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Setting up a Dog Day Care Business

All you need to know about starting and running your business.

In this article

What is a Dog Day Care Business?

With approximately 34% of UK households having a pet dog (equating to approximately 13 million pet dogs across the country), the UK is a country of dog lovers. On average, a dog owner in the UK spends £240 per month on their pet, equating to an impressive industry total of £10 billion a year.

Gone are the days when dogs used to sleep in a kennel in the garden; instead, the majority of people now consider their dogs to be treasured members of their families. With many people not wanting to leave their dogs home alone every day, it is no surprise that the doggy day care industry in the UK is booming.

With the majority of people working from home or being furloughed during the Covid-19 pandemic and many dogs getting used to their owners being home most of the time and not being left home alone for extended periods, it is no surprise that dog day care is more popular than ever.

Dog day care, more commonly known as doggy day care, is the short-term daytime care of dogs. It shares many similarities with day care for children. Dogs get dropped off at day care in the morning (usually when their owners are on the way to work) and they get picked up again in the afternoon or the evening.

Dogs often get bored, hyperactive, stressed or depressed if they are at home alone for extended periods of time. Similar to humans, dogs can experience separation anxiety and an anxious or bored dog can cause damage to your home (for example, by ripping or chewing wallpaper, sofas and belongings and scratching walls), can cause harm to themselves or can bark or howl excessively, which can cause issues with your neighbours. It can also be distressing to the owners to see their beloved dog unhappy or distressed.

During their time at day care, the dogs get plenty of attention from workers, can socialise with other dogs and can engage in activities that have been specifically designed to suit each dog’s specific needs and temperament. The dogs usually have the opportunity to spend time indoors and outdoors, playing with toys and resting or sleeping if they choose. Dog day care provides both mental and physical stimulation and activity for the dogs.

There are two main types of dog day care businesses:

  • Providing a safe, clean and comfortable environment.
  • Ensuring the safety and well-being of all dogs.
  • Interacting with all dogs using appropriate toys, equipment and activities.
  • Maintaining visual observation and supervising play areas and all dogs to ensure pet safety.
  • Ensuring all dogs have enough water throughout the day.
  • Providing mental stimulation to dogs.
  • Ensuring the dogs are engaged in physical activity and exercise.
  • Using proper dog handling techniques, behaviour management and control procedures.
  • Providing training to the dogs (e.g. to reduce negative or destructive behaviours or increase obedience).
  • Following dog introduction techniques for new dogs visiting your day care.
  • Minimising the stress levels of all dogs.
  • Striving to give every dog equal attention and care.
  • Regularly checking the areas for hazards.
  • Regularly cleaning the day care area and any equipment.
  • Having a clear understanding of animal welfare.
  • Monitoring the behaviour of the dogs.
  • Assessing the overall physical health of the dogs and looking for signs of neglect or mistreatment.
  • Purchasing and maintaining equipment and managing your equipment inventory.
  • Sending daily updates to each dog’s owner (usually including photographs).
  • Keeping up to date on health and safety regulations and ensuring your business complies with all health and safety regulations and legal guidelines.
  • Reporting any unusual behaviour, injuries or concerns you have.
  • Completing dog incident reports when required.
  • Pricing your services, handling payments and providing receipts or invoices.
  • Tracking dog attendance.
  • Completing business and administrative tasks.
  • Marketing and advertising.

If you are thinking of starting up a dog day care business, there are certain qualities, skills and areas of knowledge that will be beneficial. A love of animals, a familiarity with various dog breeds and how to handle them and a passion for taking care of animals are essential. You will also need good communication skills, the ability to work in a team environment and the ability to be flexible. Good physical skills (so you can handle the dogs) is also recommended. A thorough understanding of health and safety regulations is also required. If you have a passion for dogs and a solid business plan, running a doggy day care can be both financially and personally rewarding.

Types of Customers

When setting up your business, an important step is determining your typical customer base. As a doggy day care, your customer base will, of course, be made up of dogs and their owners. However, there are specific factors that can influence the types of customers that are more likely to choose your business.

Defining your target market makes it easier to focus on the specific customers who are most likely to pay for your services and determine exactly where and how to market your business.

Some of the factors that can influence your typical customer base include:

The location you operate in

This is one of the most important factors in determining your typical customer base, as the majority of dog owners choose a day care that is conveniently located to their home or place of work. The types of customers that use your business will, therefore, be primarily made up of people who live or work in the local area.

Your pricing

This is another important factor. Dog owners can typically be separated into three pricing categories, determined by how much money they are willing (or able) to spend on their pets.

  • Budget customers: Price is the most important factor for this type of customer. They will likely choose the doggy day care that offers the lowest price, regardless of the services they offer. They are more likely to be satisfied with more basic facilities and equipment.
  • Mid-range customers: Mid-market customers are usually looking for a combination of quality and affordability. Although price is important to them, it won’t be the only factor they consider. They will likely have a budget in mind but will still be looking for a doggy day care that offers a higher service.
  • Luxury customers: This type of customer is willing to pay higher prices for the best possible service and the best equipment and facilities for their pet. They will likely look for a dog day care that has superior facilities and equipment, additional services (such as training and grooming), an excellent reputation and strong branding.

Your facilities, equipment and activities

Many dog owners tour the day care facilities or sign their pet up for a trial session before committing to one day care. When visiting your day care, they will likely look at the size of your facilities (including any outdoor space), the various equipment you have, the number of staff you have supervising the dogs at one time and the activities and services you offer. Consider all of these factors when setting up your day care and determining who is most likely to use your services.

There are also some other factors that can influence your typical customer base, including:

  • Your training and qualifications.
  • Your branding and business’s aesthetic.
  • Your staff.
  • Your safety procedures.
  • Your marketing and advertising.
  • Your customer reviews.

Dog day care cartoon

Equipment You Will Need

Equipment is an essential purchase, as without it you will not be able to run your business. The type and amount of equipment you need will depend on your premises, the number of dogs you plan to look after at one time and the services you offer.

Below is a list of equipment typically required by a doggy day care business:

Day Care Equipment

Playground and agility equipment

Dogs love to climb and play, particularly when they have other dogs to socialise with. Playground and agility equipment can ensure that dogs have plenty of areas to exercise and can offer both mental and physical stimulation.

Some of the equipment you could opt for includes:

  • Climbing frames and slides.
  • A ball pit.
  • Bridges and walkways.
  • Playhouses.
  • Hurdles and hoop jumps.
  • A doggy see-saw (also called a teeter).

A swimming pool

Swimming pools are a popular choice for many doggy day cares, particularly those that plan to charge higher prices. You could opt for a full-sized swimming pool that the dogs are able to swim in or smaller pools or water equipment that are designed for paddling.

Room dividers

Mobile room dividers allow you to keep groups of dogs separate if needed. If you have a communal area for dogs to play or socialise, room dividers can help you to monitor playtime more easily or separate the room into different sections. Room dividers are available in different sizes and heights and can be made of different materials.

Outdoor fencing

If you have an outdoor area, you must ensure it is fully enclosed using reliable fencing. Your fencing will need to be high enough that no dogs can jump over, it should be without any small gaps that smaller dogs and puppies can slip between and should be made from a reliable material that the dogs cannot chew or is not harmful to them.

Balls and other chasing toys

Many breeds of dogs, including Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, English Springer Spaniels and Whippets, love to chase balls and other toys. If there is an enclosed field or other outdoor space where you can safely allow the dogs to run around, dog-chasing toys are a great way to keep the dogs entertained and ensure they get enough exercise. Choose different-sized balls to suit different breeds and ensure they are strong and sturdy and do not pose a health risk.

Other dog toys

There are many different types of dog toys you can purchase. To ensure the dogs are safe (e.g. not eating or swallowing parts of the toys), they would need to be heavily supervised when using toys. You should also opt for strong toys, made from tough materials.

Some of the toys you can opt for include:

  • Squeaking toys.

Pet relief stations

Many doggy day cares opt to use pet relief stations so that the dogs in their care have a hygienic place to relieve themselves without needing to go outside every time. A pet relief station is a small area covered in artificial grass (that dogs are naturally attracted to) that also features a pop-up sprinkler system (usually shaped like an object such as a fire hydrant) that washes away any dog urine into the drain. A pet relief station can significantly reduce the number of urine-related incidents that occur in your day care and can help your facility to stay cleaner and more hygienic. Depending on the size of your facility, you may require multiple stations.

Resting equipment

You will likely have a designated area of your day care where the dogs can go to rest or sleep. Adult dogs typically sleep for 12 hours a day and puppies and senior dogs sleep for up to 20 hours a day. Although dogs often choose to sleep on the floor, it is important that they also have specific areas and equipment that can help them to rest.

This could include:

  • Blankets and pillows.
  • Sleeping mats.

Water bowls and drinking fountains

Because the dogs in your day care will be so active, it is essential that you ensure they have constant access to water. You will need multiple water bowls stationed around your facility. Alternatively, you could opt for water fountains and water dispensers so that the dogs always have access to fresh water.

These are a must-have for every dog business. As you will be using numerous bags a day, purchasing biodegradable bags helps your business to be more environmentally friendly.

Treats can be useful if one of the dogs you look after needs a little extra encouragement to follow your instructions or if you are training the dogs. Choose healthier treats and make sure the dogs you look after don’t have any allergies.

Other Equipment Requirements

Air conditioning and a dehumidifier

You will need to keep your day care at a constant temperature that is safe and comfortable for the dogs (particularly as they are likely to be very active). Air conditioning can help you to keep your day care at the correct temperature and a dehumidifier can remove excess moisture from the air. This can help you to keep your premises safe and hygienic.

An air purifier

An air purifier can help to keep the air in your day care fresh and hygienic and remove any harmful bacteria and unwanted particles from the air. It can also prevent your facility from smelling bad and can ensure purified air is continually circulating around your facilities.

A buzzer system and automatic closing doors

To ensure that your facility is secure and that no random people can enter your premises without your permission, it is recommended that you install a buzzer system on your front door. This helps to protect your business from potential dog thefts. Your front doors should also feature automatically closing doors to prevent any dogs from escaping from day care. It is also recommended that your front door and reception area are separated from the day care area by another set of doors so that visitors to your business don’t come into contact with the dogs.

A dog first aid kit

A dog first aid kit allows you to provide pre-vet first aid if one of the dogs in your care is injured or ill. Your first aid kit should contain essential items such as alcohol pads, adhesives for cuts and wounds, a rubber tourniquet, bandages of different sizes (including patch bandages), tape and a foil blanket.

A human first aid kit

This is also essential in case you, an employee or a visitor to your business becomes injured. Ensure your first aid kit is replenished regularly. Your first aid kit for humans should include plasters of different sizes, different types of bandages, gauze dressings, cleansing wipes, distilled water, antiseptic cream, eye wash and sticky tape.

A phone with a good camera

Many dog owners will want regular updates on their pets while they are at your day care. You can send daily updates and take photos of the dogs and send them to the owners. This offers peace of mind and is a service that many dog owners will appreciate. You can also upload your photos to your website or business’s social media as a form of advertising.

Rubbish bins and a waste disposal system

You will need rubbish bins in different areas of your facility. You will also need different bins for different items to ensure you are disposing of rubbish correctly and following recycling guidelines. Colour-coded bins are the easiest way to ensure your waste disposal system is operating correctly. Ensure your bins are secure and kept away from dogs.

A deep sink or washing area

You will need to install a deep sink or washing area that allows you to wash a lot of equipment at one time. This will help you to save time overall.

A washing machine and tumble dryer

You will need to wash dog beds, blankets, pillows, towels, cloths and any other materials regularly. A large reliable washing machine and dryer are recommended to ensure you can run your business hygienically.

A CCTV system

Because you will be storing expensive equipment and stock and will have beloved pets on your premises, CCTV can protect your business from potential break-ins and theft. CCTV can also protect your business in the event of an injury or accident and can provide vital footage to the police or a vet if an incident occurs. You can choose the specification of the equipment and how many cameras you require.

If you accept cash payments, you will need a safe as a way of safely storing the cash from your till at the end of the day. You can also keep extra change in your safe in case your cash register runs out of change during the working day.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is a necessary purchase, particularly because you will be picking up dog poop and handling dogs. PPE can also help to keep you and your staff members safe. Some PPE you could choose includes gloves, aprons and anti-slip footwear.

Cleaning equipment

Some of the cleaning supplies you may require include a sweeping brush, a mop and bucket, kennel cleaner, bleach, window cleaner, sanitiser, cloths, sponges and other cleaning supplies. You should also supply hand sanitiser and handwashing facilities for staff and any visitors to your business.

Reception and admin equipment

Some of the equipment you may require for your reception are:

  • A phone – for customers to make appointments.
  • An appointment book or scheduling software – to keep track of appointments and cancellations.
  • A reception desk and chair.
  • Pricing signs and opening hours signs.
  • Shelving for displaying products.

A computer/laptop and a Wi-Fi system

A computer can be used for running your business’s website and social media. You can also manage your online bookings, communicate with customers and market and advertise your day care. A computer can also be used for business and administrative tasks, such as ordering equipment and doing your accounts. You will also need a Wi-Fi system to enable you to use your computer or laptop online.

A website is useful for advertising your business. It should contain photographs and descriptions of your business and the services you offer. It should also list your qualifications and experience, your customer reviews and your contact information. Your website could also feature a booking system for customers to make an appointment or book a session. Design your website to include your business logo and to reflect your branding.

A payment system

The type of payment system you require will depend on your primary payment strategy. For example, if you accept in-person sales, you will likely require a transportable Point of Sale (POS) system (e.g. a card machine) and a cash register. If you accept online payments, you may require an online payment system or a way to track payments to your business bank account.

Leaflets and business cards

These items are essential to your marketing and advertising strategies. These items should look professional, be made using high-quality materials and fit the design and aesthetic of your business. Ensure all of these items feature your contact information so potential customers can get in touch with you.

Dog Day Care

Typical Pricing for Customers

Once you have calculated the typical costs associated with setting up and running a doggy day care, you can then create your pricing strategy.

You could choose to charge per house, per day or per half a day.

Many doggy day care businesses offer discounts to customers who:

  • Have multiple dogs attending the day care.
  • Attend full-time.
  • Pay for a block of sessions at one time (e.g. they pay for a whole month at one time).

Prices can vary significantly, based on multiple factors. However, on average, customers can expect to spend between £20 and £30 per day for one dog.

Some factors that can impact your pricing include:

  • Your location.
  • Your competition and the demand for your services.
  • Your facilities and equipment.
  • The size of your day care.
  • The staff-to-dog ratio.

Safely Running a Dog Day Care Business

Safe practices in your doggy day care can help you to protect the health, safety and well-being of the dogs, your employees, and any visitors to your day care.

Some ways you can safely run your dog day care business are:

Consider other factors when calculating your staffing ratio

Although government guidelines state that the staff-to-dog ratio should not exceed 1:10, there are other factors you should consider when calculating the ratio that could cause you to require more staff.

These can include:

  • The breed, age, health and needs of each dog.
  • The qualifications and experience of the staff members.
  • Other services that are offered by your business and how this could affect your employees’ time and their ability to look after the dogs (e.g. training or grooming services).
  • Whether the staff are full-time or part-time and whether they are fully employed or work as volunteers.

Consider the flooring and interior surfaces

To protect dogs and staff members from slipping, falling or obtaining an injury, it is recommended that all interior flooring and surfaces are smooth and waterproof. They should also be easy to clean.

Ensure the dogs do not overheat or are too cold

Although you are legally required to ensure your day care is at a safe temperature (between 10°C and 26°C) there are other ways you can ensure the dogs are at a safe temperature, including:

  • Keep the dogs away from direct sources of heat.
  • Keep all inside areas well-ventilated./li>
  • If a dog shows signs of discomfort, steps should be taken to increase or reduce their body temperature.

Implement cleaning procedures

Having effective cleaning procedures is essential for your business. A cleaning schedule and cleaning policies should be in place that cover the cleaning of equipment, surfaces and indoor and outdoor areas. All furnishings and equipment should be inspected daily, and you should document your cleaning and disinfection procedures. Dog faeces should be removed as frequently as necessary. Dogs should be removed from the area while any cleaning is taking place. You should also implement handwashing procedures for staff and visitors.

Day Care For Dogs

Flea and tick prevention

To prevent an outbreak of fleas, ticks, or lice in your day care, ensure all the dogs are up to date in their flea and tick treatments. You could request proof that the dogs are up to date in their treatment, or request that the owners treat their dogs before they bring them to the day care.

Be aware of any health conditions, illnesses, injuries or allergies

This is essential for protecting the health and safety of the dogs you care for. Ask your clients to document any conditions you need to be aware of when you first begin working together and then ask them to update you if there are any changes to their dog’s health.

Correctly label food and treats

Dogs have allergies and intolerances as well as people. Ensuring any food or treats are correctly labelled with the ingredients and allergen information is important for protecting the health and safety of the dogs.

Carry out risk assessments

Risk assessments are a legal requirement for businesses with more than five employees. However, even if your business has fewer than five employees, risk assessments are still recommended to ensure the safety of the dogs, your staff and any visitors to your business. Risk assessments can help you to identify any potential hazards and risks in your business and how these can be reduced or eliminated.

As part of your risk assessment, you should:

  • Identify hazards.
  • Determine who could be at risk.
  • Evaluate any potential risks.
  • Implement relevant safety measures.
  • Record the results of the risk assessment.
  • Review the risk assessment regularly.

Implement security measures

Safety measures can help to protect your business, your employees, your customers and your equipment.

Some safety measures you should implement include:

  • Install a CCTV system.
  • Install an alarm system and secure and reliable locks.
  • Ensure doors and gates self-lock.

Ensure the dogs are properly supervised

You must ensure that all dogs are properly supervised at all times, particularly during high-risk activities, such as when the dogs are socialising or when they are playing with toys or using the equipment. Particular attention should be placed on younger dogs, senior dogs and dogs that have previously demonstrated behavioural issues.

Legal Requirements

Complying with legal guidelines is essential when setting up and running your doggy day care business.

Some of the legal requirements you should be aware of include:

Acquire a licence

The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 require you to obtain a licence before providing day care to dogs. The type of licence you require (and the associated cost) will depend on whether you run your business from your home or from a dedicated facility and the number of dogs you care for at one time. You will be expected to meet and maintain minimum standards in your business and ensure you comply with all regulations. You will also be inspected by your local authority. Licences are valid for between 1 and 3 years.

Display your licence

A copy of your licence must be clearly and prominently displayed on your premises (in a public-facing area, such as the entrance or reception area) and on your website. You must ensure the copy includes the name of the licence holder and the licence number.

Comply with the Animal Welfare Act (2006)

The Animal Welfare Act provides legislation that applies to any animal being cared for and supervised by people. As the owner of a dog day care, you will be responsible for the welfare of any dogs you care for. Failure to comply with the Act or committing an offence under the Act could result in prosecution.

Comply with staffing requirements

You must ensure that each member of staff has 10 or fewer dogs to care for at one time. You should also ensure that all staff are competent and are able to provide the level of care that is required to ensure the welfare needs of all animals are being met. This includes the competence to identify normal behaviours in dogs and particular breeds of dogs and to recognise signs of pain, suffering, injury, disease or abnormal behaviour.

Comply with space requirements

Each dog must have at least 6 square metres of space available to them on the premises. This can include both indoor and outdoor spaces. Calculate the size and layout of your premises (e.g. do not include reception areas and staff-only areas) to determine how much space is available to the dogs and how many dogs you are able to accommodate. For example, if your premises has 84 square metres available to the dogs, the maximum number of dogs you can accommodate is 14.

Ensure staff training

You and any staff that work in your business must receive appropriate training on matters such as:

  • Animal welfare.
  • Animal handling.
  • Animal behaviour.
  • Cleanliness and hygiene.
  • Feeding dogs and preparing food (if relevant).
  • Preventing and controlling diseases.
  • Recognising sick or injured animals.
  • Animal first aid.

You must keep accurate records of all staff training (this will likely be inspected when applying for or renewing your licence).

Your staff must also:

  • Complete a formal qualification appropriate to their role (e.g. a qualification regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual)).
  • OR show they have the relevant knowledge and experience via industry-generated training courses.

As the licence holder, you must implement a written training policy for all staff that is reviewed and updated every year. It must include an annual appraisal, any planned continued professional development (CPD) and recognition of any knowledge gaps.

Ensure the environment is suitable

There are multiple regulations you must comply with when creating your day care environment, including:

  • All areas, equipment and appliances (accessible to animals) must present minimal risks of injury, illness and escape.
  • Any equipment should be robust, safe, well-maintained and in a good state of repair.
  • Outdoor exercise areas, gardens and paths must be kept in a clean, presentable condition.
  • Hazards, such as sharp or rough edges, should be removed.
  • There should be no standing water (e.g. from cleaning or urine) and any drains must be kept unblocked.
  • Drain covers should be designed to prevent the dogs’ paws or nails from becoming caught.
  • Interior surfaces should be cleaned regularly and maintained in good order.
  • Doors, gates and windows should be escape-proof, able to be secured and locked and be resistant to impact and scratching.
  • There should be at least two secure barriers between the dogs and any entrance or exit to your day care.
  • Fencing should be strong and in good repair and should be a sufficient height and dig-proof.
  • Electrical sockets or appliances in dog-accessible rooms should be secure and protected from potential damage.
  • Noise levels, light levels and ventilation should be safe and suitable for different dog breeds.
  • The dogs should have access to areas where they can interact safely with other dogs, toys and people.

Provide opportunities for toileting

All dogs should be provided with regular opportunities for toileting throughout the day. You should also take each individual dog’s needs into account when providing opportunities for toileting. Toileting can be indoor or outdoor toileting.

Dispose of waste appropriately

Some of your business’s waste, such as animal faeces, will be classed as hazardous waste. This waste must be disposed of by a registered, authorised waste carrier. Contact your local environmental health department for more details.

Create a written programme

You must create and update a written programme that demonstrates how you provide an enriching environment and effectively monitor behaviour and training. This includes physical activity, mental stimulation, socialisation and play. The behaviour of each dog should be monitored daily and any changes in behaviour should be recorded and reported to the owner.

Check up-to-date veterinary vaccination records

All dogs must have up-to-date veterinary vaccination records that show they are vaccinated against:

  • Canine parvovirus.
  • Canine distemper.
  • Infectious canine hepatitis.
  • Leptospirosis.
  • Any other relevant disease.

Register with a vet

Your business should be registered with a vet that can be contacted in the event of an emergency. The contact details of the vet should be clearly displayed and easily accessible to all staff members.

The information should include:

  • The vet’s name.
  • The vet’s address and telephone number.
  • An out-of-hours telephone number.

The dogs’ owners should also be informed of which vet your business uses and must be in agreement.

Create an emergency plan

Your business must have a written emergency plan in place that is known and available to all employees and volunteers. Your plan should also be approved by the local authority and should also feature an emergency drill programme that is tested annually. Your emergency plan should also feature details of how you extract the animals in the event of an emergency.

Comply with fire regulations

As the business owner, you are responsible for fire safety measures on your premises.

There are multiple fire regulations you must ensure you comply with, including:

  • Conducting a fire risk assessment.
  • Complying with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 .
  • Implementing any necessary fire safety measures.
  • Implementing emergency procedures and ensuring these are clearly displayed.

Implement safety measures

  • Suitable fire prevention, fire detection and firefighting equipment should be provided and maintained.
  • Entrances and fire exits must be kept clear of obstructions.
  • A first aid kit suitable for dogs must be kept on site.
  • An emergency contact name and number must be displayed outside the premises.

Comply with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013

RIDDOR states that you must report all injuries, diseases and dangerous events that occur in your business. Reports must be made to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) using an appropriate recording document. These regulations apply to any incidents that involve a dog, an employee or a visitor to your business.

Comply with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998

PUWER regulations apply to you and any employees you hire. You must ensure any equipment in your dog day care is fit for purpose and is maintained and inspected regularly. You must also ensure that health and safety risks are minimised to an acceptable level, that you have the correct knowledge and training to use the equipment, and that protective measures are put into place. Equipment should also be used under appropriate conditions.

Comply with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992

Manual handling regulations can help to protect you and your employees from sustaining an injury or illness as a result of manual handling tasks. The regulations apply to the lifting or moving of any objects, bending down and reaching high and repetitive movements. You will likely be performing manual handling activities when carrying out tasks such as handling the dogs, moving equipment or throwing balls.

Appoint a competent person

A competent person should be appointed to help your business meet your health and safety legal duties. You can act in this role yourself or appoint another person to fulfil this role. The competent person should have the skills, knowledge and experience to identify any hazards in your business and put controls in place to protect people from harm.

Prepare a health and safety policy

The law states that every business in the UK must have a specific policy for managing health and safety. Your policy should state exactly how you will manage health and safety in your day care and state who is responsible for specific tasks and how and when these tasks are completed. Follow the recommended tips from the Health and Safety Executive when creating your health and safety policy. You should make your policy easily visible to any visitors to your business.

Comply with employment legislation

If you employ any staff, you must ensure you follow employment legislation, including the Employment Rights Act (1996 ) and the National Minimum Wage Act (1998) . You must also comply with legislation relating to recruitment, working hours, sickness, discrimination, dismissals, and maternity or paternity pay.

Comply with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR ) and the Data Protection Act (DPA)

You must comply with both pieces of legislation when storing or sharing personal information, such as your customers’ personal information, contact details and banking information. You must also apply for a Notification to Process Personal Data Licence. You will also need to apply for a licence with the Information Commissioner’s Office and renew your registration every year.

Comply with receipt or invoice requirements

You may make it standard that you provide all customers with a receipt or invoice. Even if you do not make this standard practice, many of your customers will request a receipt.

