Starting a Boarding Kennel Business: Six Important Considerations

By: Scott Richardson

Just because you’re an animal lover and have the space to hold dozens of animals doesn’t mean that you’ll automatically have an easy time starting a boarding kennel business. There are a lot of important things that you have to think about and consider before you can have a fully operational boarding kennel.

It’s best to research and ask around to be able to get a good grasp of the requirements, the paperwork and even the licences that you have to get to be able to put up a boarding kennel. But you’re in luck, since we’re listing down the six most important considerations to help you jumpstart this very lucrative business.

1.) Check for potential customers in your area. It’s better and more practical to have a business in close proximity to where you live, so look around and check your neighbourhood if you have a huge market base for your boarding kennel. You can also ask the help of friends to hook you up with potential customers.

2.) Find a good, animal-friendly location. Once you know that you have a large customer base, scout your neighbourhood for a place where you can put up your boarding kennel. It should be large enough to house cages as well as an exercise area for dogs. The location should also be far from businesses that deal with dangerous or noxious chemicals, like gas stations.

3.) Research or ask around for a list of permits and licences you need. More often than not, these permits and licences need to be obtained before your boarding kennel opens for business. There are many types of council that are very strict with permits and they can turn you down for reasons such as the lack of parking spaces or even the absence of ramps for the disabled. It’s best to research about the different permits and licences you need.

4.) Learn more about the different materials and equipment you need for your boarding kennel business. From concrete to PVC and from odour-eliminating materials to sanitation equipment--all these things have to be taken into consideration when building the structure and cages for your boarding kennel business. It's wise to consult with an architect and engineer who have extensive knowledge about boarding kennels and animals.

5.) Create a marketing plan to help you decide how to advertise your business. The easiest way to let people know about your business is to put up your own website once your boarding kennel is finished. Take photos of the cages, the structure, the area and list down all the features and the rates of your boarding kennel.

6.) Make sure to hire competent, reliable and honest staff and workers. It's good if your employees have a background in veterinary medicine, but it's not a strict prerequisite. All you have to know is that your employees and workers love animals and know how to handle different types of animals properly.

A boarding kennel can be a very good business once you've gone through the difficult task of actually constructing one and getting the permits and licences you need. In the end, your love and care for animals will help you get through the difficulties of starting your own boarding kennel.