Help with pet boarding business?

[chinniechantel]

I have had this idea for a very long time and now it may possibly come true. I have always dreamed of owning a pet boarding facility where we board any and ever pet. After needing to leave the country once in an emergency and finding no one that took exotics, no websites with boarding places, and no options, I realized the major need for pet boarding places that are trustworthy, clean, loving and just awesome. I also don't like the idea of boarding at the vet since that is obviously where lots of sick pets go. I would love to have a live video monitor for pet parent's to keep an eye on their babies.

Long story short my husband's father is looking to invest a lot of money, and he really likes my idea and has given me some start up money! We even found a few places that are already zoned for a boarding facility, but we were hoping to buy and these are only for rent. I would advertise a lot, and I already have my commercial logo stuck in my head...

I was wondering if people could post what they like and look for when boarding their pets? I would most likely hire a groomer on site as well as do pet photography (people have always told me that it is my calling...take a look at some of my chinchilla's baby pictures on my website below if you have time ;-)) there. I would offer pet pick up and delivery too. I would like to work with a vet or pet store, and also have a lobby with pet toys and food for sale. I would do dogs, cats, birds, chinchillas, and most likely anything that can be caged, as long as insurance covers it and there are precautions we can take to ensure their safety. I am calling the city today about permits, location, regulations, etc, but any insight or comments would be greatly welcomed. Thank you.

[LovelySydney]

I think this idea is just awesome!! I hope you are able to make it a reality. & you are right, we need places like this. I know I am terrified to take my babies anywhere. Luckily we have friends who are like angels in those times but if we didnt, I dont know what we would do.

Things I would look for (this is for both my dogs & my birds):

1. They are somewhere with people who KNOW animals, not someone trying to make money or someone who doesnt care about their job.

2. They get social time with people. Both birds & dogs - people are letting them out and letting them play the majority of the day. There is a dog boarding facility here in Grand Rapids that is just amazing. The dogs are let out in the morning and they have a large indoor gym like area (reminds me of a indoor soccer field) and the dogs are out ALL DAY with people. They even have kiddie pools for them to swim in in the summer! Its just awesome.

3. The other animals being boarded are vet checked to ensure good health. I dont want my dogs or birds going there and getting sick and coming home with an illness.

4. They have adequate ways to clean every area the animals are in. I dont expect to see feces or grime or gross things where my animals are. I would expect the area to be sanitary and clean and nice for my babies!!

5. NOT breed specific. Some places around here wont take Roxy because she is a pit mix. I think thats ridiculous and a sign that people arent willing to understand individual dogs. They wouldnt even meet her which made me upset because anyone who meets her sees what a big baby she is.

6. Their sleeping quarters are comfy and roomy. I would bring my dogs bedding so they feel more at home but I dont want to see a small box where my dog or bird can barely turn around. I want it nice and comfy cozy!!



Those are just some of my ideas!!! LOL can you tell Im a little anal about my pets?? Good luck in all this, I think its awesome!!!

[chinniechantel]

Thank you Sydney! That is exactly what I was telling my husband about pit bulls, they are not allowed anywhere in here in FL! They are banned in Miami, making it illegal there, and no one else takes them. No wonder so many are being put to sleep, people have no options, it makes me so mad. I basically owe my life to a pit bull named Taz, when I liven in a horrible, dangerous city in Minneapolis for school she would protect me like I was her child. I would go get her (she was my neighbor's dog) whenever I was home, went to the store, or for a walk, and she would come with and be my protector. I had this group of 14 or so year old kids that would harass me and follow me, and bringing her saved me more than once. She was a big cuddly teddy bear, until she felt my fear that is. Then she would let whoever is bothering me know exactly what would happen if they came near me. I loved her so much, I would have done anything for that dog. I still send her presents even though she is in a different state now.

Your suggestions are great, thank you so much. You pretty much voiced a lot of things I have been thinking about. I want to work with a vet who I can refer clients to for vet checks if they don't have one, as well as have them in case of health problems. That is what I am worried about, what happens if an animal gets sick and you cannot get ahold of the client...I would hate to have to make a health related decision for someone else's pet.

[Congobongo]

I would look for people experienced in handling/care of my bird. Also that they did have an Avian vet readily available or accessable in the event of a problem. Also what they feed.

[sailorkelly]

When I was looking for a place to take all are babies these were the problems I had:
1 they were going to be kept in cages and not little rooms
2 I could not bring my dogs sleeping stuff
3 they would not let me bring his food or treats from home
4 they would not let my dog and cat be housed together ( they have never been apart from each other)
5 Abbey would not be let out of her cage
6 there was only one place that would even take Abbey and they had no bird experience
7 they would not wash my dog with his special spampo every week or brush him every day
8 no in home sitters knew anything about birds
9 they didn't have informative websites


so I decided to let one of the guys that works for my hubby to stay in are house and watch them... he didn't come over but 3 times while we were gone. he lied to us. I am so glad they all survived.
I really hope you start this business. We are moving to Jax in Feb.

[Razzle]

Start with dogs only and expand from there. Most people don't like to trust a new business that caters to too many breeds -- like a restaraunt with too many items on the menu. It makes the customer tend to doubt that you know what you're doing with ALL the animals. But once you've got a customer base with dogs, expand to cats, then birds, etc.

[Jag]

We've had to give the name of our vet and sign a waiver that we'd pay any vet expenses incurred if our dogs had to go to the vet while they were boarded.

We've thought about the same business in our area...for a different reason. Every place that isn't a dump in our area (except the vet's) doesn't have just indoor/outdoor runs. That's all we want. Most places charge a lower amount for each night, but then only let them out once in the morning and once in the evening. Any extra time to potty you have to pay for seperately. You also have to pay for play time. I have a shepherd female who cannot be handled. I don't want playtime. I don't want anyone touching her to try to put her in or out. My male is a huge baby...unless he feels that one of the girls are in danger. That's not good. My pack functions very well together..but I want them left alone. We end up paying $60 a night with the vets to board the 3 dogs (the girls share one kennel) in an outdoor/indoor run. I think the price is just shocking. We had found a great place in Louisville when we lived there that had indoor/outdoor runs and they were WAY more reasonable price wise. My dogs don't need a human bed and cable TV. I know some people want their dogs to have that, but I don't. I have working dogs who need just a warm inside and plenty of outdoor time.

[Greycloud]

You knowwhat I suggest? Make appointments to visit some boarding facilities around your area. Pretend you are interested in boarding 1-2 dogs, bird and a cat. They should walk you through, give their rules and prices. You can get a good idea what you like and don't like this way.

[rewki]

Chantel you go for it girl, after your trip to Ecuador of course . Wishing you all the best of luck.

Rebecca in Israel

[LovelySydney]

Jag are you serious - separate time for potty breaks? Thats disturbing. Thats like saying if you don't have the money your dog cant relieve itself. Thats terrible. & SailorKelly, you couldnt bring your own blankets or let your dog and cat be together? Those are the places I dont like. If this is your job and people are paying you to take care of their babies (in most cases pets are like peoples children) why would you not allow them normal luxuries? It really astounds me.



Again Chinnie good luck and I cant wait to hear the turn out. I will send my babies down there when we go on vacation just to have peace of mind that they are in a good place!! =)