In virtually any location there is always a need for a boarding kennel to safely and positively care for dogs and even cats while the owners are away on holidays or business trips. Starting a boarding kennel is not as difficult as some types of businesses, but it does have its own unique set of criteria. The boarding kennel business is not an ideal occupation for everyone but if you love dogs, have a flair for working with them and enjoy interacting with people this may be a career for you to consider.
One of the first considerations that you need to make is where you can locate your kennel. Different cities and municipalities will have different restrictions or requirements that you must fulfill before you can open a kennel. Typically boarding kennels will not be allowed within city limits, unless they are fully indoor kennels that will minimize any noise coming from the kennel that may cause problems for neighbors or other businesses in the area. If you are running a kennel and plan to have an outdoor exercise space you will need to have a privacy fence as well as a security fence to prevent any possible escapes. This is not necessarily to protect people but to protect yourself from law suits over lost or injured dogs. A six foot privacy fence with a secure, locked gate is typically a minimum recommended security measure. Many kennels with outdoor exercise runs or yards also have a border around the bottom of the fence that is submerged at least one foot below ground level to prevent a dog from digging out. Some are fully surfaced with either asphalt or concrete to prevent any possible tunneling out of the yard area.
In most cases kennels tend to use existing buildings rather than constructing a new building, but either option can work very well. If you are using an existing barn or garage you will be limited to the current size, while if you are starting from your own design you can make the facility as large as you would like. You will need to carefully consider your climate, especially during the peak boarding seasons of summer holidays and Christmas. Heating and air conditioning may be a requirement to safely and comfortably house dogs.
Deciding on what types of dogs you want to board may also be an important option. There are more kennels that cater to small dogs, however almost an equal number can accommodate dogs of all sizes. If you are planning to work only with small dogs you will not need as much space, plus you will need less outdoor area for exercise. Large and giant breeds need much larger kennels and supplies, plus they need heavier fencing and even toys and dishes since they are just so much larger and stronger.
It is important to also be realistic about how many dogs you can care for before you have to hire additional staff or expand your kennel. Providing very high quality services for fewer dogs will help you establish a positive business reputation much more quickly than if you take in a lot of dogs and owners find your services lacking or of a lesser quality than other kennels. Some of the newer types of dog boarding kennels even market themselves as doggy hotels, complete with luxury rooms, piped in music and specialized meals and play activities.
Choosing staff is also going to be important in how your kennel is perceived and rated with dog owners. Staff that are genuine "dog lovers" and enjoy spending time with the dogs are going to reassure the dog owners that they have made the right decisions. Offering those little extras such as daily walks on the leash in dog parks or exercise areas of the facility, grooming and bathing services as part of a package or even play time with a person on a daily basis will be much appreciated by some owners. This will allow your kennel to stand out from the average and will quickly build up your clientele base.
The little accessories or additions that you make to your kennel will really attract owners that want to have their dog stay in a loving and caring place. You may want to consider having a choice of different types of bedding, all completely sanitized between use, as well as different sizes of kennels with different features. You will also have to provide either one standard type of food or several different diet options, with or without the option for the owner to provide their own dog food.
Insurance is going to be a big consideration since you will be working with beloved pets that are seen as family members. General liability insurance for accidents as well as specialized coverage for housing the dogs and accidents to humans that may occur on the property are all important considerations. Since insurance coverage options may vary based on the size and type of dog as well as the area you are in it is important to work with an insurance broker or agent that is familiar with the dog kennel business.
Finally before you open for business you will have to carefully consider the policies that you will operate under. You will need to clearly outline what types of dogs are not suitable for your kennels as well as your right to refuse to kennel any particular dog because of aggression, lack of vaccination records or even if they are pregnant or have puppies. You may also wish to include clauses about kenneling females in heat or aggressive intact male dogs of any breed. Many kennels will not keep specific breeds of dogs regardless of the individual dog's temperament. Often these include breeds that are known, although often unjustly, as aggressive breeds. Typically these include Chow Chows, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Pit Bulls.
Advertising and getting your name into the dog owning community is also important. Having a website, hosting an "open house" at the kennel and even getting the newspaper to cover your new business are all great, low cost ways of getting noticed. Working with a dog groomer and a vet is also an additional service that can add to your overall package and help owners know that their dogs are well cared for in their absence.
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