supplies, but check around and make an accurate estimation. In this case it would be better to overestimate than underestimate. When it comes time to start purchasing equipment you don't want to run out of money.

This section is crucial, even if you plan to fund your business yourself. You still need a plan for what you'll be spending your money on and when you'll be able to see a return on your investment. Your business plan is not set in stone, but it will keep you on track. It will keep you from going way over budget and prevent you from forgetting some important supplies too.

Marketing Analysis Summary and Advertising

Once you have completed the demographics for your kennel and completed your market research, these statistics should be included in your dog boarding business plan. Do a market analysis of other similar facilities in the area, and explain what you will do differently if you find that other dog boarding facilities have failed.

This is the section where you will explain how you will make your center a success. Provide as much information as you can, including your pricing and media strategy and outline of the marketing efforts you have planned for the future. Be as detailed as you can when explaining how you will market your business . Don't just say you'll hang up flyers. Explain where you'll hang your flyers and why you chose those locations.

Your boarding business will need publicity and an advertising strategy. List your plans for any advertisements you plan on putting in pet-care magazines, the internet, or local newspapers. Include information on how you plan to implement your strategic vision. If you plan to offer coupons and promotions to your new customers, put your ideas in this section.

Fees and Legalities

Once you are done your market research you should have a good sense of what other boarding facilities in your area charge. Keep in mind that you don't have the experience or reputation that these other facilities may have, so you may not be able to charge the same rates.

On the other hand, you may be able to charge more for your services if you offer something that no other facility in your area offers or if you have special qualifications and training . It is always best to start off on the lower end so you don't drive potential customers away with high prices. Once your business gets established and your reputation grows you can slowly raise your fees over time.

How to Write a Dog Boarding Business Plan

After your prices are set you must draft a contract for all your clients. If you're offering doggy daycare and grooming services along with boarding, you will need a separate contract for each service. Even if you live in a small community and you'll be doing business with family and friends, EVERYONE needs to sign a contract.

These contracts will not only protect you and your business assets, but also your customers, their pets, and your employees. It is important to make sure that your contracts cover as much as possible, so you may want to work with a legal professional to draft them.

If a lawyer isn't in your budget, you can find sample contracts on numerous websites, including:

  • 4 Paws Resort and Spa
  • SamTheDogTrainer

You're ready to get started…

Once your business plan is complete you can begin looking for investors and get your business started. Even if you don't need outside financing, taking the time to make sure your dog boarding business plan is as thorough as possible will make things much easier for you in the long run.

The more time you put into the planning of your business, the less surprises you will have as you begin to get it up and running. The more thorough your plan is, the better it will look to investors as well. Think of your business plan as your business's first impression, and make sure it is a good one.

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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.

The profit equation is a key part of any dog daycare business.

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.

Explore how the gross profit equation relates to your dog daycare business.

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.

Learn how net operating profit factors in to your dog daycare business plan.

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.

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Dog Boarding Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business Plans » Pet Sector

Dog Boarding Business

Are you about starting a dog boarding company? If YES, here is a complete sample dog boarding business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE .

Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a dog boarding business. We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample dog boarding service marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for dog boarding businesses. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.

Why Start a Dog Boarding Business?

If you are interested in starting a business of your own and you have what it takes to take proper care of dogs and other pets, then you should look towards starting a dog care business. It is a business that is rapidly gaining momentum in the united states and Canada and you can join the party.

Dog boarding business is a business that involves taking care of clients dogs when they are away; it involves grooming the dogs and at the same time keeping them out of trouble because the owners are not around.

So if you have made up your mind to start a dog boarding business, then you should ensure that you carry out thorough feasibility studies and also market survey.

This will enable you properly locate the business in an ideal location and then hit the ground running. Below is a sample dog boarding business plan template that can help you to successfully write your own with little or no hassle.

A Sample Dog Boarding Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Dog boarding business is a business that is a subset of the Pet Grooming and Boarding industry. In the United States, this industry has proven over the years to be one of the very few established industries to publish consistently strong gains over the past decade, virtually doubling in size and growing even in the midst of recession as consumers purchase a wider array of luxury services for their pets.

The growing pet grooming and boarding industry has benefited greatly from the ever changing consumer attitudes, which increased demand for a variety of new luxury pet services such as dog boarding.

Going forward, this trend is expected to gain further momentum as pet / dog ownership rises and owners use their increasing disposable income on services such as dog boarding services for their dogs whenever they are away from town.

According to the American Pet Product Association (APPA), even though Americans loved pets, those who owned dogs were at 18.9 percent, third on the pet scale.

It gave results that the annual growth for this industry is at 3.1 percent from 2009 to 2014, bringing in combined revenue – with other dog services – of $907million as at 2014.

As also as at 2014, there were 22,787 people employed by dog related businesses or as independent contractors, and there were 18,144 dog service businesses in the United States of America.

Dog boarding services have increased in from 2009 to 2014, and will still increase till 2019 despite the poor economic outlook. This is due to the fact that customers have more disposable income to spend on their dogs, and that dogs are considered part of the family.

According to a report, Fetch Pet Care franchises all over barely made above 1.0 percent of the total industry revenue. This is due to the fact that dog boarding services is tailor made for immediate localities and neighborhoods, and will have clients seeking to use the services of those who lived around as they believed that these ones were likely to provide a personalized care to their dogs when they have to travel out of town or too busy to take care of their dog for the period in time.

The dog boarding services business cum the Pet Grooming and Boarding industry is indeed a thriving business in the United States of America and Canada.

Statistics has it that The Pet grooming and boarding industry in the United States of America, is worth $7bn, with an estimated growth rate of 6.6 percent.

There are about 106,319 registered and licensed Pet Grooming and Boarding businesses in the United States and they are responsible for employing about 195,070 people. No company can boast of dominating the market; every player in the industry can comfortably compete for the available market in the industry.

Over and above, this is still an industry that is still at its infancy stage, and is projected as a growing industry with more people thinking of investing in dog cum pet boarding business; especially as existing dog boarding centers are minute as compared against the population.

Due to the growth of the population of baby boomers, young children, young couples, and the elderly; one can say that this industry will be on a continuous growth especially as people view a dog as a man’s best friend.

2. Executive Summary

Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC is a standard and licensed dog boarding care center and one stop pet company that will be located in the heart of Jefferson City – Missouri in a neatly renovated and highly secured and ideal housing facility for pets; an organization that will carry out all round services as it relates to dogs and other pets.

We will provide pet care services, such as animal shelters, obedience training services, guard dog training services, pet boarding and animal grooming services

Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC is a business that believe in helping pets / dog owners take care of their pets when they are out of town and in  giving dogs and other pets the right treatment they need to enable them perform their roles as defined by the owner.

We will ensure that any dog or pet under our custody are well taken care of and in the pursuit of excellence and financial success with uncompromising services and integrity which is why we have decided to venture into dog boarding business.

We are certain that our values will help us drive the business to enviable heights and also help us attract the numbers of clients that are needed per time to grow our business.

At Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC, our clients’ overall best interest would always come first, and everything we do will be guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hire professional dog (pet) handlers / trainers and vet doctors et al that are well experienced and passionate in taking care and imparting knowledge and skills to dogs at various learning ladder.

Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a doggie day care services business, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.

We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our clients’ needs precisely and completely. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our clients.

Our overall business goal is to position our dog boarding services business to become the leading dog boarding services brand in the pet industry in the whole of Jefferson City – Missouri, United States of America, and also to be amongst the top 5 dog boarding companies in the United States of America within the first 5 years of operations.

This might look too tall a dream but we are optimistic that this will surely come to pass because we have done our market research and feasibility studies and we are enthusiastic and confident that Jefferson City is the right place to launch our dog boarding company and pet related business.

Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC is owned and managed by Bruno Pearson and his immediate family members. Bruno Pearson is a renowned and licensed dog handler / trainer. He has well over 10 years of experience as a dog handler/ trainer working for some of the leading pet services companies in the United States of America.

3. Our Products and Services

Away from dog boarding services, Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC is going to offer varieties of pet related services (dog walking and dog training services inclusive) within the scope of the pet industry in the United States of America.

Our intention of starting our dog boarding services and pet related business is to provide a safe facility for owners of dogs / pets to keep their pets whenever they are not in town and also to help in developing our client’s dogs and pets in any skills and knowledge of their choice as it relates to specific useful competencies they want their dogs or pet to possess.

We want to help our clients develop their pets and dogs capability, capacity, productivity and performance and of course to also make profits from The Pet Grooming and Boarding industry and we will do all that is permitted by the law in the US to achieve our aim and business goal. Our products and service offerings are listed below;

  • Boarding dogs and other pets
  • Pet grooming
  • Operating pet shelters
  • Operating dog pounds
  • Guard dog training
  • Obedience training
  • Pet sitting
  • Pet training
  • General merchandize of pet related products (pet foods, shampoos, dog tie, dog chains, and pet clothes et al)

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

  • Our vision is to build a highly successful, competitive and effective dog boarding business that will become the number one choice for both individuals and corporate organizations in Jefferson City – Missouri.
  • Our mission is to position Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC to become one of the leading dog boarding cum pet services brand in the industry in the whole of Jefferson City – Missouri, and also to be amongst the top 5 dog boarding cum pet services brand in the United States of America within the first 5 years of starting the business.

Our Business Structure

It is a known fact that the success of any business is to a larger extent dependent on the business structure of the organization and the people who occupy the available role. Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC will build a solid business structure that can support the growth we envisage for our dog boarding services and pet related business. We will ensure that we hire competent hands to help us build the business of our dream.

The fact that we want to become one of the leading dog boarding services business brand in the industry in the whole of the United States of America makes it highly necessary for our organization to deliberately build a well – structured business from the onset.