There are certain pieces of information you should include:

  • The word ‘invoice’ or ‘receipt’ and a unique invoice number.
  • Your business name and address.
  • The client’s name and address.
  • A brief description of your work.
  • The total you are charging the client and when the payment is due.
  • The payment method.

Register your business

You must register your business with HMRC before you begin operating. You can register as a sole trader or as a limited company. You will need to register your business name and any other relevant information.

Register for self-assessment tax

This allows you to calculate and pay your own taxes each year. You will need to track your finances every month and submit any expenses as part of your tax assessment.

As part of your tax responsibilities, you must:

  • Record all forms of income and expenses.
  • Complete an annual self-assessment tax return.
  • Register for VAT if you earn above the threshold (currently £85,000).
  • Pay National Insurance contributions.
  • Keep a record of your business accounts for the previous five years.

Dog With A Bone At Dog Day Care

Positives of Owning a Dog Day Care Business

Starting up a dog day care business can be rewarding in many ways.

Some of the main pros associated with this type of business include:

Working with dogs

If you are an animal lover, working with dogs every day can sound like a dream job. You can spend time with different types of dogs, take care of them, play with them and ensure they are mentally and physically stimulated and are happy and safe. Working with animals can be very therapeutic as well as enjoyable.

Mental health benefits

There are multiple mental health benefits associated with spending time with animals. Studies have found that something as simple as stroking a dog can have a positive impact on a person’s mental health.

Some of the benefits you may experience include:

  • Lower cortisol levels, resulting in lower overall stress.
  • Reduction in anxiety and depression.
  • Increased oxytocin levels and mood-boosting endorphins.
  • Reduces feelings of loneliness.

Physical health benefits

Working in a doggy day care is very active as you will be playing with the dogs every day, walking around a lot to supervise and you will generally have high levels of physical activity.

Some of the physical health benefits of this profession can include:

  • Increased physical activity and improved physical health.
  • Reduced blood pressure (related to lower cortisol levels).
  • Lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

High demand

With more pet dogs than ever in the UK and people willing to spend more money on their pooches, the demand for doggy day care is higher than ever. High demand makes it more likely that your business will succeed and will allow you to earn a higher profit margin.

Every day is different

Running a day care business will never get boring. Every day will be different and will present new challenges and different activities. You will be working with different dogs, supervising different activities, managing different staff every day and taking responsibility for different tasks. A varied workday helps to keep your job interesting.

A rewarding career choice

Running a doggy day care business can be rewarding in many ways. You can have a positive impact on your community, connect with other people and see your business grow and succeed. If you love animals and are passionate about working with dogs, running a successful business will not only be financially rewarding but also personally rewarding.

Opportunities for new businesses

Unlike many other industries, the doggy day care industry is not dominated by major companies or popular franchises. The majority of day care businesses are small, independent businesses that operate in the local community. This results in more opportunities for small businesses and opens up gaps in the market for new businesses to succeed.

Be part of your local community

You will most likely operate your business in your local area. This allows you to connect with other dog owners and animal lovers in your community, both personally and professionally. You can develop positive relationships, partner with other businesses (e.g. groomers and kennels) and even get involved in community events and fundraisers.

A scalable business

A doggy day care business can have a simple business model, making it easy to set up this type of business. If you want to grow your business, this type of business is highly scalable, as you will already have established strong business relationships and a solid business plan. You can extend your premises, hire more staff, increase the services you offer and open additional day cares in other locations. High demand for your business and high scalability gives you great opportunities for growth.

Unlimited income potential

There is no fixed income or limit on how much money your day care business can make. If you operate at maximum capacity, this allows you to increase your profits. As your business grows in popularity, you can also raise your prices, extend your premises and scale up your business. A doggy day care business has a high income potential and, with a solid business plan, can be extremely lucrative.

Customer loyalty and recommendations

Dog owners tend to use the same day care throughout their dogs’ lives, particularly if their dog is settled there and they have a positive relationship with the staff. Customer loyalty provides you with consistent business and allows you to develop positive relationships with the dogs and their families for many years. Loyal customers are also more likely to recommend your business to other dog owners, increasing your customer base and your profits.

Create a positive work environment

You will be responsible for hiring staff and creating staff policies. This gives you the opportunity to create a positive work environment. You could hire staff that you know will bring positivity to your business, will work well with the dogs and other staff and will be an asset to your business. Your staff will also likely be like-minded people who are also passionate about animals.

Pick and choose the dogs you accept

You can choose to take on as many or as few dogs as you want. If a dog attends your day care that has behavioural issues, doesn’t socialise well with the other dogs, poses a risk to others or you think is not well suited to day care, you can cease working with them whenever you want, as a fixed contract will not apply.

Be as involved as you want

Once your business is established, you can choose to be as involved as you want in the day-to-day running of your day care. You can choose to hire additional staff who handle the vast majority of the care or hire administrative staff to handle the overall running of your business and any business and administrative tasks. You can be as involved as you want.

Be your own boss

You can make all key decisions yourself and steer your business in whichever direction you choose. You can choose how involved you want to be, the type of day care you open, the services you offer and how you want to run your business. You can make the best decisions for you and your business.

Dog Playing At Dog Day Care

Negatives of Owning a Dog Day Care Business

Although owning a doggy day care can be rewarding in many ways, there are some potentially negative aspects to this type of business that you should be aware of:

It can be physically demanding

Although working in a doggy day care can positively impact your physical health, it’s also important to keep in mind that it can be physically demanding. You will be on your feet for hours at a time, handling large heavy dogs, handling equipment, throwing toys and bending down to stroke the dogs or clean. A physically demanding job can result in pain or strain or could even cause an injury. You are also at risk of scratches or bites from dogs.

Anxious or aggressive dogs

Some of the dogs who attend your day care could be extremely anxious or become aggressive, particularly when they first start. Not only can this be stressful for both you and the dog, but it can also be scary dealing with an aggressive dog – especially if they are large and have the potential to cause an injury to you or another dog.

More people working from home

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, more businesses and individuals have recognised the advantages of working from home. With people working from home able to look after their dogs themselves and not requiring the services of day care, this could have a negative effect on your business, particularly if the work-from-home trend continues.

Complying with legislation

There are many different pieces of legislation and legal guidelines you will need to comply with. Not only can this be complicated and time-consuming, but any non-compliance (even if this is accidental) can be punished with a fine or the forced closure of your business. Some types of legislation also require you to go through specific training and/or gain a qualification, which can be costly and arduous. A dog day care business can have high liability which can be a lot of stress and pressure on a business owner.

High liability

You will be responsible for the health and safety of the dogs in your day care. If they become injured, bite a person or another dog, run away from you or cause damage, you will be responsible. As dogs are much-loved members of their families, you could be dealing with angry owners or even receive a visit from the police.

A lot of skill, knowledge and experience is required

To run a successful dog day care business, you will need to be highly proficient in a variety of skills and have a high level of knowledge and experience working with different breeds of dogs. It can be time-consuming to gain the appropriate skills and experience.

Long working hours

Doggy day cares are often open 11 or 12 hours a day, to fit around the owners’ working hours. Some day cares also open at the weekend, to accommodate workers who don’t follow a Monday-Friday shift pattern. This can result in long working hours and few days off. As the business owner, you will have additional responsibilities outside of the day-to-day running of the day care, such as marketing, advertising and administrative tasks. Long working hours can be tiring and can have a negative impact on your personal life, particularly when your business is in the first couple of years of operation.

Work can be inconsistent

If you are not operating at full capacity, you will see a reduction in your profits. Unfortunately, work can be inconsistent and there may be certain times of the year when you are less busy, for example, in the summer when more people take time off work. Inconsistent business can make it difficult to plan your staffing requirements and predict your profits.

It can be stressful

Not only are you responsible for the success of your business, but you are also responsible for the safety and well-being of the dogs and any employees or visitors to your business. You will also have a lot of tasks and responsibilities. Running a dog day care business can be stressful.

It can be difficult to make your business succeed

If there are already established doggy day cares operating in your area, this can make it extremely difficult to grow your own business and make a success of it. Dog owners are more likely to choose a day care that they have used previously, that has been recommended to them or that already has a lot of positive customer reviews.

You have to clean up after the dogs

Picking up dog poop and cleaning urine is one of the worst things about working in a doggy day care. If you are looking after multiple dogs at once, that means you could be cleaning up a lot of mess.

High start-up costs

The equipment needed for a day care business can be expensive, particularly when you consider your premises’ rental and renovation costs. The high start-up costs mean you may need to source outside investment. It will also take longer for you to begin turning a profit. High start-up costs also make your business high risk, as you could potentially lose your investment if the business fails.

Staffing challenges

There are many staffing challenges you could face, such as a lack of staff motivation, customer complaints about staff and staff not fulfilling their expected duties. It can be difficult to create and maintain a positive work environment when working in such a busy environment. You will also have lots of responsibilities related to your staff, such as the hiring process, staff training, day-to-day management, staff rotas and staff payroll. While your business and your profits are growing, you may have to undertake many of these responsibilities yourself. You could also have a high staff turnover rate, which can result in a lot of time spent hiring and training staff.

No benefits

As you are self-employed, you won’t receive benefits such as pension contributions. You will also be responsible for doing your own taxes and organising your National Insurance contributions. You will also have a lack of job security.

Planning Your Dog Day Care Business

An effective and well-designed business plan is essential to the success of your dog day care business. A business plan can help you to focus on the specific steps that will help your business succeed, plan your short-term and long-term goals, determine your financial needs and help your business to grow.

When creating your business plan, ensure it contains information such as:

  • Your company information.
  • Your company description.
  • The services you will provide.
  • Your branding, marketing and advertising plan.
  • The structure of your business.
  • The operational plan for your business.
  • The financial plan for your business.

Some of the factors you will need to consider when creating your business plan are:

The size and capacity of your doggy day care

This is an important consideration you will need to make when planning your business.

The size of your business and your capacity limits will depend on multiple factors, such as:

  • How big your premises is (in square metres).
  • How many employees will be working at one time.
  • The skills, training and qualifications of your employees.

Although the size of your business and the number of dogs you care for can change as your business grows and evolves, you will need to consider your available capital (as this will determine the size of your premises). You should also consider your local market to see how high the demand is likely to be for your day care.

The services you will offer

As well as providing day care services, there may be other services you choose to provide, such as obedience training, dog walking, drop-off and pick-up and feeding. Consider your own skills, training and experience and how profitable different services are likely to be when making your decision.

Your business location

Your location will have a significant impact on the types of customers you are likely to attract. It will also impact your premises’ rental costs. If your business is located in a place popular with your target market or is easily accessible to customers, the increased custom and higher profits will be extremely beneficial to your business. Consider your rental budget and your size requirements when choosing your premises.

Your staffing requirements

Your staffing is another important consideration you will need to make. If you run an at-home business, you may be the sole worker, whereas if you open a business premises, you will likely need to hire employees. Remember that each employee on shift can only look after a maximum of 10 dogs at one time. When hiring your staff, consider their qualifications and experience. Keep in mind that your staffing requirements could change as your business grows and evolves.

Your target market

Determining your target market is a key step in helping your business succeed. Different types of doggy day care businesses and different services will attract different customers. Some other factors that can influence your target market are your premises and equipment, your qualifications and experience, your location, your reputation and your pricing strategy. Once you have identified your target market, you can then focus on how to attract these customers to your business.

Your local competition

Being aware of your competition is an important step to ensuring the success of your business. Analysing your competition allows you to look at what they do well and what you think can be improved upon. Look at your competitors’ facilities and equipment, the services they offer, their pricing, their target market and the number of employees they have. Analysing your competition also identifies whether there is space in the market for your business.

Your brand and your unique selling point (USP)

Creating your brand is a key way to ensure you stand out from your competition. Branding can help you to focus your target audience, attract customers and concentrate your marketing and advertising strategies. Some ways you can create your brand are by focusing on your business’s visual identity, designing your premises and website and creating a brand story. Your USP can also be part of your brand and can help your business stand out from your competitors. Consider what makes your business special and how this fits into what defines your business.

Your marketing and advertising strategies

Marketing and advertising are especially important when you first open your dog day care business. Your marketing strategy needs to be effective and budget friendly. Consider your target customers and the best way to reach them.

Some ways you can market and advertise your business are:

  • Build a functional and attractive website.
  • Advertise in your local community e.g. in dog parks.
  • Offer special deals and introductory offers to build your customer base.
  • Post leaflets in your local area.
  • Partner with local businesses, e.g. dog groomers and pet product shops.

Your equipment requirements

Consult the list above to determine your equipment requirements. The equipment you require will depend on the type of day care business you set up and how big your premises is. Once you have determined your equipment requirements, you can then calculate the initial costs of purchasing the equipment and the monthly replenishment costs (e.g. for dog treats and poo bags).

Your start-up costs and running costs

Consult the list above to help you calculate the approximate costs of setting up and running your business. Determine what equipment you need and the amount of equipment, as well as the cost of your premises, to help you determine your start-up costs and what your initial investment requirements will be. You can then calculate whether you can finance your business yourself or whether you need to source outside investment, for example from a bank or an independent investor. Determining your start-up costs and running costs can also help you to create a budget and predict when you will begin to turn a profit.

Financing your business

Consult the list of start-up costs and running costs above to determine what capital you will require. Can you finance the business yourself or will you need to source outside investment? You will also need to calculate when you are likely to begin turning a profit. If you require outside investment, you could consider a bank or other financial institution, a business loan or an investment partner.

Your pricing policy

How will you price your services? Will you price per hour, per day or per week? Will additional services be priced individually? Will you offer discounts to customers with multiple dogs? Consider the pricing of your competitors and your running costs when setting your own prices.

Your sales forecast

How many dogs can you take care of at one time? Are there certain times of the year that are likely to be busier than others? What are your weekly, monthly and annual sales forecasts? You can analyse the sales forecasts of similar businesses and look at how sales vary throughout the year to estimate demand. As your business grows, your sales forecast is likely to change.

Your strategy for growth

Your strategy for growth is the actions you will take to realise your goals for expansion and any potential challenges your business could face and how you will avoid or overcome them. This can help to make your business more successful.

Potential challenges could include:

  • High local competition.
  • Not running at full capacity.
  • Lack of long-term customers.

Some potential strategies for growth include:

  • Hire more employees.
  • Expand your premises.
  • Offer discounts to new customers.

Your business summary

Your business plan should include a detailed overview of your business, including the type of doggy day care you are setting up, the services you will offer, your typical customer base, your staffing and equipment requirements and your business goals.

Your business goals

Your business goals or objectives are an essential part of creating your business plan. Your business objectives highlight the targets and goals of your dog day care business and help you to create a one-year, three-year and five-year business plan.

Your business objectives should be SMART:

  • S = Specific
  • M = Measurable
  • A = Achievable
  • R = Realistic
  • T = Time-bound

Check you have complied with all legal requirements

Consult the list of legal requirements above to check you have complied with all requirements and regulations and that all your paperwork is accurate. Failure to comply with legal requirements could have a detrimental effect on your business or could result in a fine, the forced closure of your business or, in serious cases, prosecution.

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How to start a dog daycare business

Table of Contents

Sniffing out what you need before starting a dog daycare business

Registration, sole trader, limited company, wales and scotland, qualifications, public liability, care, custody and control, small business loan, angel investor, services and pricing, opening up the doggy door to your first customers, market research, target audience, customer profiles, website and bookings, marketing channels, social media, keeping a leash on your financial management with countingup.

If you think dogs are a treat to be around , you’re not alone. The number of canine pets in the UK was 12.5 million last year.

More time at home during the pandemic lockdowns saw people able to welcome new dogs into their families. But what will owners do now they have to go back to work? The answer is dog daycare .

This is your paw-fect time to start a doggy daycare business of your own. You’ll combine your love for pups with your pursuit of commercial success .

This guide to starting a dog daycare business includes:

  • Keeping a leash on your financial management

Start the ball rolling by registering with the UK government . To register the right way, choose which type of business ownership you’ll use.

  • Unlimited liability — personally liable for the business’s debts.
  • Simple registration — only responsibility is to register as self-employed .

For more information, see: What is a sole trader?

  • Limited liability — only lose the money you put into a business if it can’t pay its debts.
  • Complex registration — register the business with Companies House , which requires more responsibilities than just self-employed.

For more information, see: What is a limited company?

When starting a dog daycare business, the next important thing to consider is the licences you need.

A Boarding for Cats or Dogs Licence is required to open a pet daycare business in England. You can apply through the UK government, and you’ll receive an inspection shortly after.

Inspectors will check dogs you look after:

  • Have food, drink and bedding .
  • Get regular exercise .
  • Aren’t diseased, injured or suffering .
  • Aren’t in danger (e.g. fire hazards).
  • Are cared for by someone qualified .

In Wales and Scotland, you need an Animal Boarding Establishment Licence which you can apply for with the UK government.

Local councils will conduct an inspection similar to England, which looks for the same key points.

To reassure your customers that you can take care of their precious pooches, you can get qualified through courses .

Inspectors for your licences will seek to determine if you have the training to care for animals, so consider the Level 3 Professional Day Care and Boarding course.

This course is available from:

  • Dog Business School

The Ofqual regulated courses prove that you can comply with the terms of your licence arrangements .

Think about your daycare’s location to make sure it’s a safe place . You could use your own home or rent a property to use.

When you consider where to set up, think about if the space can:

  • Allow for dogs to exercise (e.g. indoor area like a warehouse or outdoor like a field).
  • Keep dogs warm (e.g. room for blankets, beds and heating for cold days).
  • Prevent dogs escaping (e.g. high fences and secure areas).

If your business doesn’t employ anyone else, there’s no insurance you legally require. Although, cover can still be helpful and essential for any dog business.

Dogs can damage public property, and they can injure people . If you’re on a walk and either of those things happen, you could face legal action.

Public liability cover will help pay towards the court fees or compensation in that situation.

If a dog is injured or falls ill in your care, the owner could also claim against you. So care, custody and control cover would help you deal with that financially.

The cover can also pay for veterinary costs and advertising to help find lost dogs.

You can benefit from both of these covers with a specific dog daycare insurance, such as:

  • Home boarding insurance
  • Dog daycare, dog day creche insurance
  • Pet sitting insurance

To pay for insurance, courses or property, you might seek extra funds for your business.

One option to secure funds is to approach a bank for a small business loan . They could offer you the money you need and you’ll arrange to pay it back over time with interest .

To apply for a loan, you’ll need to put together a business plan which explains what you’d do with the money and the likelihood of your success.

For more information on business plans, see: What should a business plan include?

Another option available for funding is to pitch to angel investors . These are wealthy individuals who can give you the money you need in exchange for a share of your company .

You’ll also need a business plan to impress them. But angel investors often invest in industries they are familiar with, so they could also offer helpful dog related contacts and advice for you .

A critical point to consider before starting a dog daycare business is the services you offer and their prices .

Think about whether you’ll look after the dogs over weekends if owners go away or do weekdays while they’re at work. If you have to work overnight for example, you can likely charge a higher rate.

You could have different packages you offer which include extras like:

  • Trimming dogs nails
  • Cutting and washing fur
  • Dog massages
  • Luxury food

When starting your dog daycare business, you’ll need to discover who your customers and competitors are . If you know who to target and who you’re up against, you’ll be able to market your business effectively.

To find out information for both, conduct market research . That can involve direct communication with the public through surveys or interviews . Ask what dog services people want and find groups are most likely to use them. 

You can look into your competitors online through their sites or visit them to see what services they offer .

If you search on Google which dog daycare businesses are run near you, you’ll likely find a few different ones. You’ll aim to stand out, so think about what you can provide that they don’t .

Through your market research, you may pick up on some similarities between the potential customers.

For example, you could find that most people who said they’d use your service are on higher incomes and above 35. 

Any helpful insights into those customers will form your target audience . These are your ideal people to focus on in your marketing. If you focus your advertising approach, it will be more efficient and save you money.

To decide which marketing channels to use to reach your target audience, you can create customer profiles (sometimes called customer avatars).

These are summaries of the lives of ideal customers, use them to discover when and where to market your business . For example, if they work during the day, you might target them in the evening.

A customer profile can include:

Another critical step before you shout about your dog daycare business is its branding . Your brand is the company’s public identity , and it’s how you can build familiarity with your customers.

Your brand can include your:

  • Business name –– what you call your brand (e.g. House of Hounds).
  • Slogan –– a phrase to associate with your brand (e.g. who let the dogs in).
  • Logo –– an icon to represent your business (e.g. half, chewed toy).
  • Colours –– two or three colours for your brand (e.g. brown and white).
  • Tone of voice –– how you talk to customers (e.g. playful and excitable).

These points can form your brand guidelines to follow in your marketing. They’ll help maintain consistency to help you build recognition with the public . 

If people can easily remember your business, they may be more likely to trust you with their pets.

Now you’ve got an audience to target and a strong brand, the last step before marketing is a way to accept bookings.

It’ll be helpful to create a dedicated website to explain your services to customers. They’ll be able to learn what they want to know and see what options you have available for them.

There are a few website builders that you could use:

  • Squarespace

Your site should also have contact information in case customers may have specific pet requirements to ask about.

For example, their dog may be allergic to certain foods, so they’d want reassurance they won’t come into contact with those.

Also, think about other ways to accept bookings like email and over the phone , but make sure you can manage all of that information together.

You can either use a physical diary or an appointment tool. These include:

Now you’ve got a place to direct your customers, you can build awareness of your brand and services. Your customer profiles should paint a clear picture of your ideal customers, so think about how to reach those.

For example, if you’d like to target young adults, you could use a social media platform like TikTok . You can show clips of the dogs and information about the service in a fun way while you reach your ideal audience .

Your business will likely cater to dog owners that are local to you. In that case, it may be a good idea to find ways to spread your messages within your community.

Facebook has plenty of groups specific to local areas for users to interact with people nearby . If you create a page on the platform, you can encourage family and friends to share the business on their accounts.

Another channel that might be great for a local approach is regional radio. It might be expensive where you live if there’s high demand, but everyone who hears it will likely live close to you .

You could put on a launch event for your business, and you can invite people to bring their pets for a dog themed party.

Everyone that attends could get a voucher for a free day of daycare. After a good experience, they’ll be more likely to choose your business again over a competitor.

If you like animals you could also consider starting a cat sitting business .

When starting a dog daycare business, you need to acknowledge the costs you might face.

These could include:

  • Food — stock up, and different dogs might have their unique dietary requirements.
  • Toys — keep the dogs entertained, and some will chew through them quickly.
  • Beds — enough for all of the dogs in your care, which can vary in sizes too.

Apart from dog care specific costs, you’ll likely also have rent, utilities and marketing costs to monitor.

Countingup is a business account with built-in accounting software , and it lets you manage your finances through your phone. 

Its expense categorisation feature sorts all of your costs automatically. It labels them to show which areas you spend the most time on.

If you’re self-employed, you also need to consider filing your income tax Self Assessments . You must do these before the end of each tax year, but they can be time-consuming for new business owners.

Luckily, Countingup can provide you with tax estimates regularly . It means you’ll already know how much you should put aside each month, so taxes become easy to manage.

In a service industry like dog daycare, it’s essential to record what you bill your customers . It will help you understand whether you’ve charged reasonable fees for what you provide.

With Countingup’s invoicing feature, you’re able to create and send bills on the go. Sort invoices through your phone with one hand and still pet pups with the other.

Get started for free.

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What are you looking for, how to start a doggy daycare business.

  • 1. What is doggy day care?
  • 2. Get a business plan in place
  • 3. Define your doggy daycare services
  • 4. Cater for convenience
  • 5. Plan your pricing
  • 6. Dog daycare startup costs - establish a financial plan
  • 7. Training and qualifications
  • 8. Do I need a license to open a dog daycare?
  • 9. Location
  • 10. Hire the right staff
  • 11. Doggy day care rules
  • 12. Marketing
  • 13. How much does a doggy daycare owner make?

Has the thought of running a doggy daycare business been hounding you for a while now?

With 27% of UK adults owning a dog (an estimated population of 10.2 million pet dogs-!), pet daycare businesses are a booming sector right now. Doggy day care, in particular, has seen a massive increase, caused by people returning to workplaces after prolonged periods of working from home.

Dog daycare startups are certainly in high demand right now – could this be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to pursue your passion?

What is doggy day care?

Different from kennel boarding, dog walking and pet sitting services, doggy day care is a short-term daytime care for dogs. It works a lot like day care for children – owners drop their dog(s) off in the morning on the way to work, and while they’re gone, their dog receives lots of care and attention. Your dog’s day gets filled with activities based on its specific needs and temperament, feeling more at ease and stress-free than if they were to be at home alone. Dogs don’t naturally enjoy being alone, preferring the company of their family. Doggy day care solves this problem by keeping them company and giving them the chance to socialise with other dogs. Owners’ minds are also put at rest knowing their pet is in a fun and safe environment, while they’re at work.

Get a business plan in place

A business plan is a document that describes your business. It will show in detail:

  • Why and how you will run your business
  • Financial forecasts – how much money you will make and how you will raise funds
  • How you will promote it
  • Who your customers will be
  • How many staff members you’ll need and at what stage they will be recruited.

A business plan is a working document that can be changed and updated at any time. There is no set format for a business plan – it can be a formal or informal document.

It’s not necessary to have a business plan. However, spending the time to put business ideas down on paper and planning what you will do should mean that you can work towards creating a successful and financially viable business.

To help you get started, get your free UK business plan template below.

Define your doggy daycare services

If you’re opening a doggy day business, make sure to spend time doing your research. What type of services does your target audience require the most? What do they value most? What are your competitors offering? Start building a list of all the services you plan to offer, such as drop-off and pick-up times, food, and what days and times you’ll be open. Will you open on the weekend? Offer emergency overnight stays?

