Owning a dog is one of the greatest joys in life. Dogs give us comfort, happiness, companionship, and unconditional love. Owning a dog has a ton of perks, but you must take on a lot of responsibility when you decide to shop or adopt. At one point or another, you may have considered using a boarding kennel as care for your dog when you had to go away on business or vacation. Millions of pet owners every year turn to board kennels to provide a safe dwelling for their dogs when they can’t bring them along.
This is why you may be considering opening up your own dog boarding company. If so, good for you! Pet ownership is on the rise, and there will always be a need for safe boarding services. While there is a lot of information to be found online concerning this type of business, we have put together a few things you will need to run a successful dog boarding company.
Dog Food
Dog food will always be a priority when you offer a dog boarding service. One of the challenges of this type of business is making sure you have the right dog food for all of your future clients. You don’t want to have the cheapest option for your residents, but it can be difficult finding a good balance when you need to stick to a budget.
When you’re looking for quality dog food, make sure the food company exceeds AAFCO guidelines. The first two ingredients of the food should be meat-based items and always try to avoid dog foods that contain a high amount of fillers. These include corn, soy, and wheat. Buying dog food in bulk will always be your best choice. If you are on the lookout for the very best dog foods, you can visit The Pampered Pup for more information.
In some cases, the owner of the dog may bring special dog food if their dog follows a particular diet. If this is the case, make sure they bring enough of the food to last. Also, inform your employees that no other dog should be given this brand.
Kennel Runs
A kennel run, also known as a dog kennel, is the area where your customers (the dogs) will be sleeping and resting throughout the day and during the night. The type of dog kennel you install will depend on multiple factors. For example, most dog boarding businesses have kennels built directly inside of the building. Others have outdoor kennels for added room.
Whichever type you use, make sure it is durable and strong. It should also be built to prevent the dog from climbing. If the kennel is stand-alone, meaning it isn’t built into a structure, it should be heavy enough that a large or excitable dog can’t push it over.
Kennel Shades
If you plan on having dog kennels outside, you’ll want to make sure the animals under your care are protected from the elements. You’ll likely have the option to purchase a custom shade with the type of dog kennel you put up. This gives your charges the shade they need from the hot sun while giving them the chance to enjoy the outdoors. Make sure the kennel shades you purchase offer breathability while reducing the outside temperatures. Remember, most shades are not waterproof.
Proper Fencing
Dog boarding services will include a lot of exercise time outside in the fresh air. This means having a quality fence surrounding the play area. The fence should be high enough to keep a rambunctious dog from jumping over but low enough to keep a stealthy one from tunneling its way out. Regularly check for damage to your fence so that your dogs stay safe while in your care. If there are any gates on the fence, they should be equipped with sturdy, dog-proof latches that can be locked from the inside.
Toys
Having an abundance of toys for your pups to play with will be a big part of keeping everyone happy and worn out. There are dozens of varieties of toys to look for, either in stores or online, but consider interactive toys that will help you and your staff keep everyone busy. For example, an automatic ball launcher will allow you to set the device in motion one time. From there, it automatically launches the balls so you don’t have to! Other interactive toys include puzzle mats, puzzle treat dispensers, and hide-and-seek treat food toys.
Bedding
First, it’s important to install quality kennel flooring in every kennel. This flooring should be durable, comfortable, and easy to clean. However, extra bedding, including dog beds, blankets, pillows, and even stuffed animals, will make every dog that much more comfortable in their kennel. Many dog owners will bring along bedding and pillows that belong to their dog so that they have some comforting items from home. However, you’ll still need to have bedding to provide to the dogs if and when they need them.
Sanitation Supplies
One of your biggest chores when it comes to running a dog kennel will be keeping things clean, especially when you are constantly dealing with scared, confused dogs. They will make messes in their kennels, messes in the yard, and messes everywhere in-between. While you will want to stay within budget, you probably don’t want to go cheap when it comes to sanitation supplies! You’ll need multi-use sprays, bleaches, scrub brushes, hoses, rags, cleaning gloves, sanitizers, and deodorizers.
When it comes to the big outdoor messes, invest in a quality pooper scooper and dog waste bags. You may also wish to hire a local company that will come out to rid your yard of dog waste on a regular schedule.
Additional Supplies
Running a dog boarding service means needing to have numerous supplies on hand for multiple dogs. Keep some leashes handy in case you need to leash a scared or aggressive dog when he is out of his kennel. Consider built-in food and water dishes that allow each dog to have access to a private meal, right in their kennel. Make sure you have a source of water close to the kennels and an easy-to-use hose that stretches far enough to reach every water bowl.
With the right supplies, plenty of determination and patience, and a drive to succeed, you can put together one of the best dog boarding businesses in your area! We hope these tips will help get you started on your latest endeavor!