We will work hard to ensure that we only attract people with the right mindset to help us achieve our business goals and objectives in record time. In view of that, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

  • Principal Partner / Chief Executive Officer
  • Human Resources and Admin Manager
  • Dog Handlers / Pet Trainers for Various Skill Sets
  • Accountant / Bursar
  • Marketing and Sale Executive

Client Service Executive

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Principal Partner / Chief Executive Office:

  • Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
  • Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
  • Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
  • Responsible for providing direction for the business
  • Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
  • Evaluates the success of the organization
  • Reports to the board

Vet Doctor:

  • Responsible for handling the overall operations in the vet clinics
  • Handles the treatment of pets
  • Gives medical advises and recommendations as it relates to the health and welfare of pets

Human Resources and Admin Manager 

  • Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
  • Designs job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for dog walkers and pet trainers
  • Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders (clients and member of the organizations’ board) to review the effectiveness of the organizations’ Policies, Procedures and Processes
  • Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
  • Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
  • Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
  • Carries out staff induction for new team members
  • Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
  • Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
  • Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
  • Oversee the smooth running of the daily activities of the organization.

Dog Handlers / Pet Trainers

  • Handles general dog and pet walking / grooming services
  • Operates pet shelters
  • Boarding pets
  • Effectively training dogs and pets in specific skills (hunting skills, security skills, running errands and circus skills et al)
  • Evaluates and document the progress of dogs / pets under his or her care
  • Receives complaints from clients and channel it to the appropriate quarters
  • Handles any other duty as assigned by the HR and Admin Manager.

Marketing and Sales Executive

  • Handles general merchandize of pet related products (pet foods, shampoos, dog tie, dog chains, and pet clothes et al)
  • Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new clients, and business opportunities et al
  • Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
  • Writing winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
  • Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients
  • Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
  • Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
  • Documents all customer contact and information
  • Represents Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC in strategic meetings
  • Helps to increase sales and growth for Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC.
  • Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
  • Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
  • Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
  • Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
  • Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
  • Responsible for administering payrolls
  • Ensuring compliance with taxation legislation
  • Handles all financial transactions for Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC
  • Serves as internal auditor for Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC.
  • Welcomes / receive clients and their pets by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
  • Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
  • Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
  • Manages administrative duties assigned by the HR and Admin Manager in an effective and timely manner
  • Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries
  • Receives parcels / documents for Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC
  • Distributes mails in the organization
  • Handles any other duties as assigned by the Human Resources and Admin Manager.

6. SWOT Analysis

Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC engaged the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring to assist our organization in building a well – structured dog boarding services and pet related business that can favorably compete in the highly competitive Pet Grooming and Boarding industry in the United States and the world at large.

Part of what the team of business consultant did was to work with the management of our organization in conducting a SWOT analysis for Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC;

Our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team that are considered experts in the Pet Grooming and Boarding industry, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in dog boarding and pet related services including veterinary medicine.

Aside from the synergy that exist in our carefully selected workforce, Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC is well positioned in a community with the right demography; loads of people who own pets. With that we know we will attract loads of clients from the first day we open our doors for business.

As a new dog boarding and pet related services company in Jefferson City – Missouri, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance especially from top profile clients in the already saturated Pet Grooming and Boarding industry; that is perhaps our major weakness. Other perceived weakness is that, we may not have the required capital to pump into publicity and advertisement as we would love to do.

  • Opportunities:

Beyond every reasonable doubt, the opportunities available in the Pet Grooming and Boarding industry is massive considering the number of individuals and corporate organizations who own dogs and other pets who would want to drop them off in dog boarding facility or want them to acquire new skill sets and to perform excellently well in their jobs or who would want to bring their pets for treatment or to purchase pet supplies. As a standard dog boarding services and pet related business, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way.

Every business faces a threat or challenge at any part of the life cycle of the business. These threats can be external or internal. This shows the importance of a business plan, because most threats or challenges are to be anticipated and plans put in place to cushion what effect they might bring to the business.

Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a dog boarding company and pet related business operating in the United States of America are unfavorable government policies that might affect business such as ours, the arrival of a competitor within our location of operations and global economic downturn which usually affects spending / purchasing power. There is hardly anything we can do as regards these threats other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

  • Market Trends

Over the years, the Pet Grooming and Boarding industry is one of the very few established industries to publish consistently strong gains over the past decade, virtually doubling in size and growing even in the midst of recession as consumers purchase a wider array of luxury services for their pets.

The growing industry has benefited from changing consumer attitudes, which increased demand for a variety of new luxury pet services such as dog boarding services. Going forward, this trend is expected to gain further momentum as pet ownership rises and owners use their increasing disposable income on services such as dog boarding for their dogs.

One thing is certain, the trend in the Pet Grooming and Boarding industry is such that if you want to be ahead of your competitors, you should be able to be highly creative, simplify your processes and you should be able to have loads of testimonies from your clients. The truth is that, if your clients noticed tremendous changes in their pets as a result of your input, then they will be compelled to help promote your organization.

Lastly, in the bid to maximizing profits and staying afloat in this industry, a good number of dog boarding companies ensure that they add other related services. It is easier to find dog boarding companies also offering services such as    pet grooming, operating pet shelters, operating dog pounds, guard dog training, obedience training, pet sitting, pet training and general merchandize of pet related products (pet foods, shampoos, dog tie, dog chains, and pet clothes et al).

8. Our Target Market

Before starting our dog boarding services and pet related business, we are certain that there is a wide range of both corporate and individual clients who would definitely need our services. We will ensure that we develop strategic pacts with communities and corporate organizations especially dog owners who are always out of town. This will give us several options to generate revenue for our company.

In view of that, we have created strategies that will enable us reach out to various corporate organizations (security agencies) and individual (pet owners) who we know can’t afford to do without our services. We have conducted our market research and survey and we will ensure that our dog boarding Services Company is well accepted in the market place. Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically market our products and services to;

  • Corporate organizations (especially security agencies)
  • Business people who own dogs
  • Busy corporate executives who own dogs
  • Households who own pets
  • Dog breeders
  • The Government (Public Sector)

Our competitive advantage

Even though, this is basically a new area of business that doesn’t have stiff major competitors, there are still competitors all the same. The competition available is most likely those within the same locality, and anyone looking to stay above competition would have to consider improving and customizing the services offered to dog owners.

Even so, local dog boarding facilities that are serious with the business can comfortably compete with franchises that are located in the same neighborhood. We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the Pet Grooming and Boarding industry means that you should be able to deliver consistent quality service and you should be able to meet the expectations of your clients at all times.

Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC might be new Jefferson City – Missouri, our competitive advantage lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team that are considered experts in the Pet Grooming and Boarding industry, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in dog walking and pet related services including veterinary medicine.

Lastly, our employees ( dog handlers / pet trainers, and vet doctors ) will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category ( startups dog boarding centers and pet related businesses in the United States ) in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

  • Sources of Income

Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the Pet Grooming and Boarding industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract clients on a regular basis. We will generate income by offering the following products and services;

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain, there would always be corporate organization and individual / household pet owners who would need people to take proper care of their dogs or that extra coaching or grooming for their dogs and other pets. This is the major reason why the services of dog boarding services will always be needed.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in Jefferson City – Missouri and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow our clientele base.

We have been able to critically examine the Pet Grooming and Boarding industry and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projections are based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in Jefferson City – Missouri.

Below is the sales projection for Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC, it is based on the location of our dog boarding facility and of course the wide range of pet related services and products that we will be offering;

  • First Fiscal Year-: $200,000
  • Second Fiscal Year-: $350,000
  • Third Fiscal Year-: $750,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same additional services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

  • Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We are mindful of the fact that there are stiffer competitions amongst dog boarding services and pet related businesses in the United States of America; hence we have been able to hire some of the best marketing experts to handle our sales and marketing.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC.

We will also ensure that our clients’ pets are well taken care of and they become experts with the skills they acquire; we want to build a standard and first – class doggie day care center and pet related business that will leverage on word of mouth advertisement from satisfied clients (both individuals and corporate organizations).

Our goal is to grow Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC to become one of the top 5 dog boarding facilities in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategy that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in Jefferson City – Missouri but also in other cities in the United States of America.

Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;

  • Introduce our dog boarding and pet related business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to corporate organizations, households and key stake holders in pet industry in Jefferson City – Missouri
  • Print out fliers and business cards and strategically drop them in offices, libraries, public facilities and train stations et al.
  • Use friends and family to spread word about our dog boarding services and pet related business
  • Post information about our dog boarding services and pet related business on bulletin boards in places like schools, libraries, and local coffee shops.
  • Placing a small or classified advertisement in the newspaper, or local publication about our business
  • Attend relevant pet related expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
  • Engage direct marketing approach
  • Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market. We are set to become the number one choice for both corporate clients and private clients in the whole of Jefferson City – Missouri which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our dog boarding services and pet related business.

Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC;

  • Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
  • Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
  • Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand
  • Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around Jefferson City – Missouri
  • Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighborhoods
  • Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
  • Contact corporate organizations and households by calling them up and informing them of Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC and the services we offer
  • List our dog boarding services and pet related business on local directories / yellow pages
  • Advertise our dog boarding services and pet related business in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
  • Ensure that all our dog handlers / pet trainers, vet doctors and staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our organizations’ logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Generally for dog boarding services and dog walking services business both per hour billing and flat fees on a weekly or monthly basis applies. As a result of this, Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC will charge our clients flat fees except for few occasions where there will be need for us to charge special clients on hourly basis.

At Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC we will keep our fees below the average market rate for all of our clients by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance.  In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to all our loyal clients at regular intervals.

We are aware that there are some clients that would need special assistance for their pets, we will offer flat rate for such services that will be tailored to take care of such clients’ needs.

  • Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC will make available to her clients;

  • Payment via bank transfer
  • Payment with cash
  • Payment via credit cards / Point of Sale Machines (POS Machines)
  • Payment via online bank transfer
  • Payment via check
  • Payment via mobile money transfer
  • Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for farm produces purchase without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials to clients who may want to deposit cash or make online transfer for our services.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

In setting up a dog boarding services and pet related business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by renting a place, then you would need a higher amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of, and that your office environment is conducive enough for clients and their pets.

The materials and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked. As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a dog boarding services and pet related business; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money.

However, this is what it would cost us to launch Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC in the United of America;

  • Business incorporating fees in the United States of America will cost – $750.
  • The budget for Liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $3,500
  • Acquiring a facility or apartment for at least 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $35,000.
  • Equipping the dog boarding facility (dryers, tables, tubs, floor grills and trays, faucets and often ramps for pets. Additionally, pet-boarding operators must purchase bowls, bedding and cleaning materials, computers, printers, dog tie, dog chains, start – up inventories, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics et al) will cost – $50,000
  • The cost for Start-up inventory (stocking with a wide range of pet foods, shampoos, dog tie, dog chains, and pet clothes et al)  – $5,000
  • Launching an official Website will cost – $500
  • Amount need to pay bills and staff members for at least 2 to 3 months – $70,000
  • Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $5,000

Going by the report from detailed research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need an average of $200,000 to start a small scale but standard limousine rental services business in the United States of America.

