If you love dogs, starting a dog boarding business at home could be the perfect career and business opportunity. While it may be relatively straightforward to get set up, there are a few things you will need to know.
What is a dog boarding business?
‘Dog boarding’ means looking after someone else’s dog at your premises during the day and overnight.
If you have dogs boarding at your home, you must consider how many you can look after at once, and how you will make sure the dogs get appropriate exercise. Will you offer a dog walking service or provide facilities in which the dogs can run around?
Is a business plan necessary?
It is always a good idea to have a business plan. It should cover things like:
- the type of service you’ll offer (luxury, budget, or something in-between)
- your budget (including your prices, costs, and any capital expenditure or borrowing)
- your projected income over the next few years
- how you’re going to grow and publicise your business
- how you will operate (e.g. with or without staff)
- what sort of training you’ll need
- how you will set up your business (i.e. as a limited company or as a sole trader)
What dog boarding facilities are required?
The dogs will need somewhere comfortable and safe to sleep. You’ll also need somewhere to exercise them, a place to groom them, an office area, and possibly a space that can operate as a reception for visitors.
What other equipment is needed?
Some of the essentials include:
- bedding
- water and feeding bowls
- grooming equipment
- spare leads and collars
- a first-aid kit
- cleaning equipment
- a method for taking bookings and payments
- marketing materials
What are the legal requirements?
You will need a licence from your local council, even if you’re only looking after a small number of animals in your own home.
An official will inspect your premises before you are granted a licence. If granted, the licence will be valid for one, two or three years. The council will decide the cost and length of your licence.
Running your dog boarding business
Before opening for business, you’ll need to think about daily operations and how you will facilitate all the necessary processes. Consider the following:
- Do you need additional staff?
- Will you need to train yourself and your staff?
- Have you carried out a risk assessment and planned your health and safety policies?
- Have you registered your business with HMRC?
- Do you have access to a vet?
- What will your opening hours be?
You’ll also need a marketing plan to help spread the word. That might mean having a website, a social media account, or flyers to hand out.
Depending on the scope of your business, you may need to consider appointing staff to handle marketing, sales and admin.
Do you need insurance?
You will need pet business insurance to cover your business, should something occur which results in a claim against you. It’s always important to have:
Your pet business insurance should also cover you for specific issues and risks that may arise due to the way your dog boarding business is run and the facilities you must provide. Some examples that should be included as standard are:
Depending on how you operate, you may need some optional additions to your coverage. For example, if you employ anyone – even part-timers or volunteers – you will be required to have employers’ liability insurance.
Reliable dog boarding insurance
When you need to arrange insurance for your pet business, having someone who understands your business and the day-to-day risks involved is an important factor in ensuring you get the right cover.
For almost two decades, Pet Business Insurance has specialised in the provision of insurance for a range of small- and medium-sized companies, including dog boarding and dog sitting businesses.
In addition to comprehensive insurance cover, all our pet business policyholders looking after pets for their clients have access to three complimentary online video consultations with a professional vet, via our Vet on the Net service.
To discuss your dog boarding insurance requirements, get in touch with Pet Business Insurance today. Call 01284 736 874 or complete our online enquiry form.