Offering a range of services can increase your appeal, such as dog walking, grooming, bathing and obedience training. A range of food options is also worth offering, as not all dogs eat the same food.

Cater for convenience

Convenience is everything when it comes to competing for customers’ business. Once you’ve defined your basic services, spend time thinking about how you can continue to make life easier for your customers. (Could you speak to some local dog owners for some ideas?)

A home collection and drop-off service is one of the ultimate time savers for owners. A fantastic example of a business offering just this is Bruce’s Doggy Day Care , which offers its own custom designed and built doggy buses! Featuring fitted beds, bespoke temperature control and even some calming scents such as lavender, all buses can be live tracked, so owners always know where their dog is by tracking it via an app or email.

Plan your pricing

Base your pricing strategy on the quality of your services, but ensure they remain competitive. Unless your location and equipment is superior, charging more for the same service isn’t going to give you an advantage over your competition. If a customer questions why your prices are higher than other local businesses, you need to be able to explain why. Equally, don’t price your services too low, as this can actually cause suspicion!

In the UK, most doggy day care businesses charge between £15 and £40 per day. If customers use your facilities frequently, you might want to set up a weekly or monthly recurring fee.

  • Read more : How to price a product UK

Dog daycare startup costs – establish a financial plan

Make sure you know what the dog daycare startup costs will be, and what capital expenditure will be necessary. Costs will vary depending on the type of facility you set up, as well as your location. For example, if you run your business from home , you will need to allow for essentials such as equipment, food, and pet-proofing your premises, as well as insurance, licensing, and qualification fees. Should you be setting your sights on a larger commercial facility, you’ll need a more substantial space. Renovation might also be required to meet the needs of the animals, such as a separate section for puppies, a playground, etc.

You’ll also need to invest in the necessary equipment, from toys to food bowls, beds to cages, and food to cleaning supplies. Another key consideration is a reliable heating system to ensure they are warm and comfortable.

Training and qualifications

You’re probably thinking about the training and qualifications you’ll need to open a doggy daycare business…

Rightly, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is increasingly demanding formal professional qualifications for everyone involved in animal welfare. This training will not only help with competency, but providing qualifications increases your credibility as a business and professional standing with customers, (as well as inspectors!).

It’s important to truly understand what dogs need, and that you can keep them safe and happy in any circumstances. Nothing demonstrates this better than the nationally-recognised Ofqual Level 3 Professional Day Care And Boarding Qualification . The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) offers a distance learning course, allowing you to study at home and in your own time. It involves around 60 hours of study, and you will be supported by one of the IMDT’s tutors. The Dog Business School also offers a wide range of Ofqual courses for dog businesses.

Do I need a license to open a dog daycare?

You must comply with UK law to avoid any legal issues. Ensure you have the necessary licences in place before opening, and register all the necessary documents with the government.

Consult your local council and a legal advisor for the appropriate advice before setting up. There is always a possibility that an inspection team will pay you a visit to check your facility. There are no shortcuts – everything must be in place and you must be qualified and covered accordingly to ensure a quality, safe environment for your employees, customers and animals.

Insurance and liability

It goes without saying but looking after other people’s dogs is a big responsibility. You must have public liability insurance in place to protect your business. There are other types of insurance available that will cover you for theft, damage, repairs, fire, injuries, dog runaways, legal fees, natural disasters – anything that poses a risk to your business.

For example, professional indemnity insurance protects you against claims for loss or damage made by clients or third parties as a result of the impact of negligent services you provided or negligent advice you offered.

If you employ staff, employer’s liability insurance is compulsory because employers are responsible for the health and safety of their employees whilst at work.

Always get professional advice when it comes to organising your insurance to ensure you’re protecting your business in the best possible way. Don’t cut corners with insurance – you need to ensure you’re covered should anything happen.

Animal welfare in the UK is forever improving. From 1st October 2018, all businesses offering dog boarding, home boarding or doggy day care services need to be licensed. You must hold and display a licence granted by the local authority.

It’s crucial to obtain a licence before operating. In England, the Animal Activities Licensing Regulations 2018 was introduced (updating the Animal Welfare Act 2006), while in Scotland and Wales, the Animal Boarding Establishment Act in 1963 governs dog boarding and day care. If you operate without a licence, you can be prosecuted and sentenced to up to three months in prison and fined up to £500 for each person, plus possible costs and victim surcharges.

So, how do you apply for a licence? It’s pretty simple – file an application form, pay a fee and have your home/venue inspected. Licences have conditions attached including how you care for the dogs and provide for their needs, how many dogs you can care for and a requirement to keep a record of the animals in your care.

The time it takes to get a licence depends on your council. Some are very quick and can organise your inspection and supply your licence within 10 days, however a month is average. (10 weeks also isn’t unheard of-!) Being inspected and actually receiving feedback and the licensing documentation can take two months.

Licences must be renewed annually, with most councils issuing licences from 1st Jan – 31st December for ease of administration. You can still apply any time of the year, but your licence will likely run until 31st December. In England, establishments that satisfy the licensing conditions can be licensed for 1, 2 or 3 years, at the discretion of the local authority; however, random inspections can take place. In Scotland and Wales, a dog boarding or dog day care licence is granted for up to one year and always expires at the end of December in the year it was granted. The Animal Activities Licensing Regulations (October 2018), has not yet been brought into effect in Scotland and Wales.

What will the licensing authority be looking for?

The inspectors look for a number of things including (but not limited to):

  • Specialist knowledge in the species that they are caring for and a clear understanding of its needs and welfare
  • Accurate record keeping and up-to-date information on the dogs they are looking after
  • An understanding of risks involved in caring for the animal, including an extensive risk assessment and written policies and procedures that are reviewed regularly. These documents should be available for the inspector to examine
  • Proper safety and hygiene in sleeping spaces, play spaces and around the dogs’ food
  • Adequate space for dogs to relax, play and eat
  • A sensible ratio of carers to dogs
  • The right level of training and supervision for any staff or helpers you may have
  • Plenty of appropriate mental stimulation for the dogs
  • A daily exercise routine that meets each dog’s individual needs
  • Measures to prevent illness and injury
  • A plan for what to do in an emergency
  • Being able to handle dogs appropriately and safely
  • Training procedures in place to make sure staff know what is expected of them, and clear evidence of good supervision of staff
  • The premises itself will be assessed so the licensing authority can be sure the licence holder can meet the conditions relating to the physical environment in which the animals will be kept.

Based on the information provided and the inspection, the inspector will assess the risk rating and award a star rating. This will determine the length of the licence period. Low-risk businesses can attain up to five stars, and premises that have been assessed as higher risk can be awarded up to four stars. If the applicant is not satisfied with the decision, they can make improvements to address highlighted issues, and ask for a re-inspection (fees apply).

Location is essential when running a doggy daycare business

If your location isn’t convenient for your target audience, they’re not going to use you. If you’re looking to run your business from a separate building, spend time (and effort!) finding a good location that’s on budget (you won’t want to spend too much initially on rent). You’ll need a location that offers both indoor and outdoor facilities such as paddocks, offering dogs plenty of space to run and play.

You’ll need to have enough space for cages and equipment, as well as an information desk, waiting area and employee facilities. Cleanliness is also crucial – your location should be safe and clean to safeguard both animals and humans.

Security is also vital. It should be properly fenced to prevent dogs from escaping and risking injury. No wild animal should be able to enter your facility, either.

Hire the right staff

When you’re in a position to hire a team, spend time finding the right people that share your passion for animals, while having the appropriate experience. They need to be well trained and knowledgeable when it comes to pet care, and be capable of performing a variety of tasks such as grooming, walking and entertaining the animals.

Doggy day care rules

Ensure your business runs smoothly by setting day care rules regarding dogs and customers. These rules will protect you from liability, such as:

  • Not accepting adult dogs that haven’t been neutered
  • Not accepting puppies that are too young
  • Dogs must have up-to-date vaccinations and a certificate must be provided by the owner

An interview or trial period must be in place before accepting a dog in case they are aggressive, are difficult to control and pose a risk to others.

Before promoting your business, ensure you get your branding right from the very beginning. Ensure your name and logo stands out, is memorable, and quickly communicates what your business is.

When it comes to offline marketing, think about the best places to advertise to your target audience. Can you distribute flyers near dog-friendly parks, pet supply places, veterinary clinics, etc? Can you offer referral commissions?

Digital-wise, ensure you have a user and device-friendly website that clearly communicates your services, and clarifies why customers should use you, while making it easy for people to get in touch and locate you. Once your website is in place, it’s time to start testing out a selection of online ads (such as Google PPC, Facebook, Gumtree, etc) to see which platform and ad type(s) perform best in pushing quality inquiries your way.

Remember to spotlight your licence in your marketing. While you can’t operate without one, it’s still important to communicate this with customers, as it reassures them that your business is reputable, and that you can be trusted to keep their dogs safe and happy while they are staying with you.

How much does a doggy daycare owner make?

How much you can make as a doggy daycare business owner will depend on your location, services, and market conditions. A well-established and successful doggy daycare business in the UK can potentially generate annual revenues ranging from £50,000 to £250,000 or more. 

To estimate your potential income, consider the following:

Average daily rate: Determine the average rate you plan to charge per dog per day. This can vary depending on factors such as location, facilities, services provided, and competition. As a rough estimate, doggy daycare rates in the UK typically range from £15 to £40 per dog per day.

Capacity and occupancy rate: Calculate the maximum number of dogs you can accommodate at your facility and estimate your desired occupancy rate. Multiply the average daily rate by the number of dogs and the number of days in operation to get a monthly or annual revenue estimate.

Additional services: If you plan to offer additional services such as grooming, training, or retail sales, consider the potential income generated from these services separately.

Remember to deduct operating expenses, including rent, utilities, staffing, supplies, marketing, and other costs, to estimate your net income.

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How to Start a Dog Day Care Business

dogs playing at day care facility

As of 2023, there are estimated to be 12 million pet dogs in the UK , up from 7.6 million in 2011. Expenditure on pets and pet related products in the UK has accounted for more than £9 billion in 2022, and continues to increase every year.

If you can invest a substantial amount of time each day watching over other people's dogs and feel at ease in their company, you might be a good candidate to open a dog daycare business in your area.

On the face of it, such a business may seem simple, but there is a lot to consider. Like any other business, it needs proper planning.

1. Do Your Market Research

Research the local market and competition to understand the demand for dog day care services in your area. By getting to know your potential customers and their needs, you can tailor your services to meet their expectations and stand out from the competition. Additionally, market research will help you determine pricing strategies, marketing tactics, and operational considerations.

Research regulations and licensing requirements for operating a dog daycare facility in your area

2. Establish a Dog Daycare Business Plan

Setting up a dog daycare business requires careful planning and consideration. The first step is to create a comprehensive business plan that outlines:

  • target market
  • services offered
  • pricing structure
  • marketing strategies
  • financial projections

It is important to research the local regulations and licensing requirements for operating a dog daycare facility in your area.

Among the things you should include in the business plan are:

Defining Services

It is essential to clearly define the services you offer to potential clients.

Firstly, you should determine the types of dogs you are able to accommodate based on size, temperament, and any breed restrictions. This will help manage the playgroups effectively and ensure the safety and well-being of all dogs in your care.

Additionally, you may want to offer various services such as full-day daycare, half-day daycare, overnight boarding, dog walking, grooming services, and training sessions. Clearly defining these services will allow customers to choose the options that best suit their needs.

It is also important to establish policies regarding vaccination requirements, drop-off and pick-up times, behaviour expectations, and any additional fees or charges. By clearly defining your services and policies, you can provide a reliable and professional experience for both the dogs and their owners.

In the UK, such establishments are open seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. If you really want to stand out from the competition, you could also offer weekend services as well as emergency overnight stays.

In the UK, most dog daycare businesses charge between £15 and £30 per day

Pricing for Services

Setting prices for dog daycare services can be a bit of a balancing act. On one hand, you want to make sure that your prices are competitive and affordable for pet owners. After all, they're entrusting you with the care of their beloved furry family members!

On the other hand, you need to ensure that your prices cover the cost of providing top-notch care and maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for the dogs. It's important to find a sweet spot where you can offer great value to your customers while also ensuring that your business remains sustainable.

By considering factors such as location, overhead costs, staff wages, and the level of service you provide, you can set prices that are fair for both your customers and your business.

At the end of the day, the goal is to create a happy and wagging community of dogs and their owners while also running a successful dog daycare venture. In the UK, most dog daycare businesses charge between £15 and £30 per day.

For those dog owners who use daycare facilities frequently, you may want to set up a recurring fee, either weekly or monthly.

A Detailed Financial Plan

Starting a dog daycare business can be an exciting and rewarding venture. To ensure its success, it's important to create a solid financial plan. First, you'll need to determine your startup costs, which may include renting or purchasing a facility, purchasing supplies and equipment, and covering initial marketing expenses.

Next, consider your ongoing expenses such as staff salaries, utilities, insurance, and pet supplies. As your business grows, it's wise to allocate funds for marketing efforts to attract new customers and retain existing ones.

Finally, don't forget about setting aside money for unexpected expenses or emergencies. By creating a comprehensive financial plan, you'll be well-prepared to navigate the financial aspects of running a successful dog daycare business.

First, focus on building a strong online presence. Create a user-friendly website that showcases your facility, services, and testimonials from satisfied customers. Don't forget to optimise your website for local SEO, so when dog owners in your area search for day care options, your business pops up at the top of the list.

Use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to showcase the fun and engaging activities you offer at your dog day care. Don't forget to highlight the experienced staff members who will be providing top-notch care for each and every pup.

Collaborate with local pet shops or veterinarians to cross-promote each other's businesses. You can also offer incentives like referral programs or discounts for first-time customers to encourage repeat business.

Lastly, don't forget the power of local advertising. Consider placing ads in community newsletters, pet-related magazines, or even sponsoring local events or fundraisers. With a friendly approach and a well-executed marketing plan, your dog day care business is sure to thrive!

3. Hiring Staff

Starting a dog daycare business is an exciting venture, and finding the right staff is crucial for its success. When hiring staff for your dog daycare business, it's important to look for individuals who have a genuine love and passion for dogs. Look for candidates who have previous experience working with dogs, whether it's as a dog walker, trainer, or veterinary assistant.

Additionally, prioritize hiring staff members who are knowledgeable about dog behaviour and can handle different breeds and temperaments. It's also important to assess their communication skills and ability to work well in a team.

Don't forget to check references and conduct background checks to ensure the safety of the dogs in your care. By building a team of dedicated and knowledgeable staff members, you can provide a safe and enjoyable environment for furry guests at your dog daycare business.

4. Choosing a Location

The success of a daycare facility is highly dependent on location; if you establish it outside your target market, no one is going to travel far to drop off their dog.

Finding the right location takes time and effort, but you should stick to your budget and not spend too much initially on leasing or rent.

You should look for a place that has both indoor and outdoor facilities and plenty of space for the dogs to run and play.

In addition to cages and care equipment, your space must also include waiting areas, an information desk, and facilities for employees. The area should also be kept spotlessly clean as this will not only look attractive to customers but will also prevent the spread of diseases.

Pets should be kept in a secure location which should be properly fenced so that no dogs can escape and risk injury. Furthermore, you should ensure that no wild animals can enter the facility as this could cause untold problems.

Liability insurance provides coverage in case of accidents or injuries that may occur on your premises

5. Licenses and Insurance

If you want to avoid any legal issues, your business must comply with UK law. Get all the licenses before you begin and register all the necessary documents with the government. It is possible that an inspection team will pay you a visit to check the facility.

Consult your local council and a lawyer for advice and set up your business accordingly. By forming a company, you can grow and manage your employees and taxes more easily.

If you offer boarding services, you will need to apply for a boarding licence .

Insurance and Liability

it's important to understand the insurance and liability considerations involved to ensure the safety and well-being of both the dogs and your business.

Obtaining liability insurance is crucial, as it provides coverage in case of accidents or injuries that may occur on your premises. This not only protects your business from financial loss but also gives peace of mind to dog owners who entrust their beloved pets to your care.

In addition to liability insurance, it's a good idea to have property insurance to protect your facility from potential damage or loss. By taking these steps, you can create a safe and secure environment for furry friends while protecting your business from unforeseen risks.

6. Dog Daycare Rules

There are certain daycare rules you must set regarding dogs and customers so that your business runs smoothly. Establishing these rules will protect you from liability and ensure that your operations are standard. Here are some common rules:

Most dog daycare facilities won't accept adult dogs that haven't been neutered or puppies that are too young. Therefore, you should specify the age bracket you will accept as some age groups require additional supervision and care.

Vaccination: Dogs must have up-to-date vaccinations and a certificate must be provided by the owner, such as CDV, CPV, and CAV, which cause canine distemper, parvovirus infection, and infectious hepatitis.

Behaviour: An interview or trial period is recommended before accepting a dog because aggressive dogs are difficult to control and can harm other dogs or puppies.

Tens of dog daycare businesses are opening in the UK every day. If you love dogs and have an entrepreneurial mindset, starting one could be the most fulfilling experience of your life.

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5 Tips for Building a Business Plan for a Successful Dog Daycare Franchise

dog day care business plan uk

If running a dog daycare business sounds like an ideal way to spend every working day, why not start a dog boarding franchise? You’ll have all the freedom of ownership AND all the support of a franchisor. Plus, the following five tips for creating a business plan for your dog boarding franchise will help you keep up with the competition in the thriving pet daycare industry from day one.

Dogs are some of the best loved pets in Britain, and their owners are never stingy about giving their pampered pooches the best possible experiences in life - so much so that the UK’s annual spend on pet care and pet products was around £7.5 billion in 2020 [Statista]. If you’re interested in starting your own dog daycare franchise and achieving long-term success, you’ll need to know everything you can, pre-investment, about building an effective and useful franchise business plan.

>> Read more:

  • Start A Pet Franchise
  • Top 8 Pet Franchises in the UK
  • Pet franchises for animal lovers
  • 10 steps to open a pet business
  • Pet Store Franchises in the UK - What is There?
  • The Top 5 Pet Business Trends in 2020

How to build a business plan for a dog daycare franchise

Putting together a business plan for your dog daycare is a worthwhile endeavour. [...] By the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the dog daycare business, your competition and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful dog daycare. - Dave Lavinsky, Growthink

When you’ve c hosen the dog daycare franchise that’s right for you and committed to an investment, you should start building a business plan for your dog boarding business/doggy daycare right away. A strong franchise business plan is necessary. Not only will you often be required to present it to your franchisor during the initial investment stages, but you’ll also have to present it to a bank or other funding body if you’re seeking financial backing. 

Most importantly of all, though, your business plan will be something that you benefit from. It’ll be a bible for your pet daycare business and something that you can regularly look back on and dynamically update, using it to measure your progress towards goals and keep yourself on track. Every franchise business plan, regardless of the industry or company that you’re investing with, should include the following elements:

  • An executive summary
  • A business description
  • Product/service descriptions
  • A management summary
  • Market analysis
  • Operational details
  • Business premises details
  • Sales and marketing plans
  • Financial projections and requirements

Beyond those core components that must be covered in order for your business plan to be truly considered comprehensive, here are five tips for building a business plan specifically for a dog daycare franchise in today’s competitive pet care industry. Follow each one, and you’ll be able to make a career change with a dog daycare franchise smoothly and effectively...

1. Explain how you’ll be operating (premises-based, in-home or at home) and why

There are many different types of dog daycare franchise, from overnight dog boarders to daytime pet sitters. Some work out of a central kennel-style location, while others care for dogs in their own home environments and others still send dogs to stay in the homes of vetted, trained carers.

Each way of doing business comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, from ease of customer drop-off to associated overheads and running costs. Whichever franchise you’ve chosen to invest with, you should highlight the particular pros in your business plan. Tell financial backers, if they’re going to read it, why this option is the most viable and why it will work so well for you.

2. Explain your dog daycare’s USPs and special qualities

One of the most important things to get across in your franchise business plan is the true viability of your dog daycare business in an undeniably competitive industry. To do this, you should be emphasising USPs wherever possible, whether they relate to the range of services provided, the way in which they’re provided, or the way they’re presented. Wagging Tails , for instance, always emphasises that it believes “dogs deserve a holiday too”.

3. Detail the licensing requirements that you must (and will) meet

If you want to avoid a fine, you need to be properly licensed to offer any animal boarding services. It doesn’t matter if you run a boarding kennels or if you look after other people’s dogs in your own home, from October 2018 UK law says you MUST have a license. - The IMDT

Licensing is something that your franchisor will be best placed to advise you on, but once you have been advised, it should be detailed in your business plan to evidence your understanding of the legal requirements , and your commitment to meeting them and ensuring your franchise’s operations are always above board.

4. Include market research and an ideal customer profile

Knowing your market is a must, and especially so in an industry as large as pet care . This means sharing your research in your business plan, getting to know your competitors (what they’re doing, how they’re marketing themselves and which niche areas you might be able to occupy that they aren’t) and developing a strong profile of your ideal customer (who they are, what they want, and how you can ensure you’re always appealing to them).

5. Be detailed and accurate about financial costings and projections

This is an especially crucial point if you are planning to apply for financial support with your franchise, as accuracy within your business plan matters greatly to banks and other lenders. Financial costings and projections should account not just for the initial franchise fee, but for all the ongoing costs, franchise fees and equipment costs . As the owner of a dog daycare franchise, this would include:

  • Leads and anti-pulling aids
  • Travel crates and dog guards
  • Kennels and runs
  • Dog clothing (coats for dogs that feel the cold, primarily)
  • Grooming equipment (if your dog daycare also offers grooming services, as many do)
  • Why Is a Business Plan Important?
  • 4 Reasons Why You Should Take the Time to Create a Business Plan For Your Franchise
  • The Key Elements of a Successful Franchise Business Plan

Use these business plan tips while running a dog boarding franchise to ensure long-term success

If, after reading this article, you feel more prepared than ever to launch your own dog daycare franchise, don’t let anything get in your way. Stay on Point Franchise to check out more dog daycare franchising advice, such as five tips for running a dog daycare franchise and the top four dog daycare franchises in the UK right now, available for your investment.

Lily Sweeney , Point Franchise ©

>> Read more articles on the Dog Day Care sector

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Dog Daycare Business Plan

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Hello, dog lovers! If you’ve ever wished to turn your passion for puppies into a booming business, you’re in for a treat – that is a doggie treat!

As pets are an ever-growing and valued part of families, there’s a rising trend in spending on dog daycare services. It brings favorable outcomes for operators in the pet care and grooming service industry.

The net worth of the global pet daycare business was nearly $3.74 billion in 2022. The total demand for pet daycare services is estimated to reach $8.84 billion by 2033, showing a CAGR of 8.1% from 2023 to 2033.

So, it’s the best time to drive that dream and make it a reality with a well-crafted dog daycare business plan template . This step-by-step guide will help you through the essentials of business planning.

From understanding your target audience to outlining the perfect care facilities, we’ll direct you through everything in between this paw-some journey. Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

  • Use innovative and user-friendly tools to simplify the business planning process to start your dog daycare business.
  • Write a compelling executive summary that emphasizes your goals, services offered, and financial forecast to attract potential investors.
  • Outline your financial plan for the initial years of operation, including startup costs, projected revenues, and net profits.
  • Describe the pet care industry and market that you will serve and explain how your business satisfies your target customers’ needs.
  • Analyze the competitive landscape and identify competitors to develop strategies for your business’s competitive advantage.
  • Effectively advertise your business by developing a comprehensive sales and marketing approach.

Why you need a dog daycare business plan?

It is said that entrepreneurs who dive into business directly without drafting a business plan are probably delaying their success.

If you’re going to start your own dog daycare business or want to expand the existing one, you need a business plan. A well-prepared business plan shows a strategic roadmap for your dog daycare business.

A business plan emphasizes your business goals, mission, and steps to achieve those objectives. It also offers detailed financial planning for the next 3-5 years.

A good dog daycare business plan outlines the following attributes:

  • How much funding do you require?
  • Where are you in the competitive market?
  • How will you evaluate your doggy daycare success?
  • What actions will you take in the face of unforeseen challenges?

So, having a solid business plan is a comprehensive tool that gives strategic direction, financial clarity, and a structured framework for a successful business.

Now, let’s move forward to write an effective business plan without any further ado:

What to include in your dog daycare business plan?

  • Executive Summary
  • Company Overview
  • Market and Competitor Research
  • Service Offerings
  • Sales and Marketing Plan
  • Management Team
  • Operational Plan
  • Financial Projections

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is a brief overview of your entire business plan. It should include an engaging description of your doggy daycare business idea.

Even though it is the initial part of the plan, try to draft this section at the end once you go through and penned all the key topics.

This section should be clear, concise, and interesting as it catches the readers’ or potential investors’ eye and makes them delve further into your plan.

Here are a few essential elements you should incorporate in your executive summary:

  • Introduction to the dog daycare industry
  • Basic information(name, location, type of business you are running, owners) of your doggy daycare company
  • Dog daycare services offered by your company
  • Mention all the key members of your management team
  • Briefly describe the market opportunity and target audience
  • Overview of a financial plan

Take reference from the below example written using Upmetrics’ AI assistant . You can follow this prompt and revise your answer according to your needs.

Lastly, complete this section with a compelling call to action for inviting potential investors or readers if they are interested in your business.

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dog day care business plan uk

2. Company Overview

After the executive summary, it’s time to provide detailed information about the dog daycare company. First, introduce what type of doggy daycare business you are running.

For instance, it will be one of the below types of dog daycare businesses.