Generating Funds / Startup Capital for Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC

Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC is a family business that will be owned and managed by Bruno Pearson and his immediate family members. They are the sole financial of the business which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the business to just three major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

  • Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
  • Generate part of the start – up capital from friends and other extended family members
  • Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $50,000 (Personal savings $35,000 and soft loan from family members $15,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $200,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to offer our dog boarding services and pet related business a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Bruno Pearson Dog Boarding Services®, LLC will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more as determined by the board of the organization. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

  • Business Name Availability Check: Completed
  • Business Incorporation: Completed
  • Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed
  • Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
  • Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
  • Application for business license and permit: Completed
  • Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed
  • Secure a standard facility for the dog boarding services plus reconstruction of the facility: Completed.
  • Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
  • Generating part of the start – up capital from the founders: Completed
  • writing of business plan: Completed
  • Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
  • Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
  • Design of Logo for the school: Completed
  • Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: Completed
  • Recruitment of employees: In Progress
  • Purchase of the Needed furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
  • Creating Official Website for the business: In Progress
  • Creating Awareness for the business in Smethport – Pennsylvania: In Progress
  • Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
  • Establishing business relationship with vendors and key players in various industries: In Progress.

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Pet Boarding Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Starting a pet boarding business can be a daunting task, but with the right plan and preparation, it can also be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. The #1 Pet Boarding Business Plan Template & Guidebook can equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources needed to build a successful pet boarding company from the ground up. Through this unique template and guidebook, readers can learn about the fundamentals of operating a pet business, such as marketing strategies, budgeting tips and legal considerations. With this tool, you’ll be able to create a detailed plan that can help you realize your dream of running a successful pet boarding business.

Nick

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

  • How to Start a Profitable Pet Boarding Business [11 Steps]
  • 25 Catchy Pet Boarding Business Names:

How to Write a Pet Boarding Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your pet boarding business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your pet boarding business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a pet boarding business:

Our mission at ABC Pet Boarding is to provide superior pet care services, with a focus on safety, comfort, and reliability for our customers. We strive to offer a positive and stress-free experience for both our clients and their pets so that they can enjoy peace of mind while they are away from home.

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2. Products & Services Offered by Your Pet Boarding Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your pet boarding business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

  • What is my business?
  • What are the products and/or services that I offer?
  • Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
  • How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
  • How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

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3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your pet boarding business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your pet boarding business includes the following elements:

Target market

  • Who is your target market?
  • What do these customers have in common?
  • How many of them are there?
  • How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

  • Who are your current customers? 
  • Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
  • How can their experience with your pet boarding business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

  • How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
  • Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
  • Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
  • How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

  • Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
  • Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
  • What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

  • Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
  • What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
  • What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
  • How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

dog boarding business plan template

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

  • The equipment and facilities needed
  • Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
  • Financial requirements for each step
  • Milestones & KPIs
  • Location of your business
  • Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a pet boarding business?

To run a pet boarding business, you will need a variety of supplies, equipment and permits:

  • Leash hooks, collar and leash sets, litter pans
  • Bedding, bowls, toys
  • Grooming supplies such as clippers, scissors, combs and brushes
  • Health supplies such as flea and tick treatments, wormers, and vitamins
  • Medical supplies such as syringes and bandages
  • Business License or Permit

5. Management & Organization of Your Pet Boarding Business.

The second part of your pet boarding business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

  • How many employees you need in order to run your pet boarding business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
  • The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
  • How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Pet Boarding Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a pet boarding business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a pet boarding business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your pet boarding business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your pet boarding business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your pet boarding business plan:

  • Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
  • Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
  • Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
  • Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
  • Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
  • Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

dog boarding business plan template

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Boarding Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a pet boarding business.

A business plan for a pet boarding business is important because it provides a roadmap for the business to follow and helps outline the goals and objectives for success. It also helps identify potential obstacles, as well as strategies for navigating them. Additionally, a business plan allows stakeholders to have shared expectations, and it serves as a communication tool between the owners and potential investors.

Who should you ask for help with your pet boarding business plan?

You should ask a business consultant, accountant, or lawyer who specializes in small business and entrepreneurship for help with your pet boarding business plan. Additionally, you may consider reaching out to other pet business owners in your area to get advice and insight into the industry.

Can you write a pet boarding business plan yourself?

Yes, it is possible to write a pet boarding business plan yourself. It will take some time to research and consider all the elements that need to be included in the plan, such as competitive analysis, operational and financial considerations, marketing strategy, and more. It is also important to remember that a business plan should be tailored to your specific needs and goals for your pet boarding business. A professional consultant or expert can also help you organize the elements of your plan and provide guidance on what should be included.

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I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

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Dog Kennel Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Dog Kennel Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Dog Kennel business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Dog Kennel businesses.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Dog Kennel business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Puptopia is a new dog kennel business located in Akron, Ohio. The company is run by Jenna Williams, who is an experienced dog kennel attendant, groomer, and trainer. Dogs have been at the center of her career for years and she is eager to run her own business where she can care for canines all day long. With her experience and expertise, we expect to become the most popular dog kennel in the area.

Puptopia will offer a full suite of services to ensure that each dog is cared for. We offer these services in three packages: basic, wagging good time, and puptopia premium. The more expensive packages will offer additional toys and services so that our clients’ dogs have the ultimate kennel experience. However, our basic package will still provide a long list of services so that no dog is neglected while in our care. No matter what package our clients purchase, they can rest assured that their dogs will be well taken care of.

Product Offering

We offer a full suite of boarding services to ensure all of our customers’ pups are well taken care of. These services come in three packages: basic, wagging good time, and puptopia premium. The basic package offers the essentials: food, water, play time, bedding, and evening walks. The other packages offer additional extras that give our customers’ pups the ultimate kennel experience. No matter what package they purchase, our customers will find that their pups are extremely happy and well taken care of when in our care.

Customer Focus

Puptopia will target dog owners in Akron, Ohio. The company will target owners of dogs of all breeds and sizes. No matter the customer, Puptopia will deliver the best communication, service, and prices.

Management Team

Puptopia will be owned and operated by Jenna O’Reilly. She has over ten years of experience working with dogs and has worked as a groomer, trainer, and kennel attendant. She has always dreamed of running her own business that cares for dogs and has been planning out Puptopia for several years. Her expertise and experience will ensure that Puptopia is a popular and profitable business.

Success Factors

Puptopia will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

  • Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly qualified team of dog care professionals.
  • Comprehensive menu of services to ensure each dog is comfortable at the kennel.
  • Competitive pricing and discounts for regular customers.

Financial Highlights

Puptopia is seeking $300,000 in debt financing to launch its business. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing dog care equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for Puptopia. The breakout of the funding is below:

  • Kennel and office space build-out: $100,000
  • Kennel equipment, dog care supplies, and materials: $25,000
  • Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
  • Marketing costs: $15,000
  • Working capital: $10,000

The following graph outlines the financial projections for Puptopia.

Puptopia Pro Forma Financial Projections

Company Overview

Who is puptopia.

Puptopia is a new dog kennel business located in Akron, Ohio. The company is run by Jenna Williams, who is an experienced dog kennel attendant, groomer, and trainer. Dogs have been at the center of her career for years and she is eager to run her own business where she can care for canines all day long. With her experience and expertise, we expect to become the most popular dog kennel in the city.

  Jenna’s love for dogs fuels her mission to provide the best kennel and boarding experience for dogs living in the Akron, Ohio area. She will accomplish this by providing multiple packages of services to choose from. Our most basic package will include all the basics that a dog needs: comfortable bedding, food and water, two play times with other dogs, and an evening walk. Our more expensive packages will include extra toys, walks, and play time with the other dogs or kennel attendants.

Jenna is confident that her dog care skills combined with her customer service experience will enable her to run a profitable kennel of her own. Jenna is recruiting a team of highly qualified professionals to help manage the day-to-day complexities of running a kennel business – marketing, bookkeeping, customer service, product procurement, and janitorial operations. By utilizing her experience and hiring professionals to help her with other aspects of the business, Jenna is sure to run a popular and profitable kennel business.

Puptopia’s History

Jenna has been planning out her kennel business for several years. She recently completed a market analysis and customer survey to see how popular her business would be. She received a lot of positive feedback which prompted her to finally start her business. She incorporated Puptopia as an LLC on June 1st, 2023.

Since incorporation, Puptopia has achieved the following milestones:

  • Registered Puptopia to transact business in the state of Ohio.
  • Found a kennel space and signed a letter of intent to lease it.
  • Reached out to numerous contacts to include former customers, dog owners, friends, and family members to help spread the word about the new dog kennel business.
  • Began recruiting key employees to work at Puptopia.

Puptopia’s Services

Puptopia offers several services to ensure that each pup is comfortable and well-taken care of. Customers can order one of our three packages based on the services they want us to provide their canine friends. Below are the three packages we offer and the services provided for each.

Basic Package

  • Comfortable bedding
  • Three meal times
  • Two play times
  • Evening walk/potty time

Wagging Good Time Package

  • Additional walk time

Puptopia Premium Package

  • Additional individual play time

Industry Analysis

The pet boarding industry is expected to grow over the next five years. This is primarily due to the increase in travel brought upon by the end of the pandemic. With fewer travel restrictions, many people are traveling to locations they dreamed about while in lockdown. However, pet owners who want to travel need to find accommodations for their pets. Many of these owners depend on kennels and other pet boarding businesses to care for their pets while they go on vacation.

Therefore, while the pet boarding industry suffered greatly from the pandemic, the industry is expected to bounce back in the next few years. According to Allied Market Research, the industry was valued at $19.5 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% from now until 2031. This is promising growth and shows that the pet boarding industry is once again an important service for many pet owners.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market, customer segmentation.

