As the pet industry grows by billions of dollars every year, there’s no question that there is a wealth of opportunity for animal lovers who are interested in turning their passion into a flourishing business. Our dogs aren’t just our pets anymore, they’re family, a shift in thinking that has set the stage for a wide variety of successful pet-centric start-ups.

Whether it’s a blossoming entrepreneurial spirit or a passion for pups – or a combination of the two – that has you wondering how to open a doggie daycare, taking the first step towards becoming a new business owner can feel like a daunting task. If you have a long list of questions about how to start your own doggie daycare business, then you’re already off to a good start – because being ready to learn is one of the best ways to prepare for the exciting business adventure that lies ahead.

Here’s how to start a doggie daycare business and start your journey towards becoming a tail-wagging success.

Make a Dog Daycare Business Plan

Long before you start working towards becoming a business owner, you’ll need to have a well-prepared business plan in hand. Outline exactly what services and/or products you want your doggie daycare to provide to the community, such as dog boarding, daycare, training, grooming, and more. Think about what your doggie daycare will actually look like day-to-day: what will your hours be, how large of an operation are you considering, and who are your closest competitors?

Choose a Great Location

Location is everything, and that’s especially true for doggie daycare. You’ll need to be within convenient reach of your target customers, but also locate a space that’s large enough for playtime, daily care, and other important elements of your business. It’s important to balance your location wish list with your budget so that you don’t end up overspending.

Figure Out Financing

Once you have a clear idea of your business plan and general costs, you can begin to tackle financing. Whether you have savings at the ready or you’ll need a business loan, financing is a key priority. Financing should not only account for building or remodeling costs, but also the startup expense of supplies, advertising, utilities, and more. Many entrepreneurs decide to become a franchise owner (more on that below) because it can balance investment with future profit potential.

Partner with the Right Franchise

Want to know a secret that can help you get your doggie daycare business off the ground in no time at all? Instead of trying to establish a brand-new business from scratch, be smart and invest in a franchise opportunity instead. As a franchisee, you’ll gain invaluable leverage from a well-known and respected brand name, the support of a team of experts, and access to quality supplies. Starting a dog daycare franchise location is like getting a head start on your new business, and is one of the best ways to hit the ground running.

Learn More about How to Start a Dog Daycare with Hounds Town USA

At Hounds Town USA, we pride ourselves on being one of America’s largest and best-known doggie daycare franchises, and we’re passionate about giving new business owners the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed with us. From our low initial investment and rock-solid business model to simple operations that give you the freedom and flexibility you want, Hounds Town USA is the perfect partner for your new doggy daycare.

For more information about why franchising with Hounds Town USA is an opportunity, you won’t want to miss, download a franchise report and contact us today.

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Joy Brown