  • Cage-free play: Allows dogs to play outside the cage for specific times and typically cages them for a portion of the day.
  • 100% cage-free: Allows dogs to wander the place under the supervision of a staff member.
  • Extended-stay dog boarding: Provides care for an extended period while the local dog owners are on vacation.
  • Kennel: Offers cages or runs where the dogs are housed for the entire day.
  • Indoor-only doggy daycare: Offers only indoor facilities, where dogs interact and play in a designated indoor area
  • Indoor & outdoor doggy daycare: Offers both indoor and outdoor facilities for dogs to enjoy.

After that, you need to give details of your business background. Provide a history of your doggy daycare business, including when you started and what it aims for.

Dog Daycare Business Company Overview

Also, mention your company’s mission statement and what milestones you accomplished so far; it could be sales goals you’ve reached, new dog daycare facility opening, etc.

Don’t forget to include location and what kind of business legal structure you own; it could be S-Corp, LLC, or sole proprietorship. You can also describe your business’s long-term goals in this section.

3. Market and Competitor Research

Starting a doggy daycare business requires a strategic roadmap and pet industry analysis. So, take some time to go further and conduct detailed market research in your area.

Begin this section by offering a quick overview of the dog daycare industry and define the market size (in dollars), historical background, or service region.

Identify your target demographics to evaluate the market segmentation and assess the need for pet care services. Here is an example of customer segments with the help of Upmetrics:

example of customer segments

Also, recognize the major competitors to determine who are your direct and indirect competitors, as not every dog owner uses doggy daycare services every day.

  • Direct competitors can be other dog daycare businesses.
  • Indirect competitors can be animal shelters, dog dealers, and dog walkers

Perform proper competitor market research and provide an overview of each competitor’s business and analyze their strengths & weaknesses.

Try to consider other dog daycares’ competitive activities and define how you will outperform your competitors.

Emphasize what is your competitive advantage in the market and highlight factors that differentiate your business, such as unique service offerings, quality services, or pricing plans.

Not only that, you can also describe local government regulatory rules and market trends that might have an impact on the industry.

4. Service offerings

Now, let’s elaborate on the specific services that your doggie daycare intends to offer. You can describe your dog daycare services that might be any of the following:

  • Dog training
  • Exercising and feeding
  • Veterinary services
  • Washing and grooming options
  • specialized dog daycare programs
  • Boarding services
  • Other pet care services

Clearly mention your pricing structure, detailing rates for various services or packages. Keep language simple that resonates with the target customers while drafting service descriptions and specifications.

Service offerings for Dog Daycare Business

If there are additional features that set your services apart, such as mobile-friendly service(e.g., webcams for pet owners to monitor their dogs) or overnight care offerings, highlight them in this section.

5. Sales and Marketing Plan

You need to develop a comprehensive sales and marketing strategy to attract and retain customers. Find your target market based on pet ownership demographics, lifestyle, and customer behaviors.

Consider below key elements to add in your sales and marketing plan:

Multi-channel approach

Embrace online platforms where pet owners often seek suggestions and share experiences. Use social media (Instagram, Facebook) to reach target customers. Share pictures and updates about pets in your care.

Professional website

Create a user-friendly website and provide details about your services, daycare structures, and pricing plans. Share informative content including blog posts, infographics, or videos on the topics of dog health, training tips, and fun facts.

Partnerships

Collaborate with local veterinarians, pet supply stores, and groomers to cross-promote your services and draw their existing customers.

Organize or actively participate in community events, including pet-centric gatherings, local fairs, or charity functions to directly interact with potential clients.

Promotional tactics

Consider implementing strategic promotional tactics to grab attention and increase engagement. It can be special offers, referral programs, or loyalty rewards.

Local advertising

Leverage local newspapers, radio stations, or bulletin boards to advertise seasonal promotions or events and try to attract a local audience.

Feedback mechanism

Get insights from clients and establish a feedback mechanism. It will enhance your service offerings and highlight your dedication to customer satisfaction.

6. Management Team

A strong management team is crucial for demonstrating your dog daycare’s ability to thrive in the pet care industry.

Highlight your key managers’ backgrounds, including those skills and experiences that showcase their capability to grow your business.

Your team member should have prior experience relevant to the dog daycare company. If so, mention any experience that might help your business.

You can also mention advisory board members by including 2 -3 individuals who act like mentors to your business. They would guide you with strategic direction and add credibility to your business idea.

Not only that, describe the compensation plan in this section that includes employee salaries, incentives, or benefits. For instance,

dog day care business plan uk

Allowing your readers or investors to know about your business’ key managers will help them have a clear idea of who is driving your dog daycare.

7. Operational Plan

Now, it’s time to accentuate the operational plan, as precise information on day-to-day operations is a blueprint for achieving business objectives and satisfying customer promises.

Start with a short intro that summarizes the pivotal role of everyday operations. Then, present a detailed overview of the daily activities that navigate your doggie daycare.

Draft staffing requirements, defining the number of caregivers needed for the safety of dogs in your care. Specify their tasks involved, such as supervising playtime, feeding, medications, and providing attention to each dog.

Their education and certification need to emphasize a love for animals and experience in managing dogs of different breeds. Here is an example using Upmetrics describing staffing requirements for daycare:

dog day care business plan uk

Dog daycare facility

Set a robust cleaning protocol to keep a hygienic daycare environment. Provide details on how this facility is cleaned, products and methods used, etc.

Prioritize the safety protocols and ensure that your staff members are trained to handle any unforeseen scenario. Also, ensure that your daycare facility adheres to local safety regulations.

Technology and software

Take advantage of technology and dog daycare software solutions to streamline operational processes like furry client reservations, pet owner interaction, and record-keeping.

Enriching environment for dogs

Highlight how you will maintain an enriching environment that fosters the well-being of the dogs in your care. Describe the play area designs, variety of dog activities, cozy resting areas, and soothing dog beds.

8. Financial projections

A well-structured and in-depth financial plan comes last in the business plans but is the most important section for investors. It involves strategic calculations that demonstrate your key costs and net profit margins.

You can mention the income statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet for 3-5 years. You can estimate the break-even point and funding needs from these financial statements.

So, describe all the essential components explained below:

Income statement

It is most commonly known as a profit and loss statement, or P&L, showing the net profit of your pet care business by subtracting expenses from total revenue.

While creating an income statement, you need to make assumptions. it will greatly impact the financial forecasts of your business. Here is an example of a projected P&L statement for 3 years using Upmetrics:

Income statement for Dog Daycare Business

Cash flow statement

The cash flow statement helps you make sense of how much initial investment is required to start or grow your business. Here, ensure that you never run out of money.

Sometimes, many entrepreneurs or business owners don’t realize that they earn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

While developing P&L statements and balance sheets, you need to consider the following expenditures mandated in launching or growing your daycare business:

  • Location build out, such as design and construction costs
  • Inventory costs of foods and treats
  • Employee salaries
  • Legal expenses

Balance sheet

The balance sheet indicates your business’s net worth at a specific point in time. It classifies your financial data into three categories: assets, liabilities, and equity.

Assets= Liabilities + Equity

Generally, a balance sheet is created once a year. For your doggie daycare business plan, prepare a pro forma balance sheet, emphasizing the income statement and cash flow projections.

Dog Daycare Business Balance sheet example

All the above financial aspects can help you identify the break-even point and funding needs. Assess the funding resources, including bank loans, SBA-guaranteed loans, angel investors, and personal savings.

However, calculating all the financial reports from scratch can be a challenging task. But not to worry; here is an easy way.

Use Upmetrics’ financial forecasting tool to formulate all the financial aspects for starting your own pet care business.

Well, having a realistic financial plan in your hand can help you present your business’s fiscal health and sustainability.

Download a dog daycare business plan template

Are you ready to start writing a dog daycare business plan? And want to get help with your business plan? Well, here you can download our free dog daycare business plan pdf and start writing.

This advanced investor-friendly template has been crafted with dog daycare businesses in mind. With step-by-step instructions and examples, this template assists you in creating your own business plan.

Import data into your editor and begin a business plan writing for dog daycare .

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

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Prepare your business plan with Upmetrics

Finally, now you know how to write a business plan for your dog daycare business with the help of our sample business plan template. Thus, you are a step closer to launching your business with confidence.

Whether you are an experienced entrepreneur or a newbie to the business world, writing a business plan with accurate financial forecasts is daunting. But it is a lot smoother with the help of business plan software .

Don’t wait; seize the opportunity to kickstart a profitable venture!

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Frequently asked questions, what are the key components of a successful dog daycare business plan.

Creating a successful dog daycare business plan involves the following key components:

  • Executive summary
  • Company overview
  • Market and industry analysis
  • Competitor and customer analysis
  • Doggy daycare services
  • Marketing and sales strategies
  • Management team
  • Operational plan
  • Financial plan

Can a Dog Daycare Business Plan Template help in securing funding?

Yes. A well-written dog daycare business plan template helps in securing funding. It includes crucial elements that investors or lenders look for and highlights that your business model is viable. So, this can increase the chances of securing funding.

Where can I find a Dog Daycare Business Plan Template?

There are various online platforms where you can find a dog daycare business plan template. Consider reputable sources like Upmetrics, which offers 400+ business plan templates tailored to your specific needs.

Are there any legal considerations to include in the business plan template?

Indeed, legal considerations are very crucial. There are several legal requirements that you need to include in your business plan template:

  • Business license requirements
  • Zoning regulations
  • The legal structure of your business
  • Relevant health and safety laws
  • Insurance coverage
  • Confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements

How often should I update my dog daycare business plan?

Your dog daycare business plan should be updated, especially when there are meaningful changes in your business environment or goals. Review and revise your business plan annually or more often if there are notable shifts in the market or your services.

About the Author

dog day care business plan uk

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Dog Daycare Business Plan Template

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Location and Facilities

Choosing the right location for your dog daycare business is crucial to its success. Look for a spacious and easily accessible location that is safe for dogs to run and play. Ensure that the facility is well-equipped with indoor and outdoor play areas, restrooms, sleeping areas, and a designated area for food and water. Additionally, make sure to provide toys and other necessary equipment for the dogs to play with.

Legal and Regulatory Requirements

Starting a dog daycare business requires meeting various legal and regulatory requirements. You will need to obtain licenses and permits, register your business, and ensure that your facility meets safety and health standards. You should also consider liability insurance and having a legal team to assist you in case of any legal issues that may arise.

Services Offered

When starting a dog daycare business, it's important to decide on the services you want to offer. These may include daycare services, grooming, training, and overnight boarding. You may also offer additional services such as transportation and pet supply sales. Ensure that the services you provide align with the needs and preferences of your potential customers.

Staffing and Training

Hiring and training the right staff is critical to the success of your dog daycare business. You will need to employ people who are experienced in handling dogs and who possess the necessary skills and qualifications. It's also important to provide regular training and workshops to your staff to ensure that they are up-to-date with the latest techniques and best practices in dog care.

Marketing and Promotion

Marketing and promotion are essential components of any successful business. When starting a dog daycare business, it's important to create a strong brand image and communicate it effectively to your target audience. This may involve building a website, creating social media pages, and engaging in community outreach efforts. Consider partnering with local businesses to promote your services and attract new customers.

Financial Projections

Developing a comprehensive financial plan is crucial when starting a dog daycare business. This plan should include estimates of your start-up costs, operating expenses, and revenue projections. Additionally, you should create a cash flow projection to ensure that your business is financially viable in the long run.

Funding Options

Starting a dog daycare business can be costly, and you may need to explore various funding options. These may include loans from banks, crowdfunding, and investments from angel investors or venture capitalists. Ensure that you research and understand the terms and conditions of each funding option before making a decision.

Risks and Challenges

Starting a dog daycare business comes with its own set of risks and challenges. These may include dealing with difficult dogs, employee turnover, and unexpected expenses. It's important to have a plan in place to mitigate these risks and address any challenges that may arise.

Future Expansion Plans

When starting a dog daycare business, it's important to consider your future expansion plans. This may involve opening new locations, expanding your services, or partnering with other businesses. Ensure that you have a clear vision for the future of your business and develop a strategic plan to achieve your goals.

dog day care business plan uk

Why write a business plan?

  • Business Plans can help to articulate and flesh out the business’s goals and objectives. This can be beneficial not only for the business owner, but also for potential investors or partners
  • Business Plans can serve as a roadmap for the business, helping to keep it on track and on target. This is especially important for businesses that are growing and evolving, as it can be easy to get sidetracked without a clear plan in place.
  • Business plans can be a valuable tool for communicating the business’s vision to employees, customers, and other key stakeholders.
  • Business plans are one of the most affordable and straightforward ways of ensuring your business is successful.
  • Business plans allow you to understand your competition better to critically analyze your unique business proposition and differentiate yourself from the market.
  • Business Plans allow you to better understand your customer. Conducting a customer analysis is essential to create better products and services and market more effectively.
  • Business Plans allow you to determine the financial needs of the business leading to a better understanding of how much capital is needed to start the business and how much fundraising is needed.
  • Business Plans allow you to put your business model in words and analyze it further to improve revenues or fill the holes in your strategy.
  • Business plans allow you to attract investors and partners into the business as they can read an explanation about the business.
  • Business plans allow you to position your brand by understanding your company’s role in the marketplace.
  • Business Plans allow you to uncover new opportunities by undergoing the process of brainstorming while drafting your business plan which allows you to see your business in a new light. This allows you to come up with new ideas for products/services, business and marketing strategies.
  • Business Plans allow you to access the growth and success of your business by comparing actual operational results versus the forecasts and assumptions in your business plan. This allows you to update your business plan to a business growth plan and ensure the long-term success and survival of your business.

Business Plan Content

  • Executive Summary
  • Company Overview
  • Industry Analysis
  • Consumer Analysis
  • Competitor Analysis & Advantages
  • Marketing Strategies & Plan
  • Plan of Action
  • Management Team

The financial forecast template is an extensive Microsoft Excel sheet with Sheets on Required Start-up Capital, Salary & Wage Plans, 5-year Income Statement, 5-year Cash-Flow Statement, 5-Year Balance Sheet, 5-Year Financial Highlights and other accounting statements that would cost in excess of £1000 if obtained by an accountant.

The financial forecast has been excluded from the business plan template. If you’d like to receive the financial forecast template for your start-up, please contact us at [email protected] . Our consultants will be happy to discuss your business plan and provide you with the financial forecast template to accompany your business plan.

Instructions for the Business Plan Template

To complete your perfect dog daycare business plan, fill out the form below and download our dog daycare business plan template. The template is a word document that can be edited to include information about your dog daycare business. The document contains instructions to complete the business plan and will go over all sections of the plan. Instructions are given in the document in red font and some tips are also included in blue font. The free template includes all sections excluding the financial forecast. If you need any additional help with drafting your business plan from our business plan template, please set up a complimentary 30-minute consultation with one of our consultants.

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Want a bespoke business plan for your dog daycare business, our expertise, dog daycare business plan template faqs, what is a business plan for a/an dog daycare business, how to customize the business plan template for a dog daycare business, what financial information should be included in a dog daycare business plan, are there industry-specific considerations in the dog daycare business plan template, how to conduct market research for a dog daycare business plan, what are the common challenges when creating a business plan for a dog daycare business, how often should i update my dog daycare business plan, can i use the business plan template for seeking funding for a dog daycare business, what legal considerations are there in a dog daycare business plan.

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How to start a dog day care business

December 19, 2023

Starting a dog day care business can be a rewarding venture, but it requires a good level of knowledge in caring for animals, great organisation and strong communication skills. It’s essential to thoroughly research and plan to ensure the success and sustainability of your business.

Understanding local regulations, obtaining necessary permits, and creating a safe and engaging environment for dogs are critical steps in this process. Remember to continually assess and improve your services based on feedback and the evolving needs of your clients and their pets.

Here’s a guide to help you get started.

Why do people need dog day care businesses?

Dog day care businesses have grown in popularity for several reasons, reflecting the evolving lifestyles and needs of pet owners. The combination of changing societal norms, an increased focus on pet wellbeing, and the convenience provided by dog day care services has contributed to their growth in recent years.

As the National Living Wage is £10.42 per hour for the 2023/24 financial year, this may not sound like a particularly attractive level of earnings. However, you can multiply these figures by walking several dogs at the same time. It’s important to assess how many dogs you can comfortably and safely walk in one go, as well as the size and temperament of the dogs involved.

Busy lifestyles of pet owners

Modern lifestyles often involve long work hours and busy schedules, leaving pet owners with limited time to attend to their dogs’ needs during the day.

Socialisation and exercise

Dogs are social animals that thrive on interaction. Day care provides a controlled environment for socialisation and regular exercise, addressing behavioural issues and promoting overall wellbeing.

Preventing loneliness

Dogs left alone for extended periods may experience loneliness and boredom. Day care offers companionship, reducing stress and anxiety for the pets. This is a convenient solution for pet owners who may not have nearby friends or family available to care for their dogs during the day.

Safety and supervision

Day care facilities prioritise safety, with trained staff ensuring dogs are supervised and secure. This reduces the risk of accidents or injuries that could occur when dogs are left unattended.

Staff can also monitor dogs for signs of illness or distress, providing an early alert for potential health issues.

Specialised services

Some day cares offer additional services such as grooming, training, or even pickup and drop-off services, catering to the diverse needs of pet owners.

Peace of mind for owners

Knowing their dogs are engaged, well cared for, and having a positive experience during the day gives owners peace of mind and allows them to focus on work or other commitments.

A growing humanisation of pets

As pets have become more integrated into families and lifestyles, they’ve increasingly become treated as valued members of the household. This shift has led to an increased demand for services that enhance pets’ quality of life.

Urban living

In urban areas, where living spaces might be smaller, and outdoor access can be limited, day care provides an outlet for dogs to expend energy and enjoy social interactions.

dog day care business plan uk

The benefits of starting a dog day care business

Starting a dog day care business can offer a range of benefits, both personally and professionally. Here are some of the main advantages that may appeal to you and help you decide to move forward.

Passion and fulfilment

If you love dogs, running a dog day care allows you to turn your passion into a business. Spending your days surrounded by happy dogs can be incredibly fulfilling.

Flexible schedule

You have the flexibility to set your operating hours, making it an attractive option for those seeking a more flexible work schedule.

Low entry barriers

Compared to some other businesses, starting a dog day care typically requires less initial investment and has lower entry barriers.

Community engagement

A dog day care can become a hub for local pet owners, fostering a sense of community. Building relationships with clients and their pets can lead to long-term customer loyalty.

Health benefits

Interacting with dogs has been linked to various health benefits, including stress reduction and increased physical activity. Owning a dog day care provides regular opportunities for such interactions.

Learning opportunities

Running a dog day care business can be an ongoing learning experience for anyone passionate about animals, from understanding various dog breeds to staying informed about the latest trends in pet care.

Business growth potential

As the demand for pet services continues to rise, there’s potential for business growth. You can expand your services to include grooming, training, or other pet-related offerings.

Job creation

If your business expands, you may have the opportunity to create jobs within your community, contributing to local employment.

Profitability

With proper management and a good understanding of your target market, a dog day care can be a profitable venture.

Personal growth

Managing a business comes with challenges that can contribute to personal growth and development. You’ll learn valuable entrepreneurial and managerial skills.

dog day care business plan uk

What qualifications are needed for starting a dog day care business?

While there are no specific qualifications required, a strong understanding of dog behaviour, health, and basic training is essential. Previous experience working with dogs, perhaps through volunteering or employment in a related field, is beneficial.

Basic business skills will also benefit you. These could include knowledge of marketing, people management, customer service, and finances.

Here are all the things you’ll need to consider and the steps to follow in setting up your business.

Know your legal requirements and licences

Check with your local council for specific regulations related to running a dog day care business. You may need a business licence, and if operating from a dedicated location, compliance with health and safety standards is crucial.

Take out insurance

Obtain liability insurance to protect your business in case of accidents or injuries. To protect yourself and the dogs in your care in the event one of them becomes ill, you’ll have to establish clear policies regarding vaccination requirements and health checks for the dogs in your care.

Secure a location

Whether from home or a dedicated facility, ensure you have enough space to accommodate the dogs comfortably. Set up a secure and safe environment with fencing and designated play areas. You’ll also need to create separate spaces for dogs of different sizes or temperaments.

Implement safety measures such as dog-proofing your home or business location, and having a reliable method of identification for each dog.

Invest in equipment and supplies

Invest in dog-friendly furniture, bedding, and toys. There will need to be proper ventilation and sanitation for indoor areas.

You’ll also need to look at what play equipment you can afford to buy. This might include toys, climbing frames, tunnels, slides, trampolines or treadmills.

Organise your staffing

If you plan to hire staff, make sure they have a genuine love for animals and receive training on handling different breeds and behaviours.

Plan the daily schedule

You’ll need to have a plan in place for how the dogs that come to you will spend their days, taking a range of different factors into account. Here are some of the ways you can show the dogs a good time, keep them happy and healthy, and give owners value for money.

  • Structured playtime – Create a schedule with structured play sessions and rest periods.
  • Enrichment activities – Provide puzzle toys, agility equipment, and other enrichment activities to keep dogs mentally stimulated.
  • Socialisation – Ensure that dogs have opportunities for social interaction with compatible playmates.
  • Supervision – Maintain constant supervision to give the dogs the attention they need, as well as ensuring all of their safety and wellbeing.

dog day care business plan uk

How to promote your business

Effectively marketing your dog day care business is crucial for attracting clients and building a positive reputation. Here are strategies to promote your dog day care operation.

Create a professional website

Develop a user-friendly website that highlights your services, pricing, and premises. Include high-quality images of your day care space and happy dogs.

Remember local SEO

Optimise your website for local search engine optimisation (SEO) to ensure it appears in local search results. Include location-based keywords on your website, and claim your Google My Business listing so that people can see the key details of your business in local searches.

Obtain online reviews

Encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or specialised pet service review sites. Respond promptly to reviews, addressing both positive and negative feedback professionally.

Partner with vets

Establish partnerships with local vets who can refer clients to your day care. See if you can put up posters in their waiting room and offer discounts to their clients as a way to encourage referrals.

Engage with the community

Attend local community events, fairs, or farmers’ markets with promotional flyers, brochures, posters and business cards. Sponsor or participate in pet-related events to increase your visibility.

Create referral programmes

Implement a referral programme where existing clients receive incentives for referring new customers. These could come in the form of discounts on services or other perks.

Produce printed marketing materials

Design and distribute flyers, brochures, and business cards to local pet-related businesses, such as pet stores, groomers, and veterinary offices.

Show up on social media

Leverage platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to showcase the daily activities at your day care. Engage with your audience through posts, stories, and user-generated content.

Invest in targeted social media advertising to reach potential clients in your local area. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow you to specify your target audience.

Email marketing

Build an email list of current and past clients, and potential customers. Send regular updates, promotions, and valuable content to keep your audience engaged and make sure you’re front of mind in their inbox.

Run special offers

Offer introductory rates, package deals, or discounts during slow periods to attract new clients.

Partake in regular networking

Network with other local businesses, especially those in the pet industry. Establishing relationships with groomers, trainers, and pet stores can lead to mutual referrals.

Find online communities

Join online pet groups and forums to share your expertise and promote your services. Participate in discussions and offer your knowledge. People can get to know you as an authoritative pet care professional and you can learn from others too.

Create engaging content

Develop content that educates and entertains your audience. This can include blog posts, videos, or infographics about pet care tips, training advice, or fun activities for dogs.

dog day care business plan uk

What are the costs of starting a dog day care business?

There are a range of different costs you’ll incur, so it’s good to do your research and find out how much you’ll need to invest. They may include the following:

  • Startup costs – Costs will vary depending on the scale and location of your business. Consider expenses like licensing, insurance, facility setup, and equipment. There may be numerous costs you hadn’t considered, such as software subscriptions, domain name and website purchases.
  • Operational costs – Factor in ongoing expenses such as staff salaries, utilities, cleaning supplies, and dog food. You’ll need to make sure the dogs are kept warm at all times during winter, and have provisions in place for hot days in summer, such as air conditioning or fans.
  • Pricing structure – Research local competitors to determine a reasonable pricing structure. Prices often vary based on the services offered, such as half-day or full-day care.
  • Employee costs – Doggy day care workers’ wages can vary, but the average hourly rate may range from minimum wage to £10 or more, depending on experience and location. Experienced staff or those with additional responsibilities, such as training or grooming, may command higher pay.

Protect your pet care business

Get pet business insurance with protectivity.

Get your dog day care business off to the best possible start, protecting yourself and your furry friends with the right insurance.

With Protectivity’s pet business insurance , you can opt for public liability with between £1 million and £10 million of cover. Then there’s key cover up to £10,000 for new keys and locks, if you enter a client’s property to walk their dogs. Our care, custody and control cover gives up to £100,000 worth of cover for animals in your care. You can also choose equipment cover, non-negligent cover, employers’ liability, commercial legal expenses or a close family extension.

Find out more and get a quote today.

This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. 

Check out more of our blogs

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5 Common Risks When Starting a Business

dog day care business plan uk

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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.

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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.

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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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How to Open a Dog Day Care Centre in the UK with Safe Paws Dog Day Care Training Courses

New dog day care course dates 2020.

28-29-30 January, 2020

We are an approved course provider for the Department of Work and Pensions

Learn how to open up a dog day care centre in the uk, learn to manage a large dog “pack” dynamic and implement a no bark policy  successfully, come train with ourselves and learn best practice in this exciting new industry.  get help with all your financial figures and projections with our fully interactive   dog day care business plan., find out how much profit a dog day care centre makes and how to continue to grow a successful business in the uk.

After some thought and deliberation in early 2014 I decided to offer a consultancy course on dog day care management  with the sole purpose of training and mentoring budding Dog Day Care entrepreneurs. The aim was to help them open and sustain a successful, profitable and safe dog day care centre. Since then I have trained clients from Denmark, Sydney, Germany, Ukraine, Mexico, Southern Ireland, Isle of Mann and all over the UK , with many now operating successful dog day cares of their own.