Puptopia will primarily target the following customer profiles:

  • Families with pets
  • Millennial and Gen Z dog owners with disposable income
  • Residents earning more than the median income

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Puptopia will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Happy Paws Boarding

Happy Paws Boarding is a popular pet boarding service that has been operating since 2002. This kennel offers numerous services, including dog day care, boarding, training, grooming and walking, as well as in-home pet care and poop-scooping services. Day care services include all-day playtime and one walk each day. For the company’s boarding services, dogs have individual cabins, plenty of food and water, toys, and all-day playtime. The facilities are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and owners have the ability to check in with their dogs using webcams. Pet owners can rest assured that their dogs are well taken care of while they are out of town.

The Ball of Fluff Hotel

Established in 2006, The Ball of Fluff Hotel is a premium kennel and pet boarding facility. The company provides pets with numerous services including, premium bedding, multiple play times, two walks per day, and all the toys a pet could want. They also provide grooming and training services for additional fees. They take both cats and dogs and ensure that every pet is pampered while their owners are away.

The Canine Lodge

The Canine Lodge is one of the leading kennel businesses in the United States. The Canine Lodge operates 52 centers in 20 states and is often the first kennel local pet owners think of when they need to board their pets for a few days. The company offers luxury pet boarding services, including premium bedding, food, and toys. They also provide long play times and multiple walks each day. Customers also have the option of purchasing training services for an additional cost. Some of the company’s locations even let owners view their pets via webcam.

Competitive Advantage

Puptopia will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Puptopia will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

  • Client-focused dog kennel services, that treat each pet individually with excellent care
  • Superior, customized service built on long-term relationships
  • Proven track record and expertise in the industry

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Puptopia is as follows:

Website/SEO Marketing

Puptopia will invest heavily in developing a professional website that displays all of the features and benefits of the kennel. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all the services that Puptopia is able to provide.

The marketing director will also manage Puptopia’s website presence with SEO marketing tactics so that when someone types in a search engine “dog kennel service” or “dog kennels near me”, Puptopia will be listed at the top of the search results.

Social Media Marketing

Puptopia’s marketing director will create accounts on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. They will ensure Puptopia maintains an active social media presence with regular daily updates and fun content to get customers excited about the company’s dog kennel services.

Word of Mouth/Referrals

Puptopia will encourage word-of-mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients. The company will use recommendations and word-of-mouth marketing to grow the customer base through the network of its existing customers. The company will be incentivizing its existing customer base to encourage their friends to drop off their canines at our kennel.

Customer Loyalty Programs

Puptopia will create a winning customer loyalty program to keep its best customers coming back again and again. The program will include discounts, deals, and promotions that non-loyalty customers will not have access to.

The pricing of Puptopia will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive value when purchasing the company’s services. Puptopia will give new and regular customers discounts to encourage repeat business.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Puptopia. Operation Functions:

  • Jenna O’Reilly will be the Owner and Manager of the company. She will oversee the general operations of the kennel and help out with caring for the dogs. Over the next several months, she will hire the following staff:
  • Marketing Director who will oversee all marketing strategies for the company and manage the website, social media, and outreach.
  • Accountant/Bookkeeper who will provide all accounting, tax payments, and monthly financial reporting.
  • Several attendants who will greet customers and care for the dogs.

Milestones:

Puptopia will have the following milestones complete in the next six months.

  • 8/1/2022 – Finalize the lease on the facility.
  • 9/1/2022 – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts.
  • 10/1/2022 – Begin build-out and remodel of the facility and purchase equipment and supplies.
  • 11/1/2022 – Begin networking at industry events and implement the marketing plan.
  • 12/1/2023 – Puptopia officially opens for business.
  • 1/1/2024 – Reach break even.

Though Jenna has never run a business of her own, she has worked in the industry long enough to gain an in-depth knowledge of the operations (e.g., running day-to-day operations) and the business (e.g., staffing, marketing, etc.) sides of running a kennel. She will also hire several professionals to help her run other aspects of the business she is unfamiliar with.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Puptopia are the fees charged to customers in exchange for the company’s dog kennel and boarding services. The pricing of Puptopia will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive value when purchasing the company’s services. Puptopia will give new and regular customers discounts to encourage repeat business.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff our kennel business. The expenses will be the payroll cost, utilities, dog care equipment and supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and pay off the startup business loan.

  • Number of clients per month: 100
  • Annual lease: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, dog kennel business plan faqs, what is a dog kennel business plan.

A dog kennel business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your dog kennel business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your Dog Kennel business plan using our Dog Kennel Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Dog Kennel Businesses? 

There are a number of different kinds of dog kennel businesses , some examples include: Overnight boarding, Day care, and Luxury boarding.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Dog Kennel Business Plan?

Dog Kennel businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Dog Kennel Business?

Starting a dog kennel business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Dog Kennel Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed dog kennel business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast. 

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your dog kennel business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your dog kennel business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Dog Kennel Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your dog kennel business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your dog kennel business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations.

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events.

7. Acquire Necessary Dog Kennel Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your dog kennel business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation.

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your dog kennel business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful dog kennel business:

  • How to Start a Dog Boarding Business

Free Doggie Daycare, Boarding & Kennel Business Plan

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Dog Daycare Business Plan Template

Business name for doggie daycare:, owner(s) of doggie daycare facility:, manager name & contact info:, business description, what to put here:, questions to ask yourself:, market strategies, competitive landscape analysis, brand development & positioning plan, operations & management plan, what to put here, financial factors.

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How to Write a Doggie Daycare Business Plan [Sample Template]

Are you about starting a doggie daycare? If YES, here is a complete sample doggie daycare business plan template & feasibility study you can use for FREE . In America for example; dogs are highly regarded and accorded esteem and 1 in every 3 households where there are pets, own a dog or had owned one.

Depending on the area and jurisdiction, those who engage in the doggie daycare business might need a license, insurance, and also might have to be trained in animal first aid. However, it doesn’t necessarily require an education or a certification before you can launch this type of business.

A Sample Doggie Daycare Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

The Pet Grooming and Boarding industry has proven over the years to be one of the very few established industries to publish consistently strong gains over the past decade, virtually doubling in size and growing even in the midst of recession as consumers purchase a wider array of luxury services for their pets.

The growing industry has benefited from changing consumer attitudes, which increased demand for a variety of new luxury pet services such as doggie daycare. Going forward, this trend is expected to gain further momentum as pet ownership rises and owners use their increasing disposable income on services such as doggie day care for their pets.

According to the American Pet Product Association (APPA), even though Americans loved pets, those who owned dogs were at 18.9%, third on the pet scale. It gave results that the annual growth for this industry is at 3.1% from 2009 to 2014, bringing in combined revenue – with other dog services – of $907m as at 2014.

Also as at 2014, there were 22,787 people employed by dog related businesses or as independent contractors, and there were 18,144 dog service businesses. Doggie daycare services have increased in from 2009 to 2014, and will still increase till 2019 despite the poor economic outlook.

This is due to the fact that customers have more disposable income to spend on their dogs, and that dogs are considered part of the family. According to a report, Fetch Pet Care franchises all over barely made above 1% of the total industry revenue.

This is due to the fact that doggie daycare services is tailor made for immediate localities and neighborhoods, and will have clients seeking to use the services of those who lived around as they believed that these ones were likely to provide a personalized care to their dogs when they have to travel out of town or too busy to take care of their dog for the period in time.

According to the American Pet Product Association (APPA) as at 2010, Americans had spent over $47.7 billion on pet products and services, an increase of 4.8% from 2009. It was found that 46% of households owned more than one pet, and that only 3% of households use doggie daycare services.

Statistics has it that The Pet Grooming and boarding industry in the united states of America, is worth $7bn, with an estimated growth rate of 6.6 percent. There are about 106,319 registered and licensed Pet Grooming and Boarding businesses in the United States and they are responsible for employing about 195,070 people. No company can boast of dominating the market; every player in the industry can comfortably compete in the industry.

This is still an industry that is still at its infancy stage, and is projected as a growing industry with more people thinking of investing in doggie daycare centers; especially as existing doggie daycare centers are minute as compared against the population. Due to the growth of the population of baby boomers, young children, young couples, and the elderly; one can say that this industry will be on a continuous growth especially as people view a dog as a man’s best friend.

2. Executive Summary

Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co. is a standard and licensed doggie day care center and one stop pet company that will be located in the heart of Smethport – Pennsylvania in a neatly renovated and secured housing facility; an organization that will carry out all round services as it relates to dogs and other pets.

We will provide pet care services, such as animal shelters, obedience training services, guard dog training services, pet boarding and animal grooming services

Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co. is a family owned and managed business that believe in helping pets / dog owners take care of their pets when they are out of town and in  giving dogs and other pets the right treatment they need to enable them perform their roles as defined by the owner.

We will ensure that any dog or pet under our custody are well taken care of and in the pursuit of excellence and financial success with uncompromising services and integrity which is why we have decided to venture into doggie day care business.

We are certain that our values will help us drive the business to enviable heights and also help us attract the numbers of clients that are needed per time to grow our business. At Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co., our clients’ overall best interest would always come first, and everything we do will be guided by our values and professional ethics.

We will ensure that we hire professional dog (pet) handlers / trainers and vet doctors et al that are well experienced and passionate in taking care and imparting knowledge and skills to dogs at various learning ladder.

Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co. will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a doggie day care services business, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.

We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our clients’ needs precisely and completely. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our clients.

Our overall business goal is to position our doggie day care services business to become the leading doggie day care brand in the pet industry in the whole of Smethport – Pennsylvania, United States of America, and also to be amongst the top 10 doggie day care services in the United States of America within the first 5 years of operations.

This might look too tall a dream but we are optimistic that this will surely come to pass because we have done our research and feasibility studies and we are enthusiastic and confident that Smethport is the right place to launch our doggie day care center and pet related business.

Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co. is founded by Dr. Bob Blue – Haven (Vet Doctor) and he will run the business with his business partner and Wife Mrs. Rose Blue – Haven. Dr. Bob Blue – Haven is a renowned and licensed Vet Doctor and dog handler / trainer. He has well over 15 years of experience as a vet doctor and dog handler/ trainer for various security agencies including the government of the United States of America.

3. Our Products and Services

Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co. is going to offer a variety of pet related services (dog walking and dog training services inclusive) within the scope of the pet industry in the United States of America.

