A Kennel Business is not just for Christmas
Dogs are for life, not just for Christmas. This old adage rings true for pet businesses too. Ran well, and your dog groomers, kennels or pet store can be an excellent earner all year long. We’re a nation of animal lovers, and if you’re passionate about our furry friends and interested in turning that passion into your full-time job. Daltons has dozens of kennels for sale.
It goes without saying that if you’re thinking of buying a kennel business you’ll probably have an interest in dogs and their well-being. But you’ll also need to focus on the commercial aspects of the business with the same vigour. The same financial rules apply in kennels as they would for any other small business. So keeping an eye on the books, maintaining margins and caring about the well-being of the business itself is vital.
What To Expect When Buying A Kennel
More so than most, buying a kennel means buying a lifestyle as well. It’s highly likely you’ll be living on-site, and there are two very good reasons for that. The first is that it is a 24/7 business. That doesn’t mean you have to work 24/7. But you’ll need someone around to keep an eye on things, or even react to emergencies, around the clock.
The second reason is that most kennel businesses are built with residential facilities on site, or the kennels themselves are added to a domestic dwelling. This will be factored into the sale price of the business, which means buying a kennel can be a high-value investment.
Get Advice From An Expert
Speaking with veterinary professionals will advise that in buying a kennel business, you should build up your knowledge of dogs, their behaviour and first aid. Most ailments can be handled by someone with a base, but not a professional, knowledge of animal first aid. Anything more serious, though, and you’ll need to call on a vet, so it might be prudent to build a good relationship with your local veterinary surgery.
Like humans, dogs have their idiosyncrasies and can display behavioural problems. If you’re buying a kennel business, you’ll want to familiarise yourself with these too. You might also need to cope with challenging owners. Just like you would in any service-related business. As the owner of the kennel you are more than a pet hotelier, you are a care provider too.
We expect a lot when it comes to our four-legged friends. You are being trusted to protect the prized family pet, and there is a lot of responsibility on your shoulders to look after it while in your care. Keep in mind that all dogs are different, and don’t necessarily play well together. Big dogs, small dogs, high-energy dogs. They won’t all be happy in the same room with the same chew toy and a 30-minute walk. You may want to consider what types of dogs you’re able to look after, as they don’t all have the same needs and routines.
Don’t expect to be at a desk all day! Running a kennel is going to be a physical job. Dogs need exercise, so make sure there is a secure space for them to walk and play. If the kennels are cramped and there’s little room for the dogs to exercise, then both dog and owner will be unhappy. You’ll need good-sized kennels with outdoor runs included, and ideally provide indoor heating too. You should be ready to take them out for walks, or budget in local dog-walking service to cover this key facet of their daily routine.
The Key To A Happy Dog Is Food!
Catering for your guests includes food, of course. You’ll be amazed at how much space dog food takes up. It’s important, therefore, that you consider how much storage there is on site. Whether you might need to add something at a later date. All of which will impact your investment, working capital and timescale on returns. These days, there are lots of different approaches to doggie diets, and dogs can be unwell if their diet changes or they eat something they aren’t used to. You should be prepared to fulfill different mealtimes and food types in a way that is sanitary and minimises cross-contamination.
Using materials that are easy to disinfect and keep clean is important and will save you money in the long run. So, if you’re thinking about buying a kennel business that has been trading for some time, take a look at the equipment and determine whether you might need to update some of it. And on the subject of cleaning, you won’t be surprised to know that a boarding kennels has a substantial laundry load every day. Does the kennel business you’re looking at have sufficient laundry capacity? Or will this incur even more investment from yourself? If so, it’s something to consider when making your offer.
Pet-sitting is a growing marketplace. And pet owners are the most discerning of customers. After all, as the business owner, you will be responsible for looking after their loved ones. When buying a kennels business, then, the smart operator will recognise the need to offer quality home comfort for their canine guests. The even smarter operator will think creatively. Perhaps offering radios, television and sofas to take the facilities above and beyond any competitor’s kennels. Get things like this right and you will build a good client base with something that most business owners crave. Regular and returning customers.