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We also provide you with support before and after your course and have a closed facebook page you will be given immediate access too once you book your place on the course. This page holds a mass of information on all things dog day care, from our fully interactive dog day care business plan, growth projections, etc to training videos on handling protocol and behaviour analysis. It also has most of our past training clients, with many having their own successful centres now, providing a wonderful platform to discuss ideas, ask questions and gain further knowledge along the way. Come join our course on how to open, manage and grow your own dog day care at our centre of excellence in Stirling, Scotland, UK

Some of this years course certificated dog day care trainers

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Attending Shirley’s course based at safe paws was the step between turning the idea of opening a day care centre into reality. The knowledge and advice given during the course is invaluable. I especially found the business plan extremely helpful, an easy to use excel document which allows you to alter the data for your own business and identify start up costs, outlays and predicted turnover and profit. I don’t feel I would have been able to produce a business plan like this on my own. Shirley is on hand for advice every step of the way and always replies swiftly. I found this really helpful during the search for a premises, and obtaining a lease, license and planning permission which can be very confusing. Finally the floor work at the centre is great for training in how to work with a large pack of dogs and maintain and calm and happy environment. Shirley is fountain of knowledge and always welcomes you with a smile and a hug! I wouldn’t have got to this stage with out her so thank you very much!

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Thanks Shirley! Loved the course, spending time with you was the turning point to making Dog Royalty a reality, so thanks again for your help. The Business Plan was invaluable.

Reviews of our UK Dog Day Care Course

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I had a marvellous week with Shirley and her team. I have learned loads about the running of a dog day care and lots of time on the floor learning about dog dynamics and maintaining a happy pack. It has taken me nearly four years to get where I am now (just opened 3 weeks) and this course was by far the best time and money I ever spent! Thank you to Shirley and her team x

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Stuart had a brilliant time on your course, he learned so much and is now bursting with even more enthusiasm!

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Safe Paws is excellent. I attended a training course here and loved every minute of it. All the staff were brilliant and Shirley has so much knowledge, I learnt loads in the 2 days I was there. It was brilliant to see all the dogs playing and socialising together, they were all so happy with lots of tail wagging going on. Thank you for a fabulous 2 days Shirley, you really motivated me xx

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I have just arrived back from Stirling and what a fab time I had. Everything about this place is amazing. How buzzing the dogs are to come in and join the gang is a real credit to Shirley and her staff (real dog lovers). Shirley has really inspired me and along with her help if needed I am confident and more than ready to start me new business venture. Visiting these guys will be the best thing you will do – I guarantee it!

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I have my own dog day care business based at home. I initially thought I would never spend this amount of money on a course, however it was worth every penny. Shirleys Day Care is amazing and so are the staff.

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Training with Shirley was life changing and gave me the inspiration, know how, confidence and determination to start me on my own journey of opening a well run dog daycare centre. Her ongoing support has been fundamental to my business and her positive mindset never faultered. I feel privileged to have met and trained with her. It does not take long to see that Safepaws is a professional, dog focused establishment with staff who really care about the pups in their care. If I can run a business half as successfully as this one I will consider myself very lucky. Would highly recommend Safepaws services to aspiring daycare owners and dog owners alike.

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All parts of our visit were excellent from training on the floor to our Q&A sessions with Shirley. If you are looking to get into the pet care industry we very much recommend Shirley’s consulting service.

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We loved every minute of it. Fantastic course that has given me the confidence to move forward with my own dog day care. Can’t wait to come back for some more floor work with my staff.

Dog Management

Learn the art of true socialisation within a large pack dynamic. Gain the training skills to implement a no bark, no bully policy with kind and sensitive handling.

In depth training on how to manage your dog day care business, negotiations with landlords, council licencing and planning. All the essential aspects required to launch and then grow your business.

We offer a fully interactive dog day care business plan with growth projections, cost analysis, profit and loss and much more. The fundamental aspects of any business is to make a profit and continue to grow. Find out when you will break even, how much profit you will earn from a dog day care centre and how long it will take you to achieve this.

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The Dog Business School is a leading provider of online courses and resources which help dog lovers research, plan, build and grow successful dog-oriented businesses.

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Starting a Dog Daycare: Everything You Need to Know

BUSINESS  |   2/22/21 9:19 AM  |  by Gingr

You’ve been pondering it for a while, but you’re finally ready to start your very own dog daycare business. You’ve certainly picked a good time —the pet industry is booming, with recent trends showing that people spent an estimated $99 billion on their beloved animals in 2020. 

You’re probably itching to get moving and start inviting some canine customers into your business, but before you can open your dog daycare, there are a few things you need to know. 

At Gingr , we’re familiar with the ins and outs of starting a dog daycare. We’ve helped hundreds of new daycare owners streamline their management practices with our powerful dog daycare software . We’ve seen what it takes to thrive with a doggy daycare business, and we want to help you achieve that same success. 

We’ve come up with a list of top considerations and insider tips to know before you start your own daycare. We’ll cover these tips in the following sections:

Financial Considerations for Starting a Dog Daycare

Doggy daycare rules and regulations to know, 7 essential steps to starting a doggy daycare.

Starting a dog daycare will take work, but is ultimately one of the most rewarding career paths for animal lovers. By following these tips, anything is paws-ible with your new business. Let’s jump in!

When thinking about starting your dog daycare, the first few questions on your mind are probably related to the financial aspect of the business. Let’s go over some of the most common financial considerations of creating and running a dog daycare.

How much can you make from a dog daycare?

The profitability of your dog daycare will depend on a few factors such as:

  • Your ability to reach your target market
  • The services you decide to offer (daytime and overnight care, training, etc.) 
  • How you decide to price your services
  • How you manage your money once you get up and running
  • The demand for your services in your community
  • Your fixed and variable business costs

The amount of money you’re able to make from your dog daycare business will depend on this unique combination of factors as well as fluctuating market conditions. 

Ultimately, to make a profit, your revenue must outweigh your costs. Check out this dog daycare business plan guide for detailed profit equations you can use to predict your profit margins for your new business.

How much does it cost to open a dog daycare? 

Opening a dog daycare will come with a few basic costs that are necessary to get your business started. These costs include:

  • Facilities: You need space for your canine guests to play and sleep when they’re in your care. Therefore, you must purchase or rent a physical facility for your daycare business. 
  • Equipment: You’ll need to purchase playground equipment such as play structures, toys, and water features. Additionally, you’ll need care-related equipment such as kennels and cages, food and water bowls, dog beds, leashes, treats, and cleaning supplies.
  • Staff: You’ll likely want to bring on a few staff members to help out, so one of your costs will be employee wages.

Although it will add to your start-up costs, investing in high-quality equipment upfront will save you from having to constantly replace items due to wear and tear. Plus, your customers will be impressed right off the bat when they see your business utilizing state-of-the-art equipment.

What is the business model of a dog daycare?

Dog daycares rely on repeating visits from regular customers to stay in business. After all, it’s much more cost-effective to secure the loyalty of a repeating customer than to constantly invest time and money into soliciting short-term clients. 

You have a few options for structuring your dog daycare business model to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty, including: 

  • Pre-paid packages: Offer customers the option to purchase convenient packages. For example, many customers like to drop their dogs off at daycare while they’re at work. You can offer different tiers of prepaid packages such as three, four, or five days of daycare services per week. This way, they won’t have to pay each time they pick up their pooch, which streamlines the customer experience.
  • Memberships: Invite customers to join your exclusive loyalty rewards program and offer a discount when they sign up and/or a continuous discounted rate for daycare services. 
  • Unique services: Offer your customers something extra that they wouldn’t normally get at other daycares, such as training or grooming services. 

As you start planning for your new daycare, consider which of these business model routes you’re interested in pursuing, and incorporate it into your business plan. For example, if you want to offer special services, plan to hire a groomer or professional trainer on your staff.

How do you price dog daycare services?

It’s critical to strike the right balance with your prices to attract the widest possible range of customers. 

Go too low, and your customers will worry that their precious pups won’t be receiving the highest quality of care. Go too high, and you’ll have to justify the price by offering top-quality services that customers can’t get elsewhere (which can come at a steep cost for your business). Also, if your pricing model is too complicated, it will turn off prospective clients and drive them to seek daycare services with another business.

Conduct careful market research to investigate the prices of other dog daycare facilities in your area to make sure you’re in the right ballpark for your business’s prices. Justify any price increases with enhanced services, and be sure to promote your membership or loyalty program that offers discounted rates to recurring customers. 

Your pricing sends a message to prospective clients right away about the level of service they’ll get with your business, so it’s imperative to make a good first impression.

In addition to financial considerations, legal requirements are another common concern for new doggy daycare owners. You want to make sure you’re conducting a legitimate operation that adheres to all rules and regulations. Read on for top legal considerations to know before starting your daycare business.

Legal Requirements for Starting a Dog Daycare

You’ll have to determine a few legal characteristics of your business before you can get started. First, consider how you want to structure your business entity. You have a few choices for structuring your business: 

  • Sole proprietorship: If you’re the only one running your business, you can choose to maintain it as a sole proprietorship. All of your business activities will be under your name, and this is the easiest business structure to form. However, you can be held personally liable for your business’s debts.
  • Partnership: If you have one or more business partners, you may consider creating a partnership. In this structure, you and your partners share liability. 
  • Corporation: Corporations allow you to set up your business as a separate legal entity. In this case, your business can be held liable for debts or lawsuits rather than you as an individual. However, these are more complicated structures that are generally used for large businesses.
  • Limited liability company (LLC): An LLC can consist of just you, your partner, or a group of people. In this structure, your personal assets are protected from any business debts or lawsuits in most cases. 

Consider your long-term business goals to determine which type of structure you’d like to have for your doggy daycare. Once you’ve chosen your structure, be sure to register your business with your state government and consult with a lawyer to help you figure out the legal details.

Additionally, check your state and local laws and regulations to determine the licenses or permits you need to start your business. Each state has different requirements for opening a business and specific health and safety regulations for animal-related businesses.

Dog Daycare Insurance

You’ll want to purchase business insurance before opening your doors to puppy pals and their caretakers. Dog daycare business insurance protects your business from liability if an accident or injury were to occur.

There are three types of pet business insurance you should look into as you plan for your grand opening: commercial liability insurance, property insurance, and professional liability insurance:

  • Commercial liability insurance: This insurance covers your business if an accident were to occur in the day-to-day operations of your dog daycare. For example, a customer might slip and get injured within your daycare, or a pipe could burst in your facility and damage nearby businesses. 
  • Property insurance: Property insurance covers your physical daycare facilities and equipment if something like a natural disaster, robbery, or fire occurred. 
  • Professional liability insurance: This insurance type relates to any accidents or injuries that directly relate to the activities of your dog daycare. For example, two dogs could get in a fight, or a dog could break free and run away. Your professional liability insurance can protect you and your business from fault in these instances. 

Of course, you’ll do everything you can to keep customers, employees, and pups safe, but accidents happen. It’s better to be prepared ahead of time to protect yourself and your business.

Common Dog Daycare Rules

You’ll want to set some ground rules before you open your business so customers know what to expect and what’s required on their end before their dogs can visit. These rules are also critical to mitigate risk and protect yourself and your business from liability. A few common dog daycare rules are:

  • Age restrictions: Extremely young puppies can be at risk in a dog daycare setting, so you’ll want to specify age restrictions for your daycare, such as no pups younger than five months. 
  • Behavior: You don’t want to put other dogs at risk by having misbehaved or aggressive dogs at your daycare. Institute a rule that says canine guests should not have a history of aggression toward other dogs or people. 
  • Vaccination requirements: All dogs should be up-to-date on their vaccinations before being allowed to play or stay at your dog daycare. 

As you grow your client base, organizing and maintaining all your records on each visitor will start to get complicated. Dog daycare software can be a major asset in helping you collect client information to reference and update as needed. Your software system will store all the important details in one place, keeping your records organized and saving you time and hassle.

Now that we’ve laid down a few foundational considerations, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of your planning process. Here are the essential steps to take to get your daycare business up and running:

1. Create a business plan. 

Your dog daycare business plan will be a blueprint for your business to present to prospective investors or use as a guiding document as you make strategic decisions. You can check out this guide for a full explanation of how to create a dog daycare business plan, but we’ll cover some of the highlights here. 

As you create your business plan, you’ll go through the important process of examining the state of the dog daycare market in your local area, identifying key competitors, and figuring out how your business will serve an existing need to reach an untapped audience. 

In this process, be sure to define your niche—your business’s unique offerings that customers won’t find anywhere else. For example, maybe you have the biggest puppy playground in town complete with a splash pad, or perhaps you offer training or grooming services to daycare customers. Defining and marketing your niche services will give your business a competitive edge and help you stand out and attract more customers.

In your business plan, fully describe your tactics for carving your own place in the market and getting your services in front of prospective customers. Having a well-structured strategy will give you a stronger argument if you choose to present your business plan to prospective investors.

2. Choose a facility.

Once your business plan is complete, you’ll be ready to search for a home for your dog daycare business. In your search for the perfect facility, be sure to consider the following:

  • Your budget: Ensure you stay in your price range in your hunt for a facility. You shouldn’t sink all your funds into your leasing or paying off your facility costs because you’ll have little to nothing left to spend on equipment or employee salaries.
  • Your distance from your target customer base: You don’t want to be a significant distance away from your target market, or no one will want to use your services. Choose a facility that is conveniently located to where your customers reside.
  • The amount of space you need: To run a proper dog daycare facility, you’ll need a lot of outdoor space to fit playground equipment for dogs to enjoy. Additionally, you’ll need lots of indoor space to store kennels and cages for overnight guests and have an indoor play area in case of inclement weather. Your final choice of location should have enough space for all dogs to lounge and play comfortably, and for your employees to carry out their duties as well. Find a space that can accommodate these considerations and also give you the room you need to grow. The more space you have, the more doggy daycare customers you can accommodate at once.

3. Acquire equipment and pet business software. 

Although you may choose to go above and beyond and offer special services, there are a few basic equipment pieces every dog daycare needs to be successful. Make sure you purchase the following items for your new business:

  • Playground equipment
  • Toys and balls
  • Kennels and crates
  • Food and water bowls
  • Poop scoopers and bags
  • Cleaning supplies
  • First aid kits for dogs and employees
  • Laundry supplies and a washer/dryer

Besides physical equipment, you’ll want to invest in quality dog daycare business software to help you manage the scheduling and client relationship aspects of your business. Dog daycare business software has many benefits: 

  • Saves time. You won’t have to spend endless hours rifling through client information or payment slips to find the information you need. All important data is kept in one centralized place.
  • Manages schedules. You can book customer appointments as well as manage employee schedules from your software system. 
  • Helps retain customers. Through your dog daycare software, you can send messages to customers and provide updates on their pets throughout their stay at your facility. 
  • Facilitates marketing efforts. You can draft and send automated messages using your daycare software to keep your customers and prospective clients updated on business changes or upcoming promotions. 

With the combination of top-quality equipment and an easy-to-use, convenient software system, you’ll be one step closer to opening your doors to furry friends.

4. Hire dog daycare staff.

When thinking about hiring new employees for your dog daycare, you want to look for people who are dog lovers through and through. However, ensure they also have specific qualifications that will make them knowledgeable and dependable employees that add value to your business.

For example, search for prospective employees who have a baseline of training in canine first aid as well as some experience with caring for dogs in the past. Employees who have experience working with dogs can help create a safe environment for dogs from all backgrounds to mingle and play. You might even consider bringing on staff members with a wider range of experiences, including backgrounds in dog training or grooming, to give your business a unique service offering. 

Last but not least, hire employees who are flexible and able to adapt to change. As your business grows, you want people on your team who can adapt to new processes quickly and effectively carry out your vision for your daycare.

5. Evaluate behavior to keep pets and staff safe.

Steps for running dog temperament tests include interviewing pet parents, conducting evaluations and observations, and taking notes to reference while assigning dogs to playgroups. If a dog acts aggressive or displays behavioral issues at any point throughout the evaluation, stop the test and inform the owner that their dog isn’t a good fit for your daycare. 

6. Market your dog daycare services to pet owners. 

Once you’ve secured your facility, equipment, and staff, there’s one more piece of the puzzle to complete your dog daycare business: finding new customers! A comprehensive marketing strategy is key to connecting with prospective customers and earning their trust.

Take a multichannel approach to your marketing to ensure your target audience becomes aware of your business offerings without overwhelming on any one platform. Spread the word through: 

  • Social media: Create a business page for your doggy daycare on Facebook and Instagram and connect with other dog daycare businesses as well as dog owners in your area to start growing your following. Consider purchasing social media ads to promote your business directly to your target audience. 
  • Email: Start developing your email list by promoting your newsletter sign-up on your social media pages. Email is an effective way to reach customers directly and provide them an opportunity to respond and ask questions. 
  • Direct mail/flyers: Similarly, direct mailers or flyers reach your target audience directly because you can send materials right to certain addresses. Be sure to include your location, hours of operation, phone number, website, and social media handles on your mailers and flyers so people know how to reach you. 
  • Local radio/TV ads: If there’s room in your budget, you could consider taking out an ad spot on a local radio or TV station. Use the opportunity to introduce yourself and your staff to give your business a friendly face. 

Ensure all your marketing materials are branded with your business’s logo and colors to leave your audience with a professional impression of your business. Also, lean into the playful aspect of your business. Just about everyone loves dogs and puppies, so show images or videos of puppy pals playing and having the time of their lives at your daycare to entice potential customers.

7. Provide a great experience and watch your business grow.

By taking the necessary steps to create a plan for your business strategy and emphasizing safety at every step, your business will flourish. Remember that when times get tough, you can rely on your business plan to guide you through any rough patches. 

Also, be sure to prioritize proper management practices and treat your staff with respect to create a positive, supportive culture within your business. Customers will note your upbeat attitude and be drawn toward the cheerful, fun environment you’ve created, and you’ll retain the support of your staff during times of change or challenges.

Wrapping Up

With these tips and strategies in your toolbox, your dog daycare business will be ready to invite in a pack of hounds in no time. If you’re looking for additional information as you plan for your doggy daycare, check out these resources: 

  • Dog Daycare Business Plan. Your dog daycare business plan will take time and effort, but will ultimately be one of your greatest assets as you move forward. Use this guide to help you make your plan. 
  • 10 Pet Industry Trends to Know. As a new pet-care business owner, you need to stay in the know of the latest trends in the industry. Check out this article to discover what’s in vogue.

Contact Gingr for help with implementing pet care software as you start your dog daycare business.

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UK Small Business Startups and Funding

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Dog Day Care Center Small Business Idea and Business Plan

Starting your own small business in the UK isn’t easy but having a properly developed business plan will help you achieve success.

To start a Dog Day Care Center business in the UK, take the time and explain the idea via a business plan.

Understanding all of the aspects of the business idea will be the key to getting the Dog Day Care Center business running like a well-oiled machine. The business plan you develop will help you organize the elements needed into a strategy that you can actually use to startup, by paving a clear road map as to what you need to follow for the lifespan of your business.

Starting a Dog Day Care Center business isn’t easy, but when done right, it can lead to a lot of success.

To help you get started, you can use the free business plan builder tool to develop your own Dog Day Care Center business plan.

The business plan template is very easy to use, is interactive and will quickly and easily help you create your business plan just by answering the needed questions about your small business idea.

Create your own Dog Day Care Center business plan for free using the Business Plan Builder

The free business plan template builder is divided into a few easy to follow steps.

The free business plan builder template is provided by UKStartups.org to help you develop your own business plan. For step by step guidance, see the 5 steps below.

Once completed, the result will be a clean, professional plan that will help you start your own Dog Day Care Center small business in the UK.

When you have completed your Dog Day Care Center business plan, the next step will be to find available funding that will help, or to speak with a funding adviser who will assist you each step of the way to securing the needed funds to make your Dog Day Care Center business startup.

If you are looking to limit your startup costs when starting up a Dog Day Care Center small business in the UK, this free business plan builder tool will be it.

Starting a Dog Day Care Center business is only one of the ways others have used this free business plan tool. There are hundreds of different ideas you can start, and if you need guidance, do reach out to a UKStartups expert to get the needed assistance and guidance.

Step 1. Your business information

To develop a proper Dog Day Care Center business plan with the free business plan builder template, it is important to answer each of the questions about your business to the best of your abilities.

What is your business? What are the products/services you provide? Who are your customers? What are your goals…etc?

Having a clear explanation will help you create a in-depth business plan that you can actually use to start the Dog Day Care Center business and to apply for needed funding to cover your startup costs.

Step 2. Projecting your revenues/income

The Dog Day Care Center industry can have great results. Planning and projecting the financial figures to approximate what you will make each year is crucial to building a strong business plan.

What do you think your business will make from each of its products/services? Simply list your products/services, enter the appropriate financial figures (costs and expenses).

If you don’t have the figures, in many cases it is recommended to do a a bit more research on other Dog Day Care Center businesses locally and within your own region to get an idea of potential revenue. You can do your best to estimate the figures and growth potential.

If you need assistance in projecting, you can always contact UK Startups funding experts for the help.

Step 3. Your business market

As a Dog Day Care Center business, having a clear explanation of the market and industry that you are in will help you plan for the figure and will ensure you can take the business to the next level.

Explain your location of business, share specifics about your customers, showcase your competition and explain the advantages you have over your competition.

Step 4. The future plan

Starting your own Dog Day Care Center business and getting it off the ground is important to you.

No matter if you’re planning on applying for government funding for your Dog Day Care Center business or not, it is important to plan out the future and provide an explanation of how you will grow the business. This means explaining your marketing plan, your sales strategy and clearly outlining a growth plan for the next few years.

Be sure to break this down step by step to show how you intend on making sure your Dog Day Care Center business can grow each year.

Keep in mind that often business plans are focused on key people. Be sure to discuss yourself, your role and any other key figures in the business as well.

Step 5. The financials

In the end, it all comes down to the financials. If you are seeking funding, or not – the business plan you develop needs to have clearly defined financials or projections. The business plan builder tool makes it easy to develop your financial charts by simply entering your expected revenues per month and year. If you don’t have the figures as it’s a new business be sure to project the figures based on your expectations. If you need help with this, ask the UK Startups experts .

A clear breakdown of your funding needs is also recommended in case you are seeking funding and this free business plan template will help you with exactly that. When developing your Dog Day Care Center business plan using this free template, the above 5 steps are recommended in order to succeed. While there are other key points that will assist you in starting your business, finding funding...etc, the free template will help put you on the right path

Be sure to request a professional to review your business plan , to answer any questions you may have and to help you with the funding search once you’ve done the initial free template. You can request this directly via UKStartups.org and through the Small Business Startup Platform as a member.

If starting a Dog Day Care Center business is just one of your ideas, perhaps considering other options, here are some popular small business’s others have chosen to startup

  • Chrysler Dealer
  • Maternity Store
  • Pond Fish Supplier
  • Playground Equipment Supplier

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How to Write a Dog Daycare Business Plan

Starting your own business takes a lot of time and effort, and one of your first assignments will be to write a business plan . This is true for any business, from the most simple and small entrepreneurial ventures with dogs to the most elaborate, complex pet empires you dream of building. In this column we look specifically at how to write a dog daycare business plan  and all the information that should be included in it.

If this is your first visit, take a quick look at our last week's column on how to start a dog daycare business , where we talked more extensively about actually planning and launching this venture. Today's article will be focused specifically on how to write a dog daycare business plan and I'll try to be more specific.

There are many families that are not around during the day to take care of their dog's needs including feeding, playing, walking and relieving themselves. This is a void that can definitely be filled by an ambitious person who loves dogs and is interested in starting a doggy daycare.

How to Write a Dog Daycare Business Plan

Don't get too excited about your dog business plans just yet. There is a lot more that goes into a pet business than simple love of dogs and a desire in becoming an entrepreneur (petpreneur?) As a business owner you will wear many hats. Some of the duties that you'll be responsible for include:

  • Communicating with customers
  • Administrative work
  • Financial documentation and taxes
  • Advertising and marketing
  • Website maintenance

…and many more. Especially in the beginning, business owners tend to do mostly everything by themselves to save on expenses. You may be working long hours, nights, and weekends. You'll have a lot on your plate as a business owner, but eventually you'll get a handle on everything and it will start to get easier.

If you’re just beginning to think about launching a dog daycare business and you’d like more information, you can also check out our older general post on  How to Start a Pet Business with Dogs . You’ll find lots of generic information about what to expect when starting your own venture and what you can do to ensure it is a success.

Like all businesses, if you want to undertake something like this then you should start with a well thought out business plan. A proper plan establishes the initial and long term goals of the operation and helps you focus on the core aspects of the canine daycare during the planning phase. The more you put into planning, the less surprises you'll have along the way. So let's talk about how to write a dog daycare business plan, and how to do this properly.

Your business plan is a crucial piece of securing the financing that you'll need to start your own dog daycare . It is the first thing that investors and banks look at. They want to see your plan on how you're going to get their money back with profit. They want to be able to understand what you're business will be like, how you'll get it started, what you're going to accomplish and how you will make it successful.

Even if you're able to fund your own dog daycare business yourself and do not plan on looking for investors, you should still  write a dog daycare business plan. Why? Because:

  • It will help you set goals for yourself and your business
  • It will help you to stay on the right track and remind you where you're going
  • It will help to calculate all the costs that you'll endure throughout this journey
  • It will paint a better picture of when and how you're going to start making profit

A business plan is certainly never set in stone and you can alter it as you go if necessary (most likely, you will) but it will outline the things that you want achieve and how you plan to do that.

