How to Open a Pet Boarding Kennel

By eHow Business Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Check the zoning restrictions in your area for kennels by going to your local town office. This is a necessary step when opening a pet boarding kennel.
Step 2:
Open a boarding kennel by becoming part of a franchise. Businesses like Camp Bow Wow can help you get started.
Step 3:
Decide on the scale of your pet boarding kennel. Would you like to have the capacity to take 20 or more dogs at a time, or would you prefer to keep your boarders limited to six or less?
Step 4:
Use a barn or a building large enough to accommodate 10 or more pens on each side for a large scale business. If on a smaller scale, you could enlarge an existing structure, such as a garage. Make sure that the building is weather-tight, with plenty of windows and ventilation. Consider having locking doggie doors at the back of each pen so that the dogs can have access to a fenced-in run at specific times during the day.
Step 5:
Be sure to have a secure fence enclosing the area where the dogs can be outside. To be on the safe side, you should consider having the bottom three feet of the fence below the ground, and extending the top of the fence at least five feet above the ground or more. This prevents the diggers (terriers and the like) from digging beneath the fence, and the climbers and jumpers (Australian Shepherds and others) from escaping by going over the fence. Keep this area clean by removing waste on a regular basis during the day.
Step 6:
Provide soft pads for the dogs on which to sleep or rest. Enclose them in easy to remove covers so you can wash between boarders.
Step 7:
Have clean water available for the dogs in their kennels. Having two metal bowls per pen: one for water, one for food.
Step 8:
Keep the food for the boarders in separate, labeled containers such as metal trash cans. Keep a record of each dog's feeding schedule and requirements. Also include the owner's contact information.
Step 9:
Create a website for your pet boarding kennel and include photos and testimonials from past boarders.
Step 10:
Make up business cards and posters and leave these at any pet shop in the area and beyond. Always include your website address.
Step 11:
Be selective in who you take on as boarders. Decide whether or not you wish to take on problem dogs, or have a minimum requirement such as temperament (no excessive barkers or overly aggressive dogs).
Step 12:
Carefully interview those who wish to work for you. You want to make certain you hire people who love dogs as much as you do, and who are responsible and trustworthy.
Step 13:
Acquire the proper insurance when you open your pet boarding kennel. An insurance agent should be able to help. Those can be found in the phone book.
Step 14:
Develop a relationship with the vets in the area. Not only can it be helpful to have someone to call should there be an emergency at the pet boarding kennel, the vets can act as a source of recommendations for new clients.

Resources

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