Create a Business Plan

Every good business arises from a good business plan. A good business plan refines the scope of your proposed service, targets a core demographic and identifies a path for growth.

Before you draw up your business plan proper, though, you will need to perform some serious research on the pet boarding market – with specific regard to your local area. What are the local pet ownership statistics? Who are your competitors, and what kind of service do they offer? What are their target demographics, and are there any underserved demographics you could consider in your own plan?

With this information, you can then create a one-year and five-year plan for business growth and launch. This plan will feature timelines for major milestones and targets, giving you structure for your growth.

Set Up a Budget

But your business plan is only as good as the budget that accompanies it. With a robust and comprehensive budget, you can marry your current financial situation with the expectations you have of your business’ future. Your budget can also be used as a crib for identifying the various areas that will require your attention.

For one, you will have significant one-off costs relating to the kitting-out of your chosen location; you may need to fabricate your own kennels and fenced-off play areas, and ensure these areas are completely pet-safe ahead of launch. Separately, you will have ongoing monthly costs in the form of building overheads, staff wages and supplies for the pets themselves.

Pick Your Location

Of course, your physical premises will represent one of your biggest individual business expenditures – whether buying a property or renting one. Your specific needs will differ depending on the specific nature of your business. If you set out to build an urban cattery, for example, your needs for outdoor space would be much less in comparison to a dog kennel. However, you may need more inside space for the cats to run around in.

Picking a location well depends heavily on your business plan and budget together. You may not be able to afford a central location, but a building farther afield may have more room and outdoor space for less cost.

Launching Your Business

The last piece of the puzzle is your path to launch. Here you concern yourself with finishing touches to your chosen location, the hiring of staff and your marketing campaign. With regard to the latter, there is a wide variety of ways in which you can approach advertising your services. A good start is to establish your boarding business’ social media, with pictures of your facilities; a photo shoot with some local or family pets can help you demonstrate the suitability of your premises to a wider audience.

Hosting an official launch event can also get local pet owners directly involved, and introduce them directly to your services. This way, you can boost early sign-ups and create real short-term cashflow.