Assess the need for a NEW dog daycare business

How to Write a Dog Daycare Business Plan

Before any new doggy daycare can be started, you must first make sure there is a need for that business in the area you want to establish it in. You need to have enough prospective customers to help feed the business . This can be done very easily.

Are there plenty of dogs in your area? Is there already an established dog daycare? Think about the owners. Do you live in a suburban area where there are many stay-at-home parents who are home for large parts of the day, or do you live in a place where most folks leave for work in the morning and don't return until dinner time?

RELATED: 10 Great Dog Business Ideas for Petreneurs

Dog daycare may be a service that people are willing to travel a small way for, but it probably wouldn't be worth it for someone to drive more than 15 or 20 minutes to get to your business. Focus on your local area. Be sure that there are plenty of dogs in your town, or neighboring towns that would require your services.

You could chat with friends and family in the area, but you may also want to survey dog owners at your local park, pet store, or grooming facility. Chatting with dog owners is the best way to find out if your services are needed and if pet parents would pay you for it.

Start with using your own logic first and the most simple opportunities for quick research. Write down all your thoughts and the results from whatever research you do by yourself. This will get you started before you devote more time to hard data, statistics and proper market research, which is going to be a crucial part of knowing how to write a dog daycare business plan properly.

State your initial and long term dog daycare business boals

The first and most important part of any business plan is stating the initial and long term goals of the business; it’s no different when establishing a doggy daycare. As I stated before, a carefully done plan will let you focus on the specifics of the undertaking startup and also help you plan for the future .

Here is an example as it relates to a doggy daycare business: I will start a doggy daycare that is initially done out of my home which has the capability to take care of 4 – 6 dogs comfortably during the day. Eventually when the business grows, it will be relocated to some rental space at my brother’s property to expand it to accommodate up to 20 – 25 dogs. Once you grow out of that space, you'll be able to afford something bigger and fancier. All of this should already be pre-planned; never go into this business war unprepared and thinking that “whatever happens, happens.”

Somewhere around this section you also need to include whether or not you will have a business partner(s) and what type of entity your business will be. Will it be a sole proprietorship, a single member LLC, or an S-Corp?

RELATED: How to Start a Dog Grooming Business

Most of the time, small businesses start out as a sole proprietorship for the first year or two. Then once you have all the paperwork, bills, and tax requirements under control you can start looking into filing for an LLC to separate your personal assets from your business.

If you have decided to start your pet business with a partner, you need to decide now if you will run it as a limited liability company (LLC), a corporation, or a partnership. You need to discuss all of this with your business partner and be sure to make all major business decisions together. This information has to be included within your doggy daycare business plan so your investors or the bank (and even yourself) will know how you and your partner plan to work together.

Make this section short and to the point. It's just a general overview of where you see your business in the first year and where you see it going in the future . Anyone reading your pet business plan is simply looking for the basics in this first section. The details will come later.

Who is your target clientele?

How to Write a Dog Daycare Business Plan

No dog related business will survive without customers and it is wise to market your business to your target clientele.

Your customers will likely be dog owners who are not home during the day to tend to their pet's needs. But what about seniors who have a hard time keeping up with energetic dogs? They may be interested in putting their pet in daycare a few days a week for some socialization and play time.

Think outside the box. There are many people that would like to use a dog daycare service, and you want to make sure your business appeals to all of them. This part of the plan should look something like this for the small doggie care mentioned above: The canine daycare will initially start to focus on potential customers that are in housing developments and apartment complexes which are within ½ mile of my home.

Scope of your dog daycare business

Planning for the scope of your business is one of the most essential things to keep in mind when learning how to write a dog daycare business plan. The first step is to decide where your place will be located. Will you run it out of your home or rent a commercial space?

Once you figure out how much space you'll need and/or have, you can decide how many dogs you're willing to take at one time. Maybe you only have the space for 4-6 dogs, or maybe you're renting a large commercial space with the ability to take 20 or more dogs each day. Just remember that the more dogs you watch, the more employees you'll need to care for them.

RELATED: How to Prepare Your Dog for Summer

This is also the place where you'll list the services that you're going to offer. Many dog daycare businesses offer bordering services, training programs, or grooming services to their customers as well. Is this something you're interested in? Will you provide these services yourself or partner with a professional trainer or dog groomer?

It's important to offer multiple services to broaden your customer base, but you don't want to offer too many. Make sure that you excel at the services that you provide, and if that means that you can only offer daycare and boarding in the beginning, that's fine. If you offer too many pet services, you may spread yourself too thin.

Keep in mind that the larger the scope of your dog business is, the more money it will cost to run it. Employee salaries and additional supplies add up quickly, and most commercial building's rent rates are based on the size of the space. Make sure to weight the additional costs against the extra money that a larger business will bring in.

How to finance your doggy daycare business

By the time you get to this part of the plan you will have a good idea what type of finances it will take to get your doggy daycare started. A general rule to follow here is to make sure you have enough financing in place to run the business without any revenue for 6 months. It may not take you that long to turn a profit, but in this case it is better to be safe than sorry. In terms of your own salary, this number varies greatly. A lot of future big business owners count for 3 years of no salary for themselves during the planning phase.

How to Write a Dog Daycare Business Plan

A majority of small businesses fail because they are underfunded during the startup phase. Surely you don't want to fall under this statistic.

None of your financial figures need to be set in stone, but you will need to have a good idea about what all your expenses will be. Remember, the more you plan for, the less surprises you'll have. You'll need to plan for large expenses like rent, utilities, equipment that you'll need to care for the dogs, and fencing. Once you have the final number, add an additional 20% on top of it for unexpected expenses.

Don't forget the expenses that aren't quite so obvious, like:

  • Office equipment
  • Furniture for you and your customers
  • Any renovation costs you may incur
  • Advertising and marketing expenses (including website design)

When figuring out how to write a dog daycare business plan, it is best to over-estimate your plan for potential expenses. You don’t want to underestimate and then have your business fail quickly because it was underfunded, or start desperately looking for extra funding. Do your research and be as accurate as possible, but make sure to leave yourself a little bit of wiggle room in terms of money. There are bound to be expenses that you didn’t plan for when starting your dog daycare business.

Advertising and marketing your doggy daycare business

Once you've selected the services that you'll offer and you have an estimate on the dog supplies, office supplies, utilities and other things that you'll be paying for, it's time to set your prices and begin advertising and marketing your new venture. You need to take this part very seriously, because better marketing and more ads mean more customers.

First things first, set the right pricing . You'll need to stay competitive with other dog daycare centers in your area. Call around to some other facilities and find out their rates. Your rates should be slightly less than theirs because you have no experience. Once you begin to build a reputation you can increase your prices.

How to Write a Dog Daycare Business Plan

Now onto advertising. It isn't just about television commercials, radio announcements and billboards. All those things are fine, if you can afford them. However, since most small businesses are working with a small budget, there are lots of ways to advertise that are cheaper than all of that.

Today's new advertising is marketing. Internet is the perfect platform for that: you can reach a huge customer base with very little investment (but a lot of time and hard work).

Getting creative can save you a lot of money when it comes to advertising and marketing. Once you've tried everything you could online – social media, your own website, reaching out to other sites, email marketing and so on – you can move onto the old-school methods which still work very effectively. My advice for the cheapest approach would be to print some fun doggy daycare related flyers and eye catching business cards and place them around your local area strategically. You can hang flyers in senior centers, coffee shops, grooming facilities , veterinarian offices and other places that dog owners who may need dog daycare will frequent.

You could also hand out flyers or business cards at your local dog park. If you are willing to put in some extra time you won't need to spend as much money. Thinking about your target market and the places that they will be mostly likely to see your advertisements will get you a lot farther than a generic television ad that will be viewed by hundreds of people that don't even own a dog.

Still, never forget the importance of a well made website and social media when advertising. In today's world most people look for services, whether for themselves or for their dogs, online. Establishing a website and advertising it through social media is a very inexpensive way to reach a large audience. Yet I still see so many dog businesses avoiding the online world, either with no websites and social media presence, or being very passive with their voice and having terrible and/or broken websites.

Internet is a holygrail of cheap marketing opportunities, so use it!

Legal responsibilities and management

Small doggy daycare business owners usually will run all the aspects of the business themselves. Larger pet daycares will most likely have employees and some type of management structure. Once you get to this part of the business plan you must state how many managers, employees, office personnel will be part of the day to day operations of the business. If you start with just yourself, that's fine too, but try to think a few steads ahead. Scaling should always be on your mind.

To go along with this you'll also need to include how you will care for all the legal responsibilities that a dog daycare owner has. This is the most important section of your business plan . Improper planning could result in major legal consequences for you, your employees and your clients.

Your legal responsibilities will vary depending on the region where you live in. Different states and cities have their own regulations that you'll need to follow.

Be sure that your doggy daycare business plan addresses the following points:

  • Your licensing and certification responsibilities
  • Liability waivers for your clients
  • Pet business insurance
  • Any specific laws in your region
  • Client contracts
  • Employee contracts

I cannot stress enough how important it is to properly plan for your dog business. Learning how to write a dog daycare business plan is only the first step. Now you need to do your research and create the most inclusive plan possible. Again, the better you plan now, the less surprises you'll have when actually launching your fresh pet venture.

References and further reading:

  • Permitting for pet and animal-related businesses
  • Guide to researching the doggie day care market
  • Plan Example #1 (PDF)
  • Plan Example #2  (PDF)
  • Plan Example #3 (PDF)
  • Woof Over Head Doggie Daycare and boarding
  • What Is the Cost to Start a Dog Daycare Business?
  • High-end doggy day care: No downsizing for Fido
  • Become a Dog Daycare Owner

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Dog Daycare Business Plan: The 2023 Getting Started Guide

dog day care business plan uk

While this guide covers the essentials, there is still much to delve into. You can navigate to specific sections if you already have a good understanding of what you're searching for, or continue reading from start to finish to gain a better understanding.

Get ready to give your furry friends a safe and comfortable home away from home!

How Does One Go About Starting a Doggy Daycare Business?

Before starting your dog daycare business, it's essential to have a clear understanding of several tried and tested concepts as it applies to building a business case and plan. To ensure a solid foundation for your new pet care business, you should begin by creating a detailed financial business plan.  

Profitability calculations will help you establish a path that best suits your situation and goals. To be able to make such calculations, you need to think about a few key questions: 1. What is my mission or goals? 

2. What is my branding and marketing strategy?

3. What kind of competition am I up against?

4. What location should I build my dog daycare business?

5. What licenses, rules and regulations should I be aware of?

6. How much money can I earn running a doggy daycare?

To investigate steps 1-5 a little further, check out our article about starting doggy daycare business  before reading on.

This article focuses on (the 6th step) the creation of your dog daycare business plan.

So how much can you earn running a doggy daycare? And is it worth it? Let's find out.

Will your dog daycare business be profitable?

Luckily it's an easy process to find out.

And we've made it even easier with a detailed calculator below . But first let's learn a little bit more about what we need to find out and plug into this tool.

To ensure profitability in your dog daycare business, it is crucial that the revenue generated from customer payments surpasses the costs associated with providing those services.

Expected Costs:

  • Maintenance
  • Salaries & Commissions
  • Dog food & Treats

For example: to calculate total monthly staff salaries: (# of staff ) x ($ staff hourly wage) x (# of hours per week) x (4.345 Weeks Per Month) x (# of Doggy Daycare Locations)

Note: There are on average 4.345 weeks per month in a given year.

Expected Revenues:

  • Doggy Daycare
  • Pet Sitting

For example: to calculate the Doggy Daycare Revenues: (Full-Day Daycare $ Rate) x (# Full-Day Services Completed Per Week) x  (4.345 Weeks Per Month) x (# of Doggy Daycare Locations).

Managing the numerous variables involved in operating a profitable dog daycare can be a challenging task. However, by using the appropriate equations and considerations, you can better understand and manage these factors.

These costs can be categorized into two broad categories: Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses and Cost of Goods Sold (COGS).

SG&A expenses are indirect costs that are not directly tied to the production of goods and services, such as salaries (facility workers like reception or cleaning staff, marketing and advertising expenses, legal and professional fees, rent and utilities, and other administrative expenses.

COGS , on the other hand, includes the direct costs associated with producing and selling goods, such as materials, labor, and overhead expenses directly tied to the production of services. More specifically, a professional groomer working out of your doggy daycare facility receives 70% commission  for any revenue you make from their services. This would go into the COGS.

Both SG&A and COGS are important metrics for measuring a company's financial performance and profitability, as they provide insight into the efficiency and success of a company's operations.

Calculating Profit from Revenues

Over a period of time, usually monthly: Gross Profit = Total Revenue - Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)

Gross profit is a key financial metric that measures a dog daycare's profitability after accounting for the direct costs of producing and

selling its goods or services. It is calculated as the difference between total revenue and the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS). Gross profit is expressed as a dollar amount and as a percentage of total revenue, and provides important information about the success of a doggy daycares core business operations. Gross profit is calculated by subtracting COGS from total revenue. For example, if a business generates $100,000 in total revenue that month and its groomers and pet sitters take a commission of 70% which is $70,000, its gross profit would be $30,000 ($100,000 - $70,000).

Gross profit is an important metric for evaluating a company's financial performance and profitability because it provides insight into the efficiency of a company's operations. 

Net Operating Profit

Over a period of time, usually monthly:

Net Operating Profit = Gross Profit - Indirect Costs (SG&A)

Net Operating Profit is a measure of a company's profitability that takes into account all operating expenses associated with running the business. It represents the amount of money a company earns after deducting all costs involved in producing and selling its products or services.

The net profit equation is calculated as follows:

Net Profit = Net Operating Profit - Non-Operating expenses 

Listed below are the more common non-operating expenses that a doggy daycare business owner needs to consider:

  • Interest expenses: This includes interest on loans or other debts the company has taken on.
  • Taxes: This includes any taxes the business may have to pay, such as income tax, property tax, or sales tax.
  • Depreciation: This is an accounting expense that reflects the wear and tear of the company's assets, such as its building, equipment, and vehicles.
  • Losses from investments: This includes losses from investments the company may have made in other businesses or financial instruments.
  • Legal fees: This includes fees associated with any legal matters the company may be involved in.
  • Bad debts: This includes any debts that the company is unable to collect from customers.
  • Amortization of intangible assets: This includes the expense associated with the gradual reduction in value of intangible assets, such as patents or trademarks.

dog day care business plan uk

How To Price Your Doggy Daycare Business?

When the net profit is positive, this means that the business is making more money than it is spending, but even then you need to consider whether the amount is worth your while.

If the net profit is negative, the business is losing money, and it is important to identify the reasons for this loss and take corrective action (maybe you overestimated a cost or underpriced a service or two).

Don't worry if all the above equations and factors seem complicated - Easy Busy Pets has taken care of everything for you. Our Doggy Daycare Profitability Calculator is here to help you analyze your approximate profits with ease.

Start your profit analysis now!

Key Factors For A Winning Dog Daycare Business Plan

✅strong branding, ✅understanding competition, ✅location, location, location.

These concepts are further discussed in a sister article about starting a doggy daycare business . 

✅Modern Doggy Daycare Software

Here at Easy Busy Pets, we are dedicated to delivering the ultimate dog daycare software experience for business owners like you. If you're looking for a top-notch solution to streamline your doggy daycare and grooming operations, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is ready and eager to provide you with more information and help you take your business to the next level. Contact us today !

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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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dog day care business plan uk

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  • Animal activities licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities
  • Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs

Dog day care licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities

Updated 1 October 2023

dog day care business plan uk

© Crown copyright 2023

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/animal-activities-licensing-guidance-for-local-authorities/dog-day-care-licensing-statutory-guidance-for-local-authorities

This guidance is for local authority inspectors in England. You should read it alongside the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 .

To decide if an activity is covered by the regulations and needs a licence to operate, you should consider all of the following guidance.

All dog day care activities need a licence if they’re carried out as a commercial business.

To decide if an activity is a business and will need a licence, consider if the operator:

  • makes any sale or carries out the activity to make a profit
  • earns any commission or fee from the activity

You should also consider HMRC’s 9 badges of trade .

If someone has a trading income below the HMRC trading income allowance , they do not require a licence for their activities.

If someone has a trading income above the HMRC trading income allowance, they do not automatically qualify as a business.

To be in scope, they must:

  • provide daytime housing for other people’s dogs, as part of, or as the only activity of, the business
  • arrange housing for other people’s dogs, for example, businesses which connect pet owners with people willing to look after their animals for no fee, just minor expenses, they must meet conditions in schedules 2 and 4 of the regulations

Every business must keep an up-to-date list of all their premises where they carry out activities covered by the LAIA 2018 regulations.

Activities that fulfil one or more of the following criteria do not require a licence:

  • vet’s practices where housing is part of the dog’s treatment
  • businesses that look after dogs in their owner’s homes, such as, dog sitters and dog walkers
  • a business that looks after dogs in a business owner’s own home - these companies are licensed under home boarding

Minimum standards

It is expected that all businesses will meet and maintain minimum standards. If on a renewal inspection you identify minor failings that do not compromise welfare standards, follow the risk-based approach to renewing a licence .

To grant a new animal activities licence for day care for dogs, you must check that businesses meet all of the minimum standards in this guidance.

Higher standards

Businesses that want to achieve a 4 or 5 star rating in the Animals activity star rating system must meet the higher standards in this guidance.

If a dog day care facility would like to qualify at the higher standards, the business must meet:

  • 100% of the required higher standards
  • 50% (or more) of the optional higher standards

If a business meets the higher standards, they qualify for a longer licence that’s valid for 2 or 3 years rather than for one year. They’ll also pay a lower licence fee.

Read the Animal activity licensing process guidance on the star rating system and how it incorporates a risk assessment of the business.

Part A – General conditions (Schedule 2 of the Regulations)

Paragraph numbers relate to the conditions in the schedules of the regulations.

1.0 Licence display

1.1 A copy of the licence must be clearly and prominently displayed on any premises used for the licensable activity.

The licence must be displayed in a public-facing area of the premises such as the entrance or reception area.

1.2 The name of the licence holder followed by the number of the licence holder’s licence must be clearly and prominently displayed on any website used in respect of the licensable activity.

2.0 Records

2.1 The licence holder must ensure that at any time all the records that the licence holder is required to keep as a condition of the licence are available for inspection by an inspector in a visible and legible form or, where any such records are stored in electronic form, in a form from which they can readily be produced in a visible and legible form.

2.2 The licence holder must keep all such records for at least 3 years beginning with the date on which the record was created.

Electronic records must be backed up.

3.0 Use, number and type of animal

3.1 No animals or types of animal other than those animals and types of animal specified in the licence may be used in relation to the relevant licensable activity.

This licence applies only to providing day care for dogs. If you are concerned about the welfare of other animals then you should inform the relevant person in the local authority, the police or a relevant animal welfare organisation.

3.2 The number of animals kept for the activity at any time must not exceed the maximum that is reasonable taking into account the facilities and staffing on any premises used for the licensable activity.

The licence must clearly state the maximum numbers of dogs that are allowed on the premises. If there are more dogs on the premises than stated on the licence, this is a breach of the licence, especially if not reflected in increased staffing levels.

You should take into account other dogs, such as, pets or retired dogs, when deciding on the appropriate number of animals for the licence. For instance, if an applicant has 3 pet dogs on site, they must be included in the figure.

4.0 Staffing

4.1 Sufficient numbers of people who are competent for the purpose must be available to provide a level of care that ensures that the welfare needs of all the animals are met.

The business must have enough staff to meet all dogs’ individual welfare needs fully.

Each member of staff should have 10 dogs or less to care for.

If welfare standards are not being met, consider if staffing levels are too low.

You should also take the following into account:

  • each dog must have 6 square metres of space available to them within the premises - this can include inside and outside space
  • the breed, age, health status, and needs of the dogs
  • staff qualifications and experience
  • other services offered by the facility and how these impact the staff’s time to look after the dogs
  • part-time staff and volunteers
  • the layout of the premises

4.2 The licence holder or a designated manager and any staff employed to care for the animals must have competence to identify the normal behaviour of the species for which they are caring and to recognise signs of and take appropriate measures to mitigate or prevent, pain, suffering, injury, disease or abnormal behaviour.

Staff must be trained in:

  • animal welfare, including recognising poor welfare
  • animal handling
  • animal behaviour
  • cleanliness and hygiene
  • feeding and preparing food
  • preventing and controlling disease
  • recognising sick or injured animals
  • giving first aid to sick or injured animals

There must be a record of all staff training.

Staff must either:

  • hold a formal qualification such as, a Level 2 qualification regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation ( Ofqual ) appropriate for their role
  • show they have relevant and sufficient knowledge and experience

Where no accredited training course exists for an activity, other evidence of training, such as industry generated courses, must be provided.

Staff who have taken an Ofqual regulated qualification must show that they have progressed with their study in a 12 month period, and must complete the qualification within 2 years.

4.3 The licence holder must provide and ensure the implementation of a written training policy for all staff.

The training policy must be reviewed and updated annually, and must include:

  • an annual appraisal
  • planned continued professional development
  • recognition of any knowledge gaps

This applies to all staff including the licence holder.

Staff participation can be shown by:

  • records of the courses they are taking
  • records of written or online learning
  • keeping up to date with any research or developments for specific breeds
  • annual appraisal documents

Evidence of staff attendance or completion of the training must be provided.

Optional higher standard for staffing

There must be at least one full-time member of staff per 8 dogs.

There must be a member of permanent, full-time staff with an appropriate Ofqual regulated Level 3 qualification

There must be a structured training programme for staff that specifically addresses canine behaviour in a day care environment

5.0 Suitable environment

5.1 All areas, equipment and appliances that animals can access must present minimal risks of injury, illness and escape.

They must be constructed in materials that are:

  • safe and durable
  • in a good state of repair
  • well-maintained

The interior and exterior of the buildings must be maintained in good repair. Outer paths, gardens, exercise areas and general surroundings must be kept in a good, clean, presentable condition.

There must not be any sharp edges, projections, rough edges or other hazards which could injure a dog.

Timber must be good quality and well kept. Any damaged areas must be sealed or over-clad. Exposed wood must be smooth, treated, properly maintained and waterproof. All structural exterior wood such as fence posts must be properly treated against wood rot, for example tanalised. Only non-toxic products may be used.

There must be no standing water from cleaning or urine. Drainage must be permanently unblocked, with liquids able to run off into drains immediately.

Drain covers in areas where dogs have access must be secure and designed and located to prevent toes or claws from being caught.

All interior surfaces that dogs can access must be cleaned regularly and maintained in good order and repair. Wherever possible, interior surfaces must be smooth, waterproof and able to be cleaned. Floors must be non-hazardous for dogs to walk on, in particular to avoid slipping.

Doors, gates and windows to the outside must be:

  • escape proof
  • able to be secured and locked - those involved in the care of the dogs must have easy access to keys or key code in case of emergency
  • strong enough to resist impact and scratching, and to prevent injury

There must be at least 2 secure physical barriers (door or gates) between a dog and any entrance or exit to the property to the outer curtilage to avoid escape.

Fencing must be:

  • strong and rigid
  • sufficient height
  • in good repair to prevent an escape

Gaps or apertures must be small enough to prevent a dog’s head passing through, or entrapment of any limb or body parts. Square mesh size must not exceed 50 millimetres by 50 millimetres and for chain link it must not exceed 75 millimetres by 50 millimetres. The diameter of the wire must not be thinner than 2 millimetres (British Standard 14 gauge welded mesh).

Electrical sockets and appliances in the dog designated rooms and where dogs have access must be secure and protected against damage.

5.2 Animals must be kept at all times in an environment suitable to their species and condition (including health status and age) with respect to:

(a) their behavioural needs

(b) its situation, space, air quality, cleanliness and temperature

(c) the water quality (where relevant)

(d) noise levels

(e) light levels

(f) ventilation

Dogs must not be kept in areas where the temperature may cause them distress. The area where dogs sleep should be above an absolute minimum of 10°C and below a maximum of 26°C.

Dogs must be checked to see if they are too hot or too cold. If a dog is showing signs of discomfort, steps must be taken for its welfare. A dog must be able to move away from a direct source of heat.

Inside areas must be well ventilated to avoid excess humidity, but without creating excessive localised draughts.

Heaters and electrical equipment must not be placed where they could burn, electrocute or give an electric shock to a dog or human. They must not be placed where they can start a fire. Open fires and wood burners must have protection or fire guards in place.

Dogs must not be exposed to excessive noise.

Dogs must have exposure to natural light for at least some parts of the day.

The sleeping or rest area must provide the dog with at least twice the area required for the dog to lie flat.

A dog must not be put in a crate for longer than one hour in any 8-hour period. They must only be crated if it forms part of the dog’s normal routine. The dog’s owner must have consented to the use of the crate.

5.3 Staff must make sure that the animals are kept clean and comfortable.

There must be enough clean resting places for every dog to be comfortable and warm.

Dogs should be adequately groomed and have other routine care, such as being dried after being outside in wet conditions and inspected for parasites.

5.4 Where appropriate for the species, a toileting area and opportunities for toileting must be provided.

Dogs must have regular opportunities during the day for toileting. Each dog’s individual needs should be taken into account.

Where the facility is indoor-only there must be a suitable area provided with a range of substrates to encourage toileting. Individual dogs which do not toilet indoors must be given regular opportunities to toilet outdoors.

5.5 Procedures must be in place to make sure housing and any equipment is cleaned as often as necessary and good hygiene standards are maintained. The housing must be capable of being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

All furnishings must be inspected daily and kept in a clean condition, in accordance with the facility’s documented cleaning and disinfection procedure.

Faeces must be removed from all areas as often as necessary and at least twice a day.

Dogs must be moved from the area while it’s being cleaned.

Where there is a pest problem, a pest control programme must be put into place.