Our intention of starting our doggie day care center and pet related business is to provide a safe facility for owners of dogs / pets to keep their pets whenever they are not in town and also to help in developing our client’s dogs and pets in any skills and knowledge of their choice as it relates to specific useful competencies they want their dogs or pet to possess.

We want to help our clients develop their pets and dogs capability, capacity, productivity and performance and of course to also make profits from The Pet Grooming and Boarding industry and we will do all that is permitted by the law in the US to achieve our aim and business goal.

Our products and service offerings are listed below;

  • Pet grooming
  • Operating pet shelters
  • Boarding pets
  • Operating dog pounds
  • Guard dog training
  • Obedience training
  • Pet sitting
  • Pet training
  • General merchandize of pet related products ( pet foods, shampoos, dog tie, dog chains, and pet clothes et al )

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

  • Our vision is to build a highly competitive and effective doggie day care business that will become the number one choice for both individuals and corporate organizations in Smethport – Pennsylvania.
  • Our mission is to position Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co. to become one of the leading doggie day care cum pet services brand in the industry in the whole of Smethport – Pennsylvania, and also to be amongst the top 10 doggie day care cum pet services brand in the United States of America within the first 5 years of operations.

Our Business Structure

The success of any business is to a larger extent dependent on the business structure of the organization and the people who occupy the available role. Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co. will build a solid business structure that can support the growth of our doggie day care services and pet related business. We will ensure that we hire competent hands to help us build the business of our dream.

The fact that we want to become one of the leading doggie day care services business brand in the industry in the whole of the United States of America makes it highly necessary for our organization to deliberately build a well – structured business from the onset.

We will work hard to ensure that we only attract people with the right mindset to help us achieve our business goals and objectives in record time. Below is the business structure that we will build Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co.;

  • Principal Partner / Chief Executive Officer
  • Human Resources and Admin Manager
  • Dog Handlers / Pet Trainers for Various Skill Sets
  • Accountant / Bursar
  • Marketing and Sale Executive

Client Service Executive

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Office:

  • Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
  • Responsible for providing direction for the business
  • Creating, communicating, and implementing the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
  • Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
  • Evaluates the success of the organization

Vet Doctor:

  • Responsible for handling the overall operations in the vet clinics
  • Handles the treatment of pets
  • Gives medical advises and recommendations as it relates to the health and welfare of pets

Human Resources and Admin Manager 

  • Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co.
  • Design job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for dog walkers and pet trainers
  • Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders (clients and member of the organizations’ board) to review the effectiveness of the organizations’ Policies, Procedures and Processes
  • Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
  • Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
  • Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
  • Carries out staff induction for new team members
  • Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
  • Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
  • Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
  • Oversees the smooth running of the daily activities of Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co.

Dog Handlers / Pet Trainers

  • Handles general dog and pet walking / grooming services
  • Operates pet shelters
  • Boards pets
  • Operates dog pounds
  • Effectively training dogs and pets in specific skills (hunting skills, security skills, running errands and circus skills et al)
  • Evaluates and document the progress of dogs / pets under his or her care
  • Receives complaints from clients and channel it to the appropriate quarters
  • Handles any other duty as assigned by the HR and Admin Manager.

Marketing and Sales Executive

  • Handles general merchandize of pet related products (pet foods, shampoos, dog tie, dog chains, and pet clothes et al)
  • Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new clients, and business opportunities et al
  • Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
  • Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
  • Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients
  • Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
  • Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
  • Document all customer contact and information
  • Represents Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co. in strategic meetings
  • Helps to increase sales and growth for Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co.
  • Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
  • Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
  • Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
  • Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
  • Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
  • Responsible for administering payrolls
  • Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
  • Handles all financial transactions for Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co.
  • Serves as internal auditor for Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co.
  • Welcomes / receive clients and their pets by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
  • Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
  • Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
  • Manages administrative duties assigned by the HR and Admin Manager in an effective and timely manner
  • Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries
  • Receives parcels / documents for Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co.
  • Distributes mails in the organization
  • Handles any other duties as assigned by the Human Resources and Admin Manager.

6. SWOT Analysis

Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co. engaged the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring to assist our organization in building a well – structured doggie day care services and pet related business that can favorably compete in the highly competitive Pet Grooming and Boarding industry in the United States and the world at large.

Part of what the team of business consultant did was to work with the management of our organization in conducting a SWOT analysis for Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co.;

Our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team that are considered experts in the Pet Grooming and Boarding industry, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in dog walking and pet related services including veterinary medicine.

Aside from the synergy that exist in our carefully selected workforce, Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co. is well positioned in a community with the right demography; loads of people who own pets. With that we know we will attract loads of clients from the first day we open our doors for business.

As a new doggie day care center and pet related services company in Smethport – Pennsylvania, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance especially from top profile clients in the already saturated Pet Grooming and Boarding industry; that is perhaps our major weakness. Other perceived weakness is that, we may not have the required capital to pump into publicity and advertisement as we would love to do.

  • Opportunities:

No doubt, the opportunities in the Pet Grooming and Boarding industry is massive considering the number of individuals and corporate organizations who own dogs and other pets who would want to drop them off in doggie daycare or want them to acquire new skill sets and to perform excellently well in their jobs or who would want to bring their pets for treatment or to purchase pet supplies. As a standard dog walking services and pet related business, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way.

Every business faces a threat or challenge at any part of the life cycle of the business. These threats can be external or internal. This shows the importance of a business plan, because most threats or challenges are to be anticipated and plans put in place to cushion what effect they might bring to the business.

Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a doggie day care center and pet related business operating in the United States of America are unfavorable government policies that might affect business such as ours, the arrival of a competitor within our location of operations and global economic downturn which usually affects spending / purchasing power.

There is hardly anything we can do as regards these threats other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

  • Market Trends

Over the years, the Pet Grooming and Boarding industry is one of the very few established industries to publish consistently strong gains over the past decade, virtually doubling in size and growing even in the midst of recession as consumers purchase a wider array of luxury services for their pets.

One thing is certain, the trend in the Pet Grooming and Boarding industry is such that if you want to be ahead of your competitors, you should be able to be highly creative, simplify your processes and you should be able to have loads of testimonies from your clients.

The truth is that, if your clients noticed tremendous changes in their pets as a result of your input, then they will be compelled to help promote your organization. Another notable trend in this industry is the demographic and psychographic composition of those who require the services of a doggie day care.

8. Our Target Market

Before starting our doggie day care services and pet related business, we are certain that there is a wide range of both corporate and individual clients who would definitely need our services. We will ensure that we develop strategic pacts with communities and corporate organizations especially security agencies that make use of dogs for guards.

This will give us several options to generate revenue for our company. In view of that, we have created strategies that will enable us reach out to various corporate organizations (security agencies) and individual (pet owners) who we know can’t afford to do without our services.

We have conducted our market research and survey and we will ensure that our doggie day care services are well accepted in the market place. Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically market our products and services to;

  • Corporate organizations (especially security agencies)
  • Business people who own dogs
  • Busy corporate executives who own dogs
  • Households who own pets
  • Dog breeders
  • The Government (Public Sector)

Our Competitive Advantage

Even though, this is basically a new area of business that doesn’t have stiff major competitors, there are still competitors all the same. The competition available is most likely those within the same locality, and anyone looking to stay above competition would have to consider sweetening the services offered to dog owners.

Even so, local doggie day care centers that are serious with the business can comfortably compete with franchises that are located in the same neighborhood. We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the Pet Grooming and Boarding industry means that you should be able to deliver consistent quality service and you should be able to meet the expectations of your clients at all times.

Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co. might be new Smethport – Pennsylvania, our competitive advantage lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team that are considered experts in the Pet Grooming and Boarding industry, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in dog walking and pet related services including veterinary medicine.

Lastly, our employees (dog handlers / pet trainers, and vet doctors) will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups doggie day care centers and pet related businesses in the United States) in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

  • Sources of Income

Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co. is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the Pet Grooming and Boarding industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract clients on a regular basis.

We will generate income by offering the following products and services;

  • General merchandize of pet related products (pet foods, shampoos, dog tie, dog chains, and pet clothes et al)

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain, there would always be corporate organization and individual / household pet owners who would need people to take proper care of their dogs or that extra coaching or grooming for their dogs and other pets. This is the major reason why the services of doggie day care will always be needed.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in Smethport – Pennsylvania and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow our clientele base.

We have been able to critically examine the Pet Grooming and Boarding industry and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projection is based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in Smethport – Pennsylvania.

Below is the sales projection for Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co., it is based on the location of our dog walking services, vet clinic and of course the wide range of pet related services and products that we will be offering;

  • First Year-: $100,000
  • Second Year-: $350,000
  • Third Year-: $750,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same additional services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

  • Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We are mindful of the fact that there is stiffer competition amongst doggie day care centers services and pet related businesses in the United States of America, hence we have been able to hire some of the best marketing experts to handle our sales and marketing.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co.

We will also ensure that our clients’ pets are well taken care of and they become experts with the skills they acquire; we want to build a standard and first – class doggie day care center and pet related business that will leverage on word of mouth advertisement from satisfied clients (both individuals and corporate organizations).

Our goal is to grow Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co. to become one of the top 10 doggie day care centers in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategy that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in Smethport – Pennsylvania but also in other cities in the United States of America.

Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co. is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;

  • Introduce our doggie day care center and pet related business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to corporate organizations, households and key stake holders in pet industry in Smethport – Pennsylvania.
  • Print out fliers and business cards and strategically drop them in offices, libraries, public facilities and train stations et al.
  • Use friends and family to spread word about our doggie day care services and pet related business
  • Post information about our doggie day care services and pet related business on bulletin boards in places like schools, libraries, and local coffee shops.
  • Placing a small or classified advertisement in the newspaper, or local publication about our business
  • Attend relevant pet related expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
  • Engage direct marketing approach
  • Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market. We are set to become the number one choice for both corporate clients and private clients in the whole of Smethport – Pennsylvania which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our doggie day care services and pet related business.

Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co.;

  • Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
  • Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
  • Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand
  • Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around Smethport – Pennsylvania.
  • Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighborhoods
  • Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
  • Contact corporate organizations by calling them up and informing them of Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co. and the services we offer
  • List our doggie day care services and pet related business on local directories / yellow pages
  • Advertise our doggie day care services and pet related business in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
  • Ensure that all our dog handlers / pet trainers, vet doctors and staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our organizations’ logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Generally for doggie day care services and dog walking services business both per hour billing and flat fees on a weekly or monthly basis applies. As a result of this, Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co. will charge our clients flat fees except for few occasions where there will be need for us to charge special students on hourly basis.

At Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co. we will keep our fees below the average market rate for all of our clients by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance.  In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to all our loyal clients at regular intervals.

We are aware that there are some clients that would need special assistance for their pets, we will offer flat rate for such services that will be tailored to take care of such clients’ needs.

  • Payment Options

At Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co., our payment policy will be all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them. Here are the payment options that we will make available to our clients;

  • Payment by via bank transfer
  • Payment via online bank transfer
  • Payment via check
  • Payment via bank draft
  • Payment via mobile money
  • Payment with cash

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our plans with little or no itches.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

In setting up a doggie day care center and pet related business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by renting a place, then you would need a higher amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of, and that your office environment is conducive enough for clients and their pets.

The materials and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked. As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a doggie day care services and pet related business; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. However, this is what it would cost us in the United of America;

  • Business incorporating fees in the United States of America will cost – $750.
  • The budget for Liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $3,500
  • Acquiring a facility or apartment for at least 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $35,000.
  • Equipping the doggie day care center (dryers, tables, tubs, floor grills and trays, faucets and often ramps for pets. Additionally, pet-boarding operators must purchase bowls, bedding and cleaning materials, computers, printers, dog tie, dog chains, start – up inventories, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics et al) will cost – $50,000
  • Launching an official Website will cost – $500
  • Amount need to pay bills and staff members for at least 2 to 3 months – $70,000
  • Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $5,000

While a home tutor might not have to incur all these expenses but going by the above report, we will need an average of $250,000 to start a medium scale doggie day care center in the United States of America.

Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co.

Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co. is a family business that will be owned by Dr. Bob Blue – Haven (Vet Doctor) and he will run the business with his business partner and Wife Mrs. Rose Blue – Haven. They are the sole financial of the business which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the business to just three major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

  • Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
  • Generate part of the start – up capital from friends and other extended family members
  • Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $50,000 (Personal savings $35,000 and soft loan from family members $15,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $200,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co. is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to offer our doggie day care services and pet related business a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Pet Nation® Doggie Daycare Services Co. will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more as determined by the board of the organization. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

  • Business Name Availability Check:>Completed
  • Business Incorporation: Completed
  • Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed
  • Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
  • Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
  • Application for business license and permit: Completed
  • Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed
  • Secure a standard facility for the doggie day care center plus reconstruction of the facility: Completed
  • Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
  • Generating part of the start – up capital from the founders: Completed
  • Writing of Business Plan: Completed
  • Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
  • Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
  • Design of Logo for the school: Completed
  • Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: Completed
  • Recruitment of employees: In Progress
  • Purchase of the Needed furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In Progress
  • Creating Official Website for the business: In Progress
  • Creating Awareness for the business in Smethport – Pennsylvania: In Progress
  • Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
  • Establishing business relationship with vendors and key players in various industries: In Progress

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Dog Daycare Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Growthink.com Dog Daycare Business Plan Template

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

Chihuahua

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

doggie daycare

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

Dog Daycare Beds

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

Two dogs

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

Dog Daycare Planning

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

Dog Training

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

Dog Daycare Outside

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.

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Dog Daycare Business Plan Sample

DEC.11, 2017

Dog Daycare Business Plan Sample

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.

Dog Daycare Business Plan - 3 Years Profit Forecast

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.

Dog Daycare Business Plan - Startup Cost

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:

Dog Daycare Business Plan - Market Segmentation

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.

Dog Daycare Business Plan - Unit Sales

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.

Dog Daycare Business Plan - 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

Dog Daycare Business Plan - PROFIT MONTHLY

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

Dog Daycare Business Plan - Profit Yearly

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

Dog Daycare Business Plan - Gross Margin Monthly

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

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

Dog Daycare Business Plan - Gross Margin Yearly

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

The following column diagram shows the projected cash flow.

Dog Daycare Business Plan - 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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Templates Library

Try our ready-made templates to help your team collaborate more quickly and efficiently.

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Mind Map Template

Works best for:.

Planning, Mind Mapping, Education

We see you, visual learners. You grasp concepts and understand data easier when they're presented in well-organized, memorable graphics. Mind mapping is perfect for you. This powerful brainstorming tool presents concepts or ideas as a tree — with the central subject as the trunk and your many ideas and subtopics as the branches. This template is a fast, effective way for you to start mind mapping, which can help you and your team become more creative, remember more, and solve problems more effectively.

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Kanban Framework Template

Kanban Boards, Agile Methodology, Agile Workflows

Optimized processes, improved flow, and increased value for your customers — that’s what the Kanban method can help you achieve. Based on a set of lean principles and practices (and created in the 1950s by a Toyota Automotive employee), Kanban helps your team reduce waste, address numerous other issues, and collaborate on fixing them together. You can use our simple Kanban template to both closely monitor the progress of all work and to display work to yourself and cross-functional partners, so that the behind-the-scenes nature of software is revealed.

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Service Blueprint Template

Desk Research, Operations, Market Research

First introduced by G. Lynn Shostack in 1984, service blueprints allow you to visualize the steps that go into a service process from the customer’s perspective. Service blueprints are useful tools for understanding and designing a service experience – and finding ways to improve it. Service blueprint diagrams make it simpler for teams to design new processes or improve existing ones. To create a service blueprint, map out each process and actor that contributes to the customer experience, from in-house contributors to third-party vendors.

Flowchart in Miro

Flowchart Template

Flowcharts, Mapping, Diagrams

Trying to explain a process or workflow to your team — or just wrap your head around it yourself? Sometimes the best way is to see it, and that’s when you create a flowchart. Using common shapes (generally just ovals, rectangles, diamonds, and arrows), a flowchart shows you the direction a process or workflow goes and the order of steps. Beyond giving you a clear understanding, you’ll also be able to see potential flaws and bottlenecks, which helps you refine and improve your process and create a better product more efficiently.

Workshop templates

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Icebreaker Template

Icebreakers

There’s no better way to kickoff a meeting or workshop than by building comfort and familiarity between your guests — to put them at ease and get them ready to participate and collaborate. That’s just the kind of human connection that icebreakers create, which make them great for remote gatherings or introducing new team members. There are many icebreakers to choose from, including: Describe yourself in one word. Share a photo of yourself as a baby. And if you were an animal, what would you be?

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Daily Stand-up Meeting Template

Agile Methodology, Meetings, Software Development

The entire team meets to review the day before and discuss the day ahead. These daily meetings, also known as “scrums,” are brief but powerful — they identify roadblocks, give each team member a voice, foster collaboration, keep progress on track, and ultimately keep teams working together effectively. This template makes it so easy for you to plan daily standups for your sprint team. It all starts with picking a date and time, creating an agenda, and sticking with the same format throughout the sprint.

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Event Planning Template

Planning, Workshops

Whether you’re planning a product launch, fully remote conference, or milestone event, the Event Planning Template will act as a visual checklist and map for all the details you need to consider before the big day. The Event Planning Template is an adaptable way to make sure the creative and strategic vision of your event doesn’t get lost in the details. By mapping out different sections - from the marketing plan, to the agenda, to snacks and swag for guests — you and your team can focus on the details most important to your functions, and collaborate as needed when overlaps occur.

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Team Meeting Agenda Template

Documentation, Team Meetings, Workshops

Making the time for your team is important to help you to make decisions, align on priorities, and move in the same direction together. Team meeting agendas help add a schedule and structure to your allocated time slot when you need to share information and collaborate with your team. They also allow your team to agree on goals, talking points, action items, and who will lead the next steps. Uninterrupted team meeting time with an agenda can help your team review progress against OKRs, share updates, discuss roadblocks, and brainstorm ideas.

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One-on-one Meeting Template

Ensure your meetings are productive by using a one-on-one meeting template. Create and stick to your agenda items, understand what’s going well, what isn’t working, and how to improve. Discuss what’s been accomplished and what’s still in progress.

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Parking Lot Matrix Template

Project Management, Ideation, Meetings

When the creative energy is flowing, a workshop or meeting will yield a lot of new ideas — but not all are on-topic or currently feasible. Roll them right onto a parking lot matrix, a simple, effective tool for separating the best ideas from those that are promising but could use more research or discussion. This template will let you easily make your own parking lot matrix, which will come in especially handy during long meetings (and when you have teammates who tend to go off-topic).

More templates from the community

Discover the proven workflows, projects, and frameworks of the Miro community – or publish your own.

More templates from the community

Brainstorming templates

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Affinity Diagram Template

Desk Research, Mapping, Product Management

You can use an affinity diagram to generate, organize, and consolidate information that comes out of a brainstorming session. Whether you’re building a product, working through a complex problem, establishing a process, or piecing apart an issue, an affinity diagram is a useful and simple framework that gives each team member the opportunity to pitch in and share their thoughts. But it’s not just ideal for brainstorms—this is a great template and tool when you need to reach consensus or analyze data such as survey results.

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Customer Touchpoint Map Template

Desk Research, Product Management, Mapping

To attract and keep loyal customers, you have to truly start to understand them—their pain point, wants, and needs. A customer touchpoint map helps you gain that understanding by visualizing the path your customers follow, from signing up for a service, to using your site, to buying your product. And because no two customers are exactly alike, a CJM lets you plot out multiple pathways through your product. Soon you’ll be able to anticipate those pathways and satisfy your customers at every step.

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Fishbone Diagram Template

Operations, Diagrams, Workflows

What is the best way to solve any problem your team faces? Go straight to the root. That means identifying the root causes of the problem, and fishbone diagrams are designed to help you do it best. Also known as the Ishikawa Diagram (named after Japanese quality control expert Kaoru Ishikawa), fishbone diagrams allow teams to visualize all possible causes of a problem, to explore and understand how they fit together holistically. Teams can also use fishbone diagrams as a starting point for thinking about what the root cause of a future problem might be.