5.6 The animals must be transported and handled in a manner (for example, in relation to housing, temperature, ventilation and frequency) that protects them from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

All animals must be transported according to the regulations laid down in current legislation .

The licence holder must demonstrate that a suitable vehicle is available to transport the dogs. It does not have to be owned by the licence holder.

During transport, dogs must be restrained using a dog crate, transport harness or dog guard. Dog crates need to be large enough so that the dog can stand, lie down and turn around freely inside. Crates must be well ventilated and firmly secured.

Vehicles must be cleaned and disinfected after collecting or delivering any new dogs.

Dogs must be collected from or delivered to houses on a lead.

Dogs must not be left in vehicles for unreasonable periods. They must never be left unattended in a car or other vehicle where the temperature may risk the comfort and safety of the animal. The driver must think about whether it’s necessary to transport animals when the temperature poses a risk.

Sufficient breaks must be offered for water, food and the chance to go to the toilet.

5.7 All the animals must be easily accessible to staff and for inspection. There must be sufficient light for the staff to work effectively and observe the animals.

There must be good light in all areas of the facility where the dogs can go, to allow staff to work and observe the dogs.

This must be natural light where possible, but artificial light must also be available.

5.8 All resources must be provided in such a way (for example, as regards frequency, location, access points) that minimises competitive behaviour or the dominance of individual animals.

In a communal area, there must be multiple resources such as:

  • enrichment items
  • resting and sleeping areas

These items should number equal or greater than the number of dogs in any communal area.

Dogs must be monitored carefully especially at feeding times.

5.9 The animals must not be left unattended in any situation or for any period of time that is likely to cause them distress.

All dogs must be observed by trained and competent staff. This must happen regularly throughout the day as necessary for the health, safety and welfare of each dog.

Required higher standard for providing a suitable environment for dogs

The design and layout of the facility must give the dogs a choice of areas.

Optional higher standard for providing a suitable environment for dogs

Ventilation must be a managed, fixed or portable, air system to maintain temperatures in all weathers. This can be an air conditioning unit or removable fans installed safely away from animals.

6.0 Suitable diet

6.1 The animals must be provided with a suitable diet in terms of quality, quantity and frequency. Any new feeds must be introduced gradually to allow the animals to adjust to them.

If a dog needs to be fed during the day, they must be fed according to its individual needs. Any dietary requirements must be discussed and agreed with the owner.

Dogs must be separated for feeding unless the owner has given written consent allowing them to eat with others.

6.2 Feed and water intake must be monitored, and any problems recorded and addressed.

The amount of water a dog drinks must be checked. The owner must be told if the dog is drinking too much or not enough.

The facility must follow veterinary advice when feeding debilitated, underweight or ill dogs, or those with specific diets.

6.3 Feed and drinking water provided to the animals must be unspoilt and free from contamination.

Food bowls should be emptied and cleaned following feeding so that food, particularly wet food, is not left out until the next feeding time.

The facility must have fridges available to store dog food. Food must be stored away from vermin and in cool and dry places.

6.4 Feed and drinking receptacles must be capable of being cleaned and disinfected, or disposable.

The equipment used to serve food or drink to the dogs must be:

  • cleaned daily
  • disinfected at least once a week
  • disposed of or fixed if damaged

6.5 Constant access to fresh, clean drinking water must be provided in a suitable receptacle for the species that require it.

Dogs must have fresh, clean drinking water daily. The container must be clean and changed or refreshed as often as necessary.

There must be multiple water bowls. All dogs must have easy access to water.

6.6 Where feed is prepared at the premises, there must be hygienic facilities for its preparation including a working surface, hot and cold running water and storage.

There must be a separate hand wash basin with hot and cold water for staff to wash their hands. This needs to be connected to a drainage system.

Soap and hygienic hand drying facilities must also be available.

The food preparation area must be kept clean and free from vermin at all times.

Bowls or similar containers for a dog’s food and drink must not be used for any other purpose.

7.0 Monitoring behaviour and training

7.1 Active and effective environmental enrichment must be provided to the animals in inside and any outside environments.

A facility must create a written programme that shows how they provide an enriching environment. This must be agreed with the owner.

The programme will show how the facility will provide enrichment that includes:

  • socialisation

All dogs must receive toys and feeding enrichment unless a vet advises otherwise.

Items must be checked daily to ensure they stay safe and must not be left with dogs when staff are not on the premises.

Competition between dogs must be avoided.

7.2 For species whose welfare depends partly on exercise, opportunities to exercise that benefit the animal’s physical and mental health must be provided unless advice from a vet suggests otherwise.

If there’s no open space for the dogs to roam, they must have at least one walk per day. The facility must think about the dog’s age, physical and mental health and owner’s preference when planning daily exercise.

A dog walker may walk no more than 6 dogs at the same time. The owner must consent to their dog being walked with others. Dogs must be familiarised with each other beforehand.

Dogs that cannot be exercised must be given other forms of mental stimulation.

The outdoor area must be cleared of all hazards after each use. Faeces must be picked up between dogs using an area.

Where artificial turf is used, it must be kept in good repair and a dog must not be able to eat it.

Dogs must not be able to get to the bins. The outdoor or garden area of the facility and any other areas that the dogs can access must be secure and safe.

Dogs must not have unsupervised access to ponds, pools, wells and any other features that might pose a risk.

7.3 The animals’ behaviour and any changes of behaviour must be monitored. Advice must be sought, as appropriate and without delay, from a vet or, in the case of fish, any person competent to give such advice if adverse or unusual behaviour is detected.

All staff must be able to spot unusual behaviour, and in particular dogs that are anxious or fearful about contact.

The behaviour of each dog must be monitored every day. Changes of behaviour must be recorded and the owner must be told if there are signs of:

If a dog is showing signs of nerves, stress or fear, or is likely to, they should be taken somewhere suitable within the facility.

The staff should pay particular attention to dogs that are:

  • on medication

7.4 Where used, training methods or equipment must not cause pain, suffering, injury or fear.

Training must be reward based - rewarding good behaviour and ignoring unwanted behaviour.

7.5 All immature animals must be given suitable and adequate opportunities to:

(a) learn how to interact with people, their own species and other animals where such interaction benefits their welfare

(b) become habituated to noises, objects and activities in their environment

There must be written procedures in place for dogs that are under one year of age. They must be housed separately from older dogs unless the owner has given written consent for them to mix with other dogs.

Required higher standard for monitoring behaviour

There must be a clear plan setting out 2 walks per dog each day for a minimum of 20 minutes each or 2 sessions of access to a secure open area away from the kennel unit. There must be an alternative form of enrichment planned for dogs which cannot be exercised for veterinary reasons for the same periods of time.

8.0 Animal handling and interactions

8.1 All people responsible for the care of the animals must be competent in the appropriate handling of each animal to protect it from pain, suffering, injury or disease.

Dogs must always be handled humanely and in a way that is suitable for their individual needs. This is to minimise fear, stress, pain or distress. Dogs must never be punished so that they are frightened or display agitated behaviour.

Anyone caring for the dogs must be competent to handle dogs correctly. They must be able to recognise and act upon undesirable behaviours.

8.2 The animals must be kept separately or in suitable compatible social groups appropriate to the species and individual animals. No animals from a social species may be isolated or separated from others of their species for any longer than is necessary.

The day care facility must be able to separate dogs. Staff must consider the age, size and behaviour differences between dogs to minimise the risk of injuries.

If a dog exhibits any aggressive behaviour it must be separated from all other dogs in all settings.

Dogs which need to be kept away from other dogs must be given other forms of mental stimulation.

A written policy must be followed to monitor a new dog added to a group. This is to avoid stress to new or existing animals.

The facility must be able to keep new dogs away from others if needed. The facility will need to be able to show how they can do this.

8.3 The animals must have at least daily opportunities to interact with people where such interaction benefits their welfare.

Animals should be encouraged, but never be forced, to interact with people.

Dogs must interact with humans every day in a way that is of benefit to the individual dog.

9.0 Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease

9.1 Written procedures

(a) Written procedures must be in place and implemented covering:

(i) feeding regimes

(ii) cleaning regimes

(iii) transportation

(iv) the prevention of, and control of the spread of, disease

(v) monitoring and ensuring the health and welfare of all the animals

(vi) the death or escape of an animal (including the storage of carcasses)

(b) Written procedures must also be in place covering the care of the animals following the suspension or revocation of the licence or during and following an emergency

These procedures must show how the facility will meet these conditions.

9.2 All people responsible for the care of the animals must be made fully aware of these procedures.

9.3 Appropriate isolation, in separate self-contained facilities, must be available for the care of sick, injured or potentially infectious animals.

The facility must be able to isolate animals that are sick, injured, or infectious or might be carrying serious infectious diseases.

In a kennel environment, there must be isolation facilities for dogs with infectious diseases.

If the isolation facility is at another location, such as a local veterinary practice, the licence holder must be able to show evidence that this is ready to use (for example, a letter from the practice).

All staff must understand the procedures to prevent the spread of infectious disease between infected animals and the other dogs.

If infectious disease is present on the whole premises:

  • the facility must use barrier nursing procedures, and people trained in these
  • staff should wear protective clothing and footwear (where applicable) and change these between enclosures
  • equipment must be stored separately
  • waste must be segregated

Dogs showing signs of infectious disease must not be allowed in any shared outside exercise area.

Protective clothing and footwear must be worn when handling dogs in the isolation facility, and correct sanitation rules must be followed. Separate feeding and water bowls, bedding and cleaning utensils must be stored in the isolation facility ready for immediate use.

Staff must check on dogs in isolation at least as often as other dogs. Unless a separate person is looking after them, dogs in isolation must be checked after all other dogs.

9.4 All reasonable precautions must be taken to prevent and control the spread among animals and people of infectious disease, pathogens and parasites.

An up-to-date veterinary vaccination record must be seen to show that dogs, including resident dogs, have current vaccinations against:

  • canine parvovirus
  • canine distemper
  • infectious canine hepatitis (adenovirus)
  • leptospirosis
  • other relevant diseases

Vaccination against other diseases such as kennel cough (bordetella bronchiseptica or canine parainfluenza virus) may be required.

A vet certificate of a recent protective titre test may be accepted instead of a booster vaccination. The certificate must state that it is valid for the current period. It is up to the licence holder whether to accept such a certificate.

Primary vaccination courses must be completed at least 2 weeks before acceptance into day care.

Vaccines used must be licensed for use in the UK. Homeopathic vaccination is not acceptable.

If there is evidence of external parasites such as fleas, ticks or lice, the dog must be treated with an appropriate product authorised by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate ( VMD ) and licensed for use in the UK. Treatment must be discussed with a vet before giving it to the dog. The owner must consent to this.

9.5 All excreta and soiled bedding for disposal must be stored and disposed of in a hygienic manner and in accordance with any relevant legislation.

Dog waste and soiled bedding must be put in a clearly marked bin. This must be emptied either daily or when full, whichever is the sooner. Dog waste must be removed in accordance with the documented cleaning and disinfection procedure.

All dog waste must be stored away from areas where animals or food are kept.

9.6 Sick or injured animals must receive prompt attention from a vet or, in the case of fish, an appropriately competent person and the advice of that vet or, in the case of fish, that competent person must be followed.

If the facility’s trained first aider suspects that a dog is ill or injured, a vet must be contacted immediately. Any instructions for treatment must be recorded. If there is an ongoing concern, the facility must seek veterinary advice.

9.7 Where necessary, animals must receive preventative treatment by an appropriately competent person.

Any treatment must have:

  • consent of the owner
  • direction from a vet

9.8 The business must register with a vet with an appropriate level of experience in the health and welfare requirements of any animals specified in the licence and the contact details of that vet must be readily available to all staff on the premises used for the licensable activity.

The vet’s details must be displayed where they can be easily seen by all staff members.

This must include the vet’s:

  • telephone number
  • out of hours telephone number

The dog owner and licence holder must agree which vet will be used. This decision must be recorded.

9.9 Prescribed medicines must be stored safely and securely in a locked cupboard, at the correct temperature.

They must be used in accordance with the vet’s instructions.

All courses of treatment must be completed following the vet’s instructions,

Unused medications must be returned to the owner or prescribing vet. Medicines must be stored in a fridge at the correct temperature, where needed.

9.10 Medicines other than prescribed medicines must be stored, used and disposed of in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer or vet.

Medicine must only be used:

  • with the owner’s consent
  • following a discussion with a vet

9.11 Cleaning products must be suitable, safe and effective against pathogens that pose a risk to the animals.

They must be used, stored and disposed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and used in a way which prevents distress or suffering of the animals.

Cleaning and disinfection products must be used as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Disinfectant products must kill viruses as well as bacteria. Those using cleaning products must be competent in the safe use of detergents and fluids. Cleaning products must be kept entirely out of the reach of animals.

Standing water must not be allowed to accumulate. This is to avoid pathogens that live in moist environments.

Grooming equipment must be kept clean and in good repair. If provided by the owner, it must only be used on their dog and must be sent home with the dog.

Toys must be cleaned and disinfected after play or disposed of. If provided by the owner they must be sent home with the dog.

Any equipment that has been used on an infectious or suspected infectious animal must be cleaned and disinfected after use or disposed of.

9.12 No person may euthanise an animal except a vet or a person who has been authorised by a vet as competent for such purpose or:

(a) in the case of fish, a person who is competent for such purpose

(b) in the case of horses, a person who is competent, and who holds a licence or certificate, for such purpose

Only a vet may euthanise a dog. The licence holder must keep a record of all euthanasia, and the identity of the qualified vet that carried it out. The owner or designated main point of contact must be contacted to give consent. Unless essential for the welfare of the dog, euthanasia must not take place without consent.

9.13 All animals must be checked at least once daily or more regularly as necessary to check for any signs of pain, suffering, injury, disease or abnormal behaviour. Vulnerable animals must be checked more frequently.

9.14 Any signs of pain, suffering, injury, disease or abnormal behaviour must be recorded and the advice and further advice (if necessary) of a vet (or in the case of fish, of an appropriately competent person) must be sought and followed.

Records and any checklists must be made available to inspectors.

Presence or absence of faeces and urine must be monitored daily. Anything unusual must be recorded and acted upon.

10.0 Emergencies

10.1 A written emergency plan, acceptable to the local authority, must be in place, known and available to all the people on the premises used for the licensable activity. It must be followed where necessary to ensure appropriate steps are taken to protect all the people and animals on the premises in case of fire or in case of breakdowns for essential heating, ventilation and aeration or filtration systems or other emergencies.

Entrances and fire exits must be clear of obstructions at all times.

Suitable firefighting, prevention and detection equipment must be provided and maintained in good working order.

All buildings must have at least one working smoke detector (or other suitable fire detection system) installed in a suitable location on each separate level or floor of the property. There must be at least one carbon monoxide detector.

An emergency drill programme must be in place with annual testing, or as determined by fire risk assessments. All new members of staff must have an emergency drill as part of their induction programme.

A first aid kit suitable for treatment of dogs must be kept on site.

There must be a plan to house the dogs should the premises become uninhabitable.

There must be a written policy in place for dealing with emergencies, including extremes of hot and cold temperatures and abnormal weather conditions.

All electrical installations must be installed by a qualified person and maintained in a safe condition. They should be placed where they do not present a risk.

All equipment must be maintained, kept in good repair and serviced according to manufacturer’s guidelines.

10.2 The plan must include details of the emergency measures to be taken for the extrication of the animals should the premises become uninhabitable and an emergency telephone list that includes the fire service and police.

10.3 External doors and gates must be lockable.

10.4 A designated key holder with access to all animal areas must at all times be within reasonable travel distance of the premises and available to attend in an emergency.

An emergency contact name and number must be displayed on the outside of the premises.

A reasonable distance would, in normal conditions, be interpreted as no more than 30 minutes travelling time.

Part B – Specific conditions: providing day care for dogs (schedule 4, part 4 of the regulations)

20.0 no overnight stays.

20.1 Keeping dogs overnight is not permitted.

The premises must be a fixed location.

21.0 Suitable environment

21.1 Each dog must be provided with:

(a) a clean, comfortable and warm area where it can rest and sleep

(b) another secure area in which water is provided and in which there is shelter

21.2 Each dog must have access to areas where it can:

(a) interact safely with other dogs, toys and people

(b) urinate and defecate

21.3 There must be an area where any dog can avoid seeing other dogs and people if it so chooses.

This can be done by using open crates, screening with blankets as well as by separate areas.

22.0 Suitable diet

22.1 Any dog that requires specific feed due to a medical condition must be fed in isolation.

Dogs must be fed to meet the individual dog’s needs and with the owner’s written consent.

23.0 Monitoring behaviour and training

23.1 All dogs must be screened before being admitted to the premises to ensure that they are not afraid, anxious or stressed in the presence of other dogs or people and do not pose a danger to other dogs or staff.

You must keep a record of each screening you do.

23.2 Any equipment used that is likely to be in contact with the dogs or any toys provided must not pose a risk of pain, suffering, disease or distress to the dog and must be correctly used.

Leads must be removed if they’re a risk to the dog when in the day care facility. Any items that come into your facility with a dog must be recorded and checked for safety. This includes any toys, which must be safe and in good condition.

Optional higher standard for monitoring behaviour

Dogs must receive beneficial human interactions throughout the day and these must be documented.

24.0 Housing apart from other dogs

24.1 Unneutered bitches must be prevented from mating.

When in season, unneutered bitches must be prevented from mating.

  • be separated from male dogs
  • not be kept where male dogs can see, hear and (where possible) smell them

24.2 Dogs which need to be isolated from other dogs must be provided with alternative forms of mental stimulation.

When this happens, you must:

  • tell the owners if their dog needs to be kept away from others and show them how you’ll do that
  • provide the dogs with other forms of mental stimulation, such as a range of toys and enrichment equipment

Isolated dogs must be provided with a dedicated range of toys and other enrichment equipment to encourage species typical behaviour.

25.0 Records

25.1 A register must be kept of all the dogs on the premises which must include:

(a) the date of the dog’s attendance

(b) the dog’s name, age, sex, neuter status, microchip number and a description of it or its breed

(c) the name, postal address, telephone number (if any) and email address (if any) of the owner and emergency contact details

(d) the name and contact details of the dog’s normal vet and details of any insurance relating to the dog

(e) details of the dog’s relevant medical and behavioural history, including details of any treatment administered against parasites and any restrictions on exercise

(f) details of the dog’s diet and relevant requirements

(g) any required consent forms

(h) a record of the date and dates of the dog’s most recent vaccination, worming and flea treatments

(i) details of any medical treatment the dog is receiving

25.2 When outside the premises, each dog must wear an identity tag which includes the licence holder’s name and contact details.

26.0 Protection from pain, injury, suffering and disease

26.1 The dogs must be supervised at all times.

26.2 A preventative healthcare plan agreed with the vet with whom the licence holder has registered under paragraph 9(8) of Schedule 2 must be implemented.

26.3 Any journeys in a vehicle must be planned to minimise the time dogs spend in the vehicle.

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How to write a business plan for your dog daycare center.

business plan for a dog daycare center

Starting a dog daycare center is a great idea because it provides a safe and fun environment for dogs to socialize and exercise during the day while their owners are away.

Additionally, it offers a convenient and reliable service for busy pet owners who may not have the time to look after their dogs during the day.

But, before launching anything, make sure you have a business plan in place.

A business plan is essential to any successful project, especially when starting a new business. It outlines your vision, goals, and strategies, as well as providing a roadmap for the future. A well-crafted business plan can help you anticipate potential obstacles and plan for success.

In short, a good business plan will help ensure the profitability of your dog daycare center .

What should you include in the business plan for a dog daycare center? What's the ideal arrangement for the structure? What metrics should be considered for the financial assessment? What are some steps I can follow to quickly create a business plan?

Exciting news! The forthcoming article holds all the answers to these questions!

One last thing: you can avoid starting your business plan from scratch.

Instead, you can download our editable business plan for a dog daycare center and modify it to meet your specifications.

business plan dog hotel

How to craft an elaborate business plan for a dog daycare center

Is it worthwhile to invest time in a business plan for your dog daycare center.

Yes, you should invest time in creating a business plan for your dog daycare center to ensure it is successful.

Structuring a reliable business plan will give you the means to:

  • get familiar with the dog daycare market
  • stay informed about current trends and integrate them into your project
  • narrow down what makes a dog daycare center successful
  • understand the daily routine, play preferences, and socialization needs of dogs in daycare
  • find a great unique value proposition for your canine day-care facility
  • assess competitive positioning
  • find competitive advantages for your dog daycare center
  • find a business model that will generate positive cash flows
  • implement a well-crafted and strategic action plan for growth
  • evaluate risks associated with running a dog daycare center, including animal behavior, safety protocols, and liability for pet injuries

Our team has drafted a business plan for a dog daycare center that is designed to make it easier for you to achieve all the elements listed.

How to organize a business plan for a dog daycare center?

There's a lot of valuable information, content, numbers, and financial data in a business plan. It should be arranged in a way that makes it simple to read and comprehend.

When we designed our business plan for a dog daycare center , we took care to arrange it appropriately.

The content is arranged in 5 sections (Opportunity, Project, Market Research, Strategy and Finances).

1. Market Opportunity

The first section is named "Market Opportunity."

This section presents an in-depth analysis and statistics regarding the dog daycare market, offering valuable insights to entrepreneurs in the pet care industry.

We update this section often to keep the data fresh.

2. Project Presentation

The "Project" section is dedicated to describing your dog daycare center, including the spacious play areas, experienced staff, and unique value proposition that provides a safe and enjoyable environment for dogs.

Also include a short description about yourself at the end of this section.

Explain your love for dogs, your experience in pet care, and how you plan to create a safe and engaging environment for dogs at your daycare center. Highlight your dedicated play areas, your qualified staff, and your commitment to providing stimulating activities and personalized care that keep dogs happy, healthy, and socialized through your dog daycare center.

We put together some text in our business plan. Adapt it to fit your concept precisely.

3. Market Research

Following that, we have the "Market Research" section.

This section describes the target audience for your dog daycare center.

It includes a comprehensive analysis of competitors in the pet care industry and emphasizes your center's competitive advantages.

A tailored SWOT analysis is provided as well.

4. Strategy

Within the "Strategy" section, a 3-year development plan is outlined, specifying the necessary initiatives to make your dog daycare center highly profitable.

Moreover, this section encompasses a marketing strategy for a dog daycare center, a risk management approach, and a completed Business Model Canvas.

5. Finances

In summary, you'll find the "Finances" section, which presents all the financial data for your project.

business plan dog daycare center

How to elaborate the Executive Summary for a dog daycare center?

The Executive Summary provides an initial glimpse into the business plan of your dog daycare center.

Keep it concise and within 2 pages. Highlight only the necessary details.

When you show your business plan to investors, this is the first glimpse they will get. It needs to immediately grab their attention and make them want to read the rest of the plan.

In the Executive Summary of your dog daycare center, provide answers to these questions: what services does your dog daycare center provide? who is your target audience? are there other dog daycare centers in the area? what funding do you require?

How to do the market analysis for a dog daycare center?

Analyzing the market for your dog daycare center allows you to gain insights into factors such as customer preferences for pet daycare services, competition from other daycare facilities, and emerging trends in pet care.

By conducting a comprehensive market study, a dog daycare center can understand pet owner needs, create a safe and engaging environment, implement competitive pricing strategies, and execute targeted marketing campaigns, ultimately leading to a loyal customer base, increased pet admissions, and a prominent position in the local pet care market.

Here is what what we've put in the "Market Research" section of our business plan for a dog daycare center :

  • current data and statistics on dog daycare centers, including enrollment rates, services offered, and pet care trends
  • a list of potential market segments for a dog daycare center
  • the competitor evaluation
  • the potential competitive advantages for a dog daycare center

business plan dog daycare center

The key points of the business plan for a dog daycare center

What's the business model of a dog daycare center, business model of a dog daycare center.

A dog daycare center's business model centers around providing day-time care, socialization, and exercise for dogs. Revenue is generated through daycare fees, potentially offering additional services such as grooming or training classes.

The business model focuses on providing a safe and supervised dog play environment, employing trained staff, ensuring individualized care for each dog, effective marketing to target dog owners, and building strong customer relationships based on trust and care for their furry companions.

Success depends on maintaining a low staff-to-dog ratio, creating engaging and stimulating activities, delivering exceptional customer service, fostering positive dog-owner interactions, and maintaining a reputation for a fun and caring dog daycare experience.

Business model ≠ Business plan

Make sure you don't mix up the terms "business plan" and "business model."

A business model outlines the way a company creates value, generates revenue, and operates.

In a business plan, you use a tool called the Business Model Canvas to outline how your business works.

And, of course, there is a Business Model Canvas (already completed) in our business plan for a dog daycare center .

How do you identify the market segments of a dog daycare center?

Segmenting the market for your dog daycare center involves dividing your potential customers into different groups based on their dog care needs, demographics, and scheduling preferences.

These categories may include factors such as full-day daycare, half-day daycare, puppy daycare, or clients seeking specialized care (e.g., senior dogs, specific breeds).

By segmenting your market, you can offer a range of daycare programs and services that cater to each segment's specific requirements. For example, you might provide full-day daycare options for busy pet owners, offer half-day daycare for clients seeking shorter care periods, create a dedicated puppy daycare program for young and energetic dogs, or offer specialized care for senior dogs with specific needs.

Market segmentation allows you to effectively target your marketing efforts, provide a safe and stimulating environment for dogs, and build trust with pet owners by offering tailored daycare solutions that meet the unique needs of each customer segment.

In the business plan for a dog daycare center , you will find a complete market segmentation that allows you to identify your potential customers effectively.

How to conduct a competitor analysis for a dog daycare center?

Without surprise, you won't be the only dog daycare center in your city. There will be other facilities offering safe and enjoyable environments for dogs.

Make sure to conduct a comprehensive competitor analysis in your business plan, where you evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.

Explore their weaknesses (such as inadequate dog supervision, lack of structured activities, or poor sanitation practices).

Why should you focus on these elements? Well, these weaknesses can hinder the success of dog daycare centers. By addressing these aspects, you can provide a safe and stimulating environment for dogs, offer experienced and trained staff, and deliver personalized care and attention to each dog, positioning your dog daycare center as a trusted and preferred choice for dog owners seeking quality daycare and socialization for their pets.

It's what we call competitive advantages—strengthening them helps your business excel.

Here are some examples of competitive advantages for a dog hotel: safe and comfortable pet accommodations, experienced and caring staff, fun activities for dogs.

How to draft a SWOT analysis for a dog hotel?

A SWOT analysis can help identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of a dog daycare center, allowing the owners to make informed decisions about how to best achieve success.

As you can guess, there is indeed a completed and editable SWOT matrix in our business plan for a dog daycare center

The strengths for a dog daycare center

When we mention the "S" in SWOT, we mean Strengths, which are the project's internal qualities or distinctive features.

For a dog daycare center, potential strengths could include experienced staff, a safe and secure environment, a variety of activities and amenities, and a convenient location.

The weaknesses for a dog daycare center

When we use the "W," we mean Weaknesses, which are the aspects of the project that need further attention.

For a dog daycare center, potential weaknesses could include inadequate staffing, lack of proper training, insufficient space, and inadequate insurance coverage.

The opportunities for a dog daycare center

The "O" in SWOT symbolizes Opportunities, indicating the potential advantages or favorable factors that can support the project.

In the case of a dog daycare center, potential opportunities could include offering boarding services, providing basic grooming services, offering dog training classes, and hosting doggie playdates.

The threats for a dog daycare center

When we talk about the "T" in SWOT, we're referring to Threats, which are the external risks or negative factors that can impact the project's success.

How to develop a marketing plan for a dog hotel?

Including a marketing strategy in your business plan is important to attract customers and generate revenue.

A dog hotel can attract pet owners in need of professional and reliable pet boarding services by implementing a targeted marketing strategy that showcases the hotel's comfortable accommodations, experienced staff, and personalized care for furry guests.

Pet owners won't trust your dog hotel without proper promotion; emphasizing the comfortable accommodations, personalized care, and dedicated staff is crucial.

Have you explored marketing approaches to attract customers to your dog hotel? Consider offering luxury pet accommodations or personalized pet care services, showcasing adorable pet photos on social media, and collaborating with local pet groomers or veterinarians for cross-promotion.

No need to worry if you're short on ideas for your project's marketing strategy.

How to build financial projections for a dog hotel?

A comprehensive business plan requires a thorough analysis of financial data to ensure its success.

As part of your business planning process, you'll be required to predict the revenue for your dog daycare center.

Ensuring a revenue forecast that is relevant and credible is key to presenting a robust business plan to potential banks or investors.

Our financial plan for a dog daycare center is designed to be user-friendly, incorporating automatic verifications that assist in identifying and correcting any assumptions. This ensures you can build credible projections with confidence.

Without a doubt, you'll need to come up with a basic budget for starting your dog daycare center. Make sure to include every expense (by the way, they are all listed in the financial plan we've made).

Including the break-even analysis in your financial plan is important as it shows whether your dog daycare center will generate profits or not.

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Dog Daycare Business Plan Template

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What You Get

  • A compelling & detailed pre-written Dog Daycare business plan template in WORD
  • A full & automatic Dog Daycare financial plan model in EXCEL you can easily customize
  • Customized text tailored to the Pet Daycare business
  • The ability to paste advanced charts and tables within a click
  • No accounting or specialized financial knowledge needed
  • A truly low-cost solution saving you time and money

Dog Daycare Business Plan Template Description

dog daycare business plan with financials

Are you looking to launch a Dog Daycare venture? If yes, then you must create a business plan with financial projections to be able to properly plan a successful launch, and ultimately impress potential investors.

Our ready-made Dog Daycare business plan package is your most cost-effective solution to achieve these goals. It includes a pre-written business plan in Word and an automatic financial plan spreadsheet in Excel tailored to the Pet Daycare business. The good news is that you can easily customize these documents and tailor them to your own project.

Save tons of time and money and download our investor-grade Dog Daycare business plan template, no advanced financial or accounting expertise is required.  

dog day care business plan uk

Dog Daycare Business Plan Document in Word

Our ready-made Dog Daycare business plan template is in Word format and includes 23 pages. The document is divided into multiple sections. Each section contains the essential points that are necessary to effectively present your Dog Daycare project. Each section and sub-section offer you a sample text that you can easily customize to make your business plan unique. Below is a small excerpt from your pre-written Dog Daycare business plan in Word.  

dog daycare business plan template in Word

Automatic Dog Daycare Financial Model in Excel

Our pre-populated financial model is in Excel format and includes multiples worksheets. You can easily edit the model’s inputs including changing costs and revenue assumptions to generate pro-forma financial forecasts including P&L, Cash flows and Balance Sheets. Below is a small extract from your pre-made Dog Daycare financial plan in Excel.

dog daycare financial plan template in Excel

The Benefits of Creating a Business Plan for your Pet Daycare Project

Clarifying goals and objectives: Planning your business forces you to think through your goals and objectives for your Dog Daycare project. By doing so, you can better understand what you want to achieve and develop a clear plan for how to get there.

Identifying potential challenges: A business plan can help you identify potential challenges and risks that you may face when starting and operating a Dog Daycare business. By identifying these challenges early on, you can develop strategies to mitigate them and ensure the long-term success of your business.

Understanding your market and competition: A Dog Daycare business plan requires you to research and analyze your market and competition. This information allows you to better understand your target customers and develop a competitive advantage in your local market.

Creating a roadmap for growth: Consider your business plan as a roadmap for the growth and development of your Dog Daycare business. By outlining specific strategies for growth and expansion, you can ensure that your business is well-positioned to capitalize on new opportunities and navigate any challenges that may arise.

Securing funding: Finally, a well-written Dog Daycare business plan can be a critical tool for securing funding from investors or lenders. It demonstrates that you have a clear vision for your business and a plan for how to achieve your goals, which can increase your chances of getting funding.

This Ready-Made Pet Daycare Business Plan is For

  • Entrepreneurs wishing to start a Dog Daycare business
  • Aspiring Pet Daycare owners who want to create a business plan fast and easy
  • Pet caregivers who wish to pitch their dog daycare project to investors
  • Pet care professionals who wish to better understand the potential of the opportunity

Immediate Delivery by Email

  • Once you complete the order, you will receive an email with links to download your documents
  • Your order will contain the full pre-written business plan in Word
  • Your order will contain the full customizable financial model in Excel

Your Dog Daycare Business Plan Content

Executive summary.

Our Dog Daycare business plan template starts with a compelling Executive Summary. This key section is very important as it summarizes in 1 page your Dog Daycare concept. It will introduce your business model, the key people behind the project as well as the unique selling proposition offered by your Dog Daycare concept. This section will also mention how market conditions and consumer trends are favorable for launching your project.

The Problem Opportunity

Next, your ready-made Dog Daycare business plan will list a number of problems experienced by your prospects in your target market and will show how this presents a unique opportunity for your Dog Daycare. These can include issues such as the lack of good Dog Daycares in a certain location, undifferentiated offering by current actors in the market…etc.

The Solution

This section explains how your Dog Daycare will take advantage of the current problems in the market and will detail your innovative solutions.

Mission & Vision

Your mission will explain in a couple of sentences your Dog Daycare’s reason for existence. In other words, it will summarize your unique value proposition and will explain how you are different than the competition. Your vision will explain the long-term plans for your Dog Daycare project. Are you planning to start with one branch today and expand to a multi-branch business model? Are you looking to transform your Dog Daycare business into a franchise model?…etc.

Business Model

This section details your Dog Daycare project using the business model canvas method. In a visually appealing table, we will detail your Dog Daycare’s key partners, activities, resources, value proposition, customer segments, customer relationship plan, marketing channels, cost structure and revenue streams.

Products & Services

Next, we will talk in detail about your offering including your pet daycare services, pet boarding and grooming…etc. We will also include your rate card and fees.

Market Analysis

This important section describes the various market statistics and consumer trends in the pet care and explains how they support your own Dog Daycare concept. The purpose of this section is to show that the market conditions are favorable for launching your new Dog Daycare.

Global Market Trends

In this sub-section of the market analysis, we will discuss the latest general market trends in the pet care industry. We will look at the global industry size, growth rate, growth diving factors and consumer trends.

Local Market Trends

This sub-section explains the local market trends that are relevant to your specific Dog Daycare business.

Target Customers

In this section, we will describe your various customer profiles by providing information about their demographics, behavior and purchasing habits.

Competitive Analysis

We will analyze key competitors active in your target market and provide insights about their strengths and weaknesses.

Competitive Advantages

After looking at the competitive landscape, we will then show how your Dog Daycare business is differentiating itself from the competition through a number of key advantages.

SWOT Analysis

This section features a 4-quadrant table with explanations about how your Dog Daycare intends to leverage its key strengths, mitigate weaknesses, capture opportunities and thwart any future threats.

Marketing Plan

This chapter provides detailed information about your go-to-market strategy. It includes a detailed action plan to help you build brand awareness and generate sales.

Branding & Awareness

We will describe in this sub-section your choice of key marketing channels to build branding and awareness.

Customer Acquisition

We will describe in this sub-section your choice of key marketing channels to acquire customers and increase sales.

Operating Plan

This chapter provides information about your Dog Daycare’s opening hours, internal processes and describes the interactions between various key departments and teams.

Management Team

It is very important to present the key people behind your Dog Daycare project and thus we have dedicated a section for this very purpose. It is also important to talk here about the founder’s vision, his past education and professional experience.

Hiring Plan

No business can succeed without having on board the right team. This section lists all the key positions you plan to hire with information about their salaries and expected start dates.

Key Milestones

To be able to launch and execute your Dog Daycare project, you need to follow a set of actionable tasks with target deadlines. This section serves this purpose.

Financial Plan

Without a robust financial plan, your Dog Daycare business plan would be an incomplete document. This important section provides crucial information about your pro-forma financial projections and shows that you have really done your homework. The data mentioned in this and the following sections will be provided by the dynamic Excel financial model accompanying your Dog Daycare business plan.

Projected Revenue

This module shows your Dog Daycare’s revenue projections over the next three years.

Projected Profit and Loss

This module shows your Dog Daycare’s income statement (also called profit and loss statement) over the next three years. Your income statement includes detailed projections about your sales and expenses and shows how your Dog Daycare’s revenue is converted into a net profit.

Projected Cash Flows

This module shows your Dog Daycare’s cash flow projections over the next three years. The first year of operation is even detailed on a monthly basis. Your cash flow statement will detail the various cash inflows your Dog Daycare will generate from its day to day operations and from funding sources, as well as the various cash outflows required to pay for operating expenses and business investments.

Projected Balance Sheet

This module shows your Dog Daycare’s balance sheet projections over the next three years. The balance sheet will provide a summary of your Dog Daycare’s short term and long term assets in addition to your short term and long term liabilities and capital.

Profitability Analysis

In this section, we will provide information about your gross margin, net margin and discuss the profitability of your Dog Daycare business.

Funding Requirement

This module states the amount of funding your need to be able to comfortably launch your Dog Daycare business. It also describes the planned allocation of the funds between Opex and Capex.

Finally, we will conclude your business plan by recapitulating the key points that make your Dog Daycare project compelling and reiterate the rationale behind your business opportunity.

Why Use our Ready-Made Dog Daycare Business Plan?

  • Speed & Convenience:  Once you complete your order, you will receive the Dog Daycare business plan directly in your mailbox. Since it is already pre-written with fully customizable financials, you will only need to spend a couple of hours to edit it and adapt it to your own Dog Daycare project.
  • High Quality:  Your Dog Daycare business plan has been written by our professional team of business plan writers in collaboration with experts from the pet care industry. You will receive a professional Dog Daycare business plan template ideal for presenting to potential investors or banks.
  • Low-Cost:  Our pre-written business plan template is the most cost-effective solution in case you need to build a solid and professional Dog Daycare business plan. We are confident you will save hundreds if not thousands of dollars by ordering our premium business plan compared to hiring a consultant or subscribing to complicated and expensive software.

If you have any question regarding our ready-made Dog Daycare business plan package,  do not hesitate to contact us , we are here to help.

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How to Write a Dog Grooming Business Plan + Free Sample Plan PDF

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Elon Glucklich

8 min. read

Updated February 20, 2024

Download a free one-page dog grooming sample business plan

The bond between humans and their canine companions has always been strong. But spurred by increases in dog ownership across the U.S. , household spending on pets has risen in recent years.

The $5.4 billion global pet grooming services market is projected to grow at a 7% annual rate through 2030, creating new opportunities for dog-loving entrepreneurs to turn their passion into a business opportunity.

Whether you’re starting a boutique grooming salon or a mobile grooming service—a business plan can significantly increase your chances of success.

Download a free dog grooming sample business plan and complete it as you work through this guide.

  • What should you include in a dog grooming business plan?

Here are the common sections to consider when writing your dog grooming business plan.

  • Executive summary
  • Market analysis
  • Services and products
  • Marketing and sales strategy
  • Operations plan
  • Company summary
  • Financial plan and forecasts

The details of your plan will differ based on factors like the services you offer, whether you hire full-time employees or contractors, and whether your business is based in a brick-and-mortar building or goes to clients’ homes.

Check out our step-by-step guide to writing a full business plan for more details.

A sample dog grooming business plan outline.

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  • The 8 elements of an effective dog grooming business plan

Don’t make your dog grooming business plan longer than it needs to be . If you’re writing it for yourself, stick with a few pages and cover the aspects that will help you run your business.

But if you’re writing the plan because you’re seeking a bank loan or investment , it will likely need to be more detailed.

1. Executive summary

The executive summary is a concise overview of your dog grooming business plan. The executive summary should briefly touch on your company overview target market but shouldn’t be more than 2 pages long.

Its purpose is to highlight the mission and unique aspects of your business, whether that’s to provide superior pet care or introduce innovative grooming techniques to your market. 

2. Market analysis

What’s the opportunity that exists for your business? 

The market analysis section is a detailed assessment of the market you’re entering. In this case, you should cover current trends in the dog grooming industry, such as increasing pet ownership rates and a growing emphasis on pet care and wellness.

You must also identify your primary customer segments . Include demographics that help define who your customers are and what they want. Maybe you target pet owners in urban areas, busy professionals, or families seeking convenient and comprehensive grooming services.

Be sure to list out key competitors in your region, noting their service offerings, pricing, and market positioning. This analysis will help you identify opportunities to differentiate your business. For instance, your research might lead you to realize there are a lack of options in your area for mobile grooming services, or specialized care for anxious pets.

3. Services and products

The products and services section is where you detail the full range of grooming services and products you plan to offer. 

Consider writing them out as a list, like this example:

Basic services

  • Washing and drying
  • Hair trimming
  • Nail clipping
  • Ear cleaning.

Specialty services

  • Breed-specific grooming
  • Skin care treatments
  • Flea and tick treatments

Also, consider incorporating related products for sale, such as dog shampoos, conditioners, brushes, and other grooming tools. Whatever mix of products and services you choose to offer, connect them to your market opportunity. At its most basic, running a successful business is about identifying customer problems and providing solutions .

Detailing these services and products gives your customers a clear understanding of what your business provides and its value proposition .

4. Marketing and sales strategy

Your marketing and sales strategy turns your market research into a set of marketing strategies you can execute to attract customers. 

Through your research, you should understand how your target customers find dog grooming services — online, in print advertisements or commercials, through social media or word of mouth, etc.

Based on what you think are the most relevant marketing channels , develop strategies to make your business more visible. Strategies to consider include:

  • Advertising online or in local publications
  • Creating a website and establishing a social media presence
  • Interacting with the public at community events
  • Pursuing partnership opportunities with local pet stores

You may also want to consider discounts or special offers for repeat customers to build loyalty. 

Whatever tactics you deploy, it’s crucial to measure the impact of your marketing efforts through key performance indicators, and adjust your strategies based on what delivers value.

5. Operations plan

The operations section outlines how you will run your dog grooming business efficiently day to day. 

Whether you’re operating out of a brick-and-mortar building, a mobile van, or in clients’ homes, include details on the physical setup of your grooming salon, equipment needs, and staff requirements.

You should also discuss the process for booking appointments and managing customer relationships. Detail any software or systems you’ll use for scheduling and record-keeping. Also, outline your plan for meeting regulatory requirements and maintaining a clean, safe environment for pets.

6. Milestones

Outlining the key milestones for your business can help you determine how long it will take to meet your goals. You can keep these brief, even writing them in bullet points. Milestones for a dog grooming business could include:

  • Obtaining initial financing
  • Securing relevant permits
  • Initiating marketing efforts
  • Acquiring a certain number of clients
  • Reaching specific revenue benchmarks

Each milestone should have an estimated completion date and designated team members responsible for achieving them.

7. Company summary

Summarize the history of your business, including its legal structure and location. Also, highlight your background in pet grooming and your reasons for wanting to start a dog grooming business.

If you’re just starting out, discuss the initial startup costs required to get the business off the ground. If you’re writing your business plan to secure a bank loan, state how much funding you need, what you will use it for, and how it will benefit your grooming business.

8. Financial plan

The financial plan is where you provide a look into your dog grooming business’s financial projections, including sales , costs , and profitability .

Remember, financial forecasts are really just educated guesses created to give you a sense of how your business can be profitable over the long term. 

They’re meant to be adjusted over time as your actual financial numbers come in, helping you determine which aspects of your business are performing as expected and where you might need to adjust your strategy.

Your financial plan should include a cash flow statement , income statement , and balance sheet .

  • Tips for writing a dog grooming business plan

Understanding pet owners’ needs and how you can best serve them is vital for writing a dog grooming business plan that you can actually use to help your business grow.

As you write the plan, give some attention to these key points.

1. Consider your business structure

Choosing the right structure is pivotal. When writing the company overview section, consider factors like taxation, liability, and business growth potential to determine whether an LLC, sole proprietorship, or corporation best suits your needs. This decision will influence your operational flexibility, financial management, and legal obligations.

2. Develop a pricing strategy

Establishing a pricing strategy that balances market competitiveness with profitability is essential. As part of your market analysis, take the time to explore pricing tiers and client expectations. Offering a variety of service packages can cater to different customer needs and enhance revenue streams. Connect those packages and pricing tiers to your projected revenues and expenses as you create your financial forecasts.

3. Create an online presence

A strong online presence is non-negotiable. So, even if you plan to leverage traditional marketing channels, you will still want to have digital marketing efforts be part of your plan. 

At a minimum, invest in a professional website, optimize for local search , and engage actively on social media platforms. This visibility attracts new clients and serves as a platform for showcasing your work and customer testimonials.

4. Highlight your credentials and training

Highlighting your credentials and commitment to ongoing professional development can set your business apart. 

Regular training in new grooming techniques, customer service excellence, and pet safety reassure clients of the quality and reliability of your services. Start by mentioning the qualifications of you and your team and include any supporting documentation, like resumes or awards, in your appendix.

5. Build on success with client referrals and reviews

Encourage satisfied customers to refer others and leave positive online reviews . Word-of-mouth and digital endorsements can significantly impact your business’s reputation and trustworthiness. Consider implementing a referral program to incentivize clients to share their positive experiences.

  • Download your free dog grooming one page sample business plan

Download your dog grooming business plan sample now for free. You can also explore Bplans’ collection of over 550 sample business plans to find other examples.

Writing a business plan for your dog grooming business helps you stand out in a crowded market. It’s one of numerous reasons that a business plan increases your chance of success. 

The plan is essential for getting your business funded. But even if you don’t need a bank loan, thinking through each aspect of your business will help you make the best strategic decisions and use your limited resources effectively.

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

Content Author: Elon Glucklich

Elon is a marketing specialist at Palo Alto Software, working with consultants, accountants, business instructors and others who use LivePlan at scale. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MBA from the University of Oregon.

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dog day care business plan uk

IMAGES

  1. Free Dog Daycare Business Plan Template

    dog day care business plan uk

  2. Are you about starting a doggie daycare / boarding? If YES, here is a

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  3. Daycare Business Plan, Pet Sitting Business, Dog Kennel Designs

    dog day care business plan uk

  4. Pet Care Services Examples

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  5. Free Dog Daycare Business Plan Template

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  6. Daycare Business Plan

    dog day care business plan uk

COMMENTS

  1. Setting up a Dog Day Care Business

    Providing a safe, clean and comfortable environment. Ensuring the safety and well-being of all dogs. Interacting with all dogs using appropriate toys, equipment and activities. Maintaining visual observation and supervising play areas and all dogs to ensure pet safety. Ensuring all dogs have enough water throughout the day.

  2. How To Start A Dog Daycare Business In The UK

    England A Boarding for Cats or Dogs Licence is required to open a pet daycare business in England. You can apply through the UK government, and you'll receive an inspection shortly after. Inspectors will check dogs you look after: Have food, drink and bedding. Get regular exercise. Aren't diseased, injured or suffering.

  3. How to start a doggy daycare business

    How to start a doggy daycare business Jump to: 1. What is doggy day care? 2. Get a business plan in place 3. Define your doggy daycare services 4. Cater for convenience 5. Plan your pricing 6. Dog daycare startup costs - establish a financial plan 7. Training and qualifications 8. Do I need a license to open a dog daycare? 9. Location 10.

  4. How to Start a Dog Day Care Business

    Establish a Dog Daycare Business Plan Setting up a dog daycare business requires careful planning and consideration. The first step is to create a comprehensive business plan that outlines: your goals target market services offered pricing structure marketing strategies financial projections

  5. Dog Daycare Business Plan: The 2022 Getting Started Guide

    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.

  6. 5 Tips for Building a Business Plan for a Successful Dog Daycare Franchise

    Whichever franchise you've chosen to invest with, you should highlight the particular pros in your business plan. Tell financial backers, if they're going to read it, why this option is the most viable and why it will work so well for you. 2. Explain your dog daycare's USPs and special qualities.

  7. Dog Daycare Business Plan: Template & Guide [Updated]

    A good dog daycare business plan outlines the following attributes: How much funding do you require? Where are you in the competitive market? How will you evaluate your doggy daycare success? What actions will you take in the face of unforeseen challenges?

  8. Dog Daycare Business Plan Template

    Introduction Starting a dog daycare business is a great way to become your own boss and make a living while doing something you love. But, as with any new business, there are a few things you need to know before getting started. This guide will give you an overview of what you need to do to start a successful dog daycare business.

  9. How to start a dog day care business

    With Protectivity's pet business insurance, you can opt for public liability with between £1 million and £10 million of cover. Then there's key cover up to £10,000 for new keys and locks, if you enter a client's property to walk their dogs. Our care, custody and control cover gives up to £100,000 worth of cover for animals in your care.

  10. Dog Daycare Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

    Your dog daycare business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes. 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.

  11. How to open a Dog Day Care in the UK? with Safe Paws

    We offer a fully interactive dog day care business plan with growth projections, cost analysis, profit and loss and much more. The fundamental aspects of any business is to make a profit and continue to grow. Find out when you will break even, how much profit you will earn from a dog day care centre and how long it will take you to achieve this.

  12. Dog Business School

    The Dog Business School is a leading provider of online courses and resources which help dog lovers research, plan, build and grow successful dog-oriented businesses. We actively engage with Ofqual-approved national awarding organisations like AIM Qualifications and iPet Network, with trade bodies and some of the largest online professional pet ...

  13. Starting a Dog Daycare: Everything You Need to Know

    Dog Daycare Business Plan. Your dog daycare business plan will take time and effort, but will ultimately be one of your greatest assets as you move forward. Use this guide to help you make your plan. 10 Pet Industry Trends to Know. As a new pet-care business owner, you need to stay in the know of the latest trends in the industry.

  14. Dog Day Care Center Small Business Idea and Business Plan

    To start a Dog Day Care Center business in the UK, take the time and explain the idea via a business plan. Understanding all of the aspects of the business idea will be the key to getting the Dog Day Care Center business running like a well-oiled machine.

  15. How to Write a Dog Daycare Business Plan

    You'll need to plan for large expenses like rent, utilities, equipment that you'll need to care for the dogs, and fencing. Once you have the final number, add an additional 20% on top of it for ...

  16. How to Write a Dog Daycare Business Plan

    Why do you need a business plan for a dog daycare? The purpose of a business plan is to secure funding through one of the following channels: Obtain bank financing or secure a loan from other lenders (such as a SBA loan) Obtain private investments from investment funds, angel investors, etc. Obtain a public or a private grant

  17. Business Plan for Dog Day Care Center

    Starting your own small business in the UK isn't easy but having a properly developed business plan will help you achieve success. To start one Dog Day Care Center business in the UK, take the zeitpunkt and explain the idea via a business plot. Knowledge all for the aspects of the business feature will be this key to getting the Dog Day Care ...

  18. Dog Daycare Business Plan: The 2023 Getting Started Guide

    1. What is my mission or goals? 2. What is my branding and marketing strategy? 3. What kind of competition am I up against? 4. What location should I build my dog daycare business? 5. What licenses, rules and regulations should I be aware of? 6. How much money can I earn running a doggy daycare?

  19. Dog Daycare Business Plan Template [UPD 2024]

    An effective doggie daycare business plan We are providing you the business plan for a dog daycare startup. Download dog daycare business plan template in pdf ... Canada, or the UK. 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.

  20. Dog day care licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities

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