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Likert Scale Template

Desk Research, Decision Making, Product Management

It’s not always easy to measure complex, highly subjective data — like how people feel about your product, service, or experience. But the Likert scale is designed to help you do it. This scale allows your existing or potential customers to respond to a statement or question with a range of phrases or numbers (e.g., from “strongly agree” to “neutral,” to “strongly disagree,” or from 1 to 5). The goal is to ask your customer some specific questions to turn into easy-to-interpret actionable user insights.

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Idea Funnel Backlog

Design, Brainstorming, Agile Workflows

An Idea Funnel Backlog enables you to visualize your backlog and restrict the number of backlogged items at the top. In doing sos, you can prioritize items on your list without having to engage in unnecessary meetings or create too much operational overhead. To use the Idea Funnel Backlog, break up the funnel into different phases or treat it like a roadmap. Use the Idea Funnel Backlog as a hybrid model that combines your roadmap and backlog into one easily digestible format.

Research & design templates

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Research Template

Education, Desk Research, Product Management

Teams often need to document findings from usability testing sessions and customer interviews into a systematic, flexible user research template. Collecting everyone’s observations into a centralized location makes it easier to share insights company-wide and suggest new features based on user needs. Research templates can be used to record quantitative or qualitative data.. When it’s your job to ask questions, take notes, learn more about your user, and test iteratively, a Research Template can help you validate your assumptions, find similarities across different users, and articulate their mental models, needs, and goals.

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Empathy Map Template

Market Research, User Experience, Mapping

Attracting new users, compelling them to try your product, and turning them into loyal customers—it all starts with understanding them. An empathy map is a tool that leads to that understanding, by giving you space to articulate everything you know about your customers, including their needs, expectations, and decision-making drivers. That way you’ll be able to challenge your assumptions and identify the gaps in your knowledge. Our template lets you easily create an empathy map divided into four key squares—what your customers Say, Think, Do, and Feel.

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User Flow Template

Desk Research, Flowcharts, Mapping

User flows are diagrams that help UX and product teams map out the logical path a user should take when interacting with a system. As a visual tool, the user flow shows the relationship between a website or app’s functionality, potential actions a user could take, and the outcome of what the user decides to do. User flows help you understand what a user does to finish a task or complete a goal through your product or experience.

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UX Project Canvas Template

User Experience, UX Design, Market Research

Inspired by Alexander Osterwalder's 2005 business model canvas, the project canvas will help your team visualize the big picture of your UX and design projects, providing a convenient structure that holds all of your important data. This innovative tool enables you to transform an idea into a project plan, stimulating collaboration and communication between collaborators. Unlike alternative models, the project canvas is a simple interface. There are few startup costs, and employees can easily be brought up to speed to start using the canvas quickly.

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Working Backwards Template

Desk Research, Strategic Planning, Product Management

Find out how to use the Working Backwards template to plan, structure, and execute the launch of a new product. Using the template, you’ll figure out if the product is worth launching in the first place.

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User Persona Template

Marketing, Desk Research, User Experience

A user persona is a tool for representing and summarizing a target audience for your product or service that you have researched or observed. Whether you’re in content marketing, product marketing, design, or sales, you operate with a target in mind. Maybe it’s your customer or prospect. Maybe it’s someone who will benefit from your product or service. Usually, it’s a whole collection of personalities and needs that intersect in interesting ways. By distilling your knowledge about a user, you create a model for the person you hope to target: this is a persona.

Strategy & planning templates

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Strategy Diamond Template

Leadership, Operations, Strategic Planning

To achieve key objectives, every business assembles a series of strategies. But what elements should you consider when building a strategy? A strategy diamond is a collection of elements forming a coherent business strategy. These elements include: Arenas, Differentiators, Vehicles, Staging, and Economic Logic. Most strategic plans focus on just one or two of these elements, creating gaps that might cause problems for your business later on. A strategy diamond can help you stay focused and ensure you’re fulfilling all of your business’s needs rather than one or two.

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Value Chain Analysis Template

Leadership, Strategic Planning, Workflows

First coined by Harvard Business School professor Michael Porter, the value chain analysis helps your team evaluate your business activities so you can find ways to improve your competitive advantage. A value chain is a set of activities that a company performs in order to deliver a valuable product from start to finish. The analysis itself allows your team to visualize all the business activities involved in creating the product—and helps you identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and miscommunication within the process.

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RACI Matrix Template

Leadership, Decision Making, Org Charts

The RACI Matrix is an essential management tool that helps teams keep track of roles and responsibilities and can avoid confusion during projects. The acronym RACI stands for Responsible (the person who does the work to achieve the task and is responsible for getting the work done or decision made); Accountable (the person who is accountable for the correct and thorough completion of the task); Consulted (the people who provide information for the project and with whom there is two-way communication); Informed (the people who are kept informed of progress and with whom there is one-way communication).

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Strategy Map Template

Leadership, Strategic Planning, Mapping

How do your individual or team goals relate to an organization’s overall strategy? A Strategy Map is a stylized picture of your organization’s strategy and objectives. It’s powerful because it provides a clear visual guide to how these various elements work together. Strategy Maps can help align various different team goals with the overall strategy and mission. With the Strategy Map in place, teams can create set actionable, relevant KPIs. Strategy mapping is often considered part of the balanced scorecard (BSC) methodology, which is a strategic planning tool for setting overall team goals.

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Go-to-Market Strategy Template

Marketing, Desk Research, Strategic Planning

It doesn’t matter how innovative or effective a new product is — if it doesn’t get noticed and adopted by the right audience, the product won’t get off the ground. That’s where your Go-to-Market Strategy comes in. It’s a single resource that houses all of your research, insights, and data, and includes your business plan, target audience, marketing approach, and sales strategy. A GTM is especially important for any startups who grow fast, have to make split-second decisions, and have to be fully in sync.

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Porter's Five Forces Template

Leadership, Strategic Planning, Market Research

Developed by Harvard Business School professor Michael Porter, Porter’s Five Forces has become one of the most popular and highly regarded business strategy tools available for teams. Use Porter’s Five Forces to measure the strength of your current competition and decide which markets you might be able to move into. Porter’s Five Forces include: supplier power, buyer power, rivalry among existing competitors, the threat of substitute products or services, the threat of substitute products and services, and the threat of new entrants.

Agile templates

Agile Board Thumbnail

Agile Board Template

Agile Methodology, Meetings, Agile Workflows

Part of the popular Agile framework, an Agile Board is a visual display that allows you to sync on tasks throughout a production cycle. The Agile Board is typically used in the context of Agile development methods like Kanban and Scrum, but anyone can adopt the tool. Used by software developers and project managers, the Agile Board helps manage workload in a flexible, transparent and iterative way. The Agile template provides an easy way to get started with a premade layout of sticky notes customizable for your tasks and team.

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Conversion Funnel Backlog Template

Decision Making, Product Management, Prioritization

If you’re working on a product that has clear conversions, then it can help to structure your backlog around the conversion funnel to make sure you’re reaching your audience. Creating a conversion funnel backlog brings together information around potential pain-points in your funnel and opportunities for growth. Once you’ve identified that information, it becomes easier to prioritize. You and your team can use the conversion funnel backlog to focus on conversion, retention, and referral, or to tweak your workflow in more mature products.

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Quick Retrospective Template

Education, Retrospectives, Meetings

A retrospective template empowers you to run insightful meetings, take stock of your work, and iterate effectively. The term “retrospective” has gained popularity over the more common “debriefing” and “post-mortem,” since it’s more value-neutral than the other terms. Some teams refer to these meetings as “sprint retrospectives” or “iteration retrospectives,” “agile retrospectives” or “iteration retrospectives.” Whether you are a scrum team, using the agile methodology, or doing a specific type of retrospective (e.g. a mad, sad, glad retrospective), the goals are generally the same: discovering what went well, identifying the root cause of problems you had, and finding ways to do better in the next iteration.

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Mad Sad Glad Retrospective

Brainstorming, Ideation

It's tempting to measure a sprint’s success solely by whether goals and timelines were met. But there’s another important success metric: emotions. And Mad Sad Glad is a popular, effective technique for teams to explore and share their emotions after a sprint. That allows you to highlight the positive, underline the concerns, and decide how to move forward as a team. This template makes it easy to conduct a Mad Sad Glad that helps you build trust, improve team morale, and increase engagement.

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Technology Roadmap Template

Agile Methodology, Roadmaps, Agile Workflows

A technology roadmap helps teams document the rationale of when, why, how, and what tech-related solutions can help the company move forward. Also known as IT roadmaps, technology roadmaps show teams what technology is available to them, focusing on to-be-scheduled improvements. They allow you to identify gaps or overlap between phased-out tech tools, as well as software or programs soon to be installed. From a practical point of view, the roadmap should also outline what kinds of tools are best to spend money on, and the most effective way to introduce new systems and processes.

Mapping & diagramming templates

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UML Diagram Template

Diagrams, Software Development

Originally used as a modeling language in software engineering, UML has become a popular approach to application structures and documenting software. UML stands for Unified Modeling Language, and you can use it to model business processes and workflows. Like flowcharts, UML diagrams can provide your organization with a standardized method of mapping out step-by-step processes. They allow your team to easily view the relationships between systems and tasks. UML diagrams are an effective tool that can help you bring new employees up to speed, create documentation, organize your workplace and team, and streamline your projects.

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Swimlane Diagram Template

Flowcharts, Diagrams, Workflows

A swimlane diagram shows you which stakeholders are responsible for each area of your critical processes. You can use it to understand current processes or plan new ones.

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Stakeholder Map Template

Business Management, Mapping, Workflows

A stakeholder map is a type of analysis that allows you to group people by their power and interest. Use this template to organize all of the people who have an interest in your product, project, or idea in a single visual space. This allows you to easily see who can influence your project, and how each person is related to the other. Widely used in project management, stakeholder mapping is typically performed at the beginning of a project. Doing stakeholder mapping early on will help prevent miscommunication, ensure all groups are aligned on the objectives and set expectations about outcomes and results.

  • Integrations
  • Learning Center

MoSCoW Prioritization

What is moscow prioritization.

MoSCoW prioritization, also known as the MoSCoW method or MoSCoW analysis, is a popular prioritization technique for managing requirements. 

  The acronym MoSCoW represents four categories of initiatives: must-have, should-have, could-have, and won’t-have, or will not have right now. Some companies also use the “W” in MoSCoW to mean “wish.”

What is the History of the MoSCoW Method?

Software development expert Dai Clegg created the MoSCoW method while working at Oracle. He designed the framework to help his team prioritize tasks during development work on product releases.

You can find a detailed account of using MoSCoW prioritization in the Dynamic System Development Method (DSDM) handbook . But because MoSCoW can prioritize tasks within any time-boxed project, teams have adapted the method for a broad range of uses.

How Does MoSCoW Prioritization Work?

Before running a MoSCoW analysis, a few things need to happen. First, key stakeholders and the product team need to get aligned on objectives and prioritization factors. Then, all participants must agree on which initiatives to prioritize.

At this point, your team should also discuss how they will settle any disagreements in prioritization. If you can establish how to resolve disputes before they come up, you can help prevent those disagreements from holding up progress.

Finally, you’ll also want to reach a consensus on what percentage of resources you’d like to allocate to each category.

With the groundwork complete, you may begin determining which category is most appropriate for each initiative. But, first, let’s further break down each category in the MoSCoW method.

Start prioritizing your roadmap

Moscow prioritization categories.

Moscow

1. Must-have initiatives

As the name suggests, this category consists of initiatives that are “musts” for your team. They represent non-negotiable needs for the project, product, or release in question. For example, if you’re releasing a healthcare application, a must-have initiative may be security functionalities that help maintain compliance.

The “must-have” category requires the team to complete a mandatory task. If you’re unsure about whether something belongs in this category, ask yourself the following.

moscow-initiatives

If the product won’t work without an initiative, or the release becomes useless without it, the initiative is most likely a “must-have.”

2. Should-have initiatives

Should-have initiatives are just a step below must-haves. They are essential to the product, project, or release, but they are not vital. If left out, the product or project still functions. However, the initiatives may add significant value.

“Should-have” initiatives are different from “must-have” initiatives in that they can get scheduled for a future release without impacting the current one. For example, performance improvements, minor bug fixes, or new functionality may be “should-have” initiatives. Without them, the product still works.

3. Could-have initiatives

Another way of describing “could-have” initiatives is nice-to-haves. “Could-have” initiatives are not necessary to the core function of the product. However, compared with “should-have” initiatives, they have a much smaller impact on the outcome if left out.

So, initiatives placed in the “could-have” category are often the first to be deprioritized if a project in the “should-have” or “must-have” category ends up larger than expected.

4. Will not have (this time)

One benefit of the MoSCoW method is that it places several initiatives in the “will-not-have” category. The category can manage expectations about what the team will not include in a specific release (or another timeframe you’re prioritizing).

Placing initiatives in the “will-not-have” category is one way to help prevent scope creep . If initiatives are in this category, the team knows they are not a priority for this specific time frame. 

Some initiatives in the “will-not-have” group will be prioritized in the future, while others are not likely to happen. Some teams decide to differentiate between those by creating a subcategory within this group.

How Can Development Teams Use MoSCoW?

  Although Dai Clegg developed the approach to help prioritize tasks around his team’s limited time, the MoSCoW method also works when a development team faces limitations other than time. For example: 

Prioritize based on budgetary constraints.

What if a development team’s limiting factor is not a deadline but a tight budget imposed by the company? Working with the product managers, the team can use MoSCoW first to decide on the initiatives that represent must-haves and the should-haves. Then, using the development department’s budget as the guide, the team can figure out which items they can complete. 

Prioritize based on the team’s skillsets.

A cross-functional product team might also find itself constrained by the experience and expertise of its developers. If the product roadmap calls for functionality the team does not have the skills to build, this limiting factor will play into scoring those items in their MoSCoW analysis.

Prioritize based on competing needs at the company.

Cross-functional teams can also find themselves constrained by other company priorities. The team wants to make progress on a new product release, but the executive staff has created tight deadlines for further releases in the same timeframe. In this case, the team can use MoSCoW to determine which aspects of their desired release represent must-haves and temporarily backlog everything else.

What Are the Drawbacks of MoSCoW Prioritization?

  Although many product and development teams have prioritized MoSCoW, the approach has potential pitfalls. Here are a few examples.

1. An inconsistent scoring process can lead to tasks placed in the wrong categories.

  One common criticism against MoSCoW is that it does not include an objective methodology for ranking initiatives against each other. Your team will need to bring this methodology to your analysis. The MoSCoW approach works only to ensure that your team applies a consistent scoring system for all initiatives.

Pro tip: One proven method is weighted scoring, where your team measures each initiative on your backlog against a standard set of cost and benefit criteria. You can use the weighted scoring approach in ProductPlan’s roadmap app .

2. Not including all relevant stakeholders can lead to items placed in the wrong categories.

To know which of your team’s initiatives represent must-haves for your product and which are merely should-haves, you will need as much context as possible.

For example, you might need someone from your sales team to let you know how important (or unimportant) prospective buyers view a proposed new feature.

One pitfall of the MoSCoW method is that you could make poor decisions about where to slot each initiative unless your team receives input from all relevant stakeholders. 

3. Team bias for (or against) initiatives can undermine MoSCoW’s effectiveness.

Because MoSCoW does not include an objective scoring method, your team members can fall victim to their own opinions about certain initiatives. 

One risk of using MoSCoW prioritization is that a team can mistakenly think MoSCoW itself represents an objective way of measuring the items on their list. They discuss an initiative, agree that it is a “should have,” and move on to the next.

But your team will also need an objective and consistent framework for ranking all initiatives. That is the only way to minimize your team’s biases in favor of items or against them.

When Do You Use the MoSCoW Method for Prioritization?

MoSCoW prioritization is effective for teams that want to include representatives from the whole organization in their process. You can capture a broader perspective by involving participants from various functional departments.

Another reason you may want to use MoSCoW prioritization is it allows your team to determine how much effort goes into each category. Therefore, you can ensure you’re delivering a good variety of initiatives in each release.

What Are Best Practices for Using MoSCoW Prioritization?

If you’re considering giving MoSCoW prioritization a try, here are a few steps to keep in mind. Incorporating these into your process will help your team gain more value from the MoSCoW method.

1. Choose an objective ranking or scoring system.

Remember, MoSCoW helps your team group items into the appropriate buckets—from must-have items down to your longer-term wish list. But MoSCoW itself doesn’t help you determine which item belongs in which category.

You will need a separate ranking methodology. You can choose from many, such as:

  • Weighted scoring
  • Value vs. complexity
  • Buy-a-feature
  • Opportunity scoring

For help finding the best scoring methodology for your team, check out ProductPlan’s article: 7 strategies to choose the best features for your product .

2. Seek input from all key stakeholders.

To make sure you’re placing each initiative into the right bucket—must-have, should-have, could-have, or won’t-have—your team needs context. 

At the beginning of your MoSCoW method, your team should consider which stakeholders can provide valuable context and insights. Sales? Customer success? The executive staff? Product managers in another area of your business? Include them in your initiative scoring process if you think they can help you see opportunities or threats your team might miss. 

3. Share your MoSCoW process across your organization.

MoSCoW gives your team a tangible way to show your organization prioritizing initiatives for your products or projects. 

The method can help you build company-wide consensus for your work, or at least help you show stakeholders why you made the decisions you did.

Communicating your team’s prioritization strategy also helps you set expectations across the business. When they see your methodology for choosing one initiative over another, stakeholders in other departments will understand that your team has thought through and weighed all decisions you’ve made. 

If any stakeholders have an issue with one of your decisions, they will understand that they can’t simply complain—they’ll need to present you with evidence to alter your course of action.  

Related Terms

2×2 prioritization matrix / Eisenhower matrix / DACI decision-making framework / ICE scoring model / RICE scoring model

Prioritizing your roadmap using our guide

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dog boarding business plan template

Project Pawsitivity

A Sitting For a Cause Blog Featuring All Things Pet-Related

Project Pawsitivity

Subway Strays: The Dogs of Moscow’s Metro

dog boarding business plan template

Despite the collapse of the Soviet Union, the stray dogs in Moscow have a surprisingly well-documented history which animal behaviorists have been paying close attention to for several decades. During the Soviet period in Russia the packs of wild (or stray) dogs in were regulated. Only the clever canines who learned to stay in isolation were able to survive. Usually, these dogs would remain on the outskirts of the city hunting in wild packs, as the living in the city was dangerous and food scarce.  After the fall of the Soviet Union quality of life in Russia began to slowly improve and with it more street vendors and food collecting in busy neighborhoods. This began to bring some the stray dogs out of the suburbs into the city.

Today, there are nearly 35,000 stray dogs that call Moscow home. Out of these 35,000 stray dogs there are about 500 that have taken to living underground. Out of these dogs, there are a few that have started thinking outside the box and inside the boxcar. They have begun the slow move underground to stay out of the cold (Russian winters reach an average of -5 degrees every day). Many of the Russian commuters embraced the dog’s underground migration by petting them or giving them food.

Though these claims may seem like the made up type of internet misinformation that we have learned to be skeptical of these days, it is actually sourced to a Russian biologist by the name of  Dr. Andrey Poyarkov , a highly regarded scientist in his field of study. As it turns out Poyarkov has been studying these dogs for the last thirty years and told news sources back in 2010 that he suspected a small fraction of these underground dogs had actually learned to use the subway in order to beg for food in bustling urban areas where food is more plentiful.

Andrei Neuronov , an animal behaviorist, says much like you train your dogs at home to respond to verbal commands like “sit” or “stay,” the Moscow metro dogs are using audio cues from the subway stops they have learned. The dogs memorize the names of the stops to navigate the subway systems in order to take them to heavily populated places during the day and get food.  Then, they return to their more secluded corners of the suburbs at night where they are less likely to be bothered by people.  Here is a story ABC did back in 2011, talking about this very thing.

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Travel Guide: Moscow

Travel guide: moscow presentation, free google slides theme and powerpoint template.

Do you know some acquaintances that want to travel to Russia, the biggest country in this planet? Now you can be their own tour guide with this template. Include as much information as possible about tourist attractions, monuments and things to do in Moscow. Let the simplicity of these slides and their cool illustrations speak in favor too!

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VIDEO

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  2. Part 2: Setting Up my Home Dog Boarding Business

COMMENTS

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