A boarding and grooming business is ideal for animal lovers.
According to the American Pet Products Association, there are nearly 74 million dogs and 90 million cats in the United States. A pet boarding and grooming business helps meet the needs of pet owners by offering them a range of services, such as removing tangles in a dog's coat or providing a safe and comfortable place for pets to stay while their owners are away. A pet boarding and grooming business also provides individuals with a chance to work with animals and their owners.
Instructions
1. Research the pet grooming and boarding market in your area by looking in the local Yellow Pages to find out the options currently available. Visit or call competitors in the area to inquire about the services they offer and what they charge for grooming and boarding services. Review the educational resources available from professional organizations such as the American Pet Products Association, the National Dog Groomers Association of America or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.
2. Determine the type of legal structure for your pet boarding and grooming business. Business legal structures range from sole proprietorships to a limited liability corporations (LLCs). Research the different types of legal structures to find the business that is right for you.The U.S. Small Business Administration website (sba.gov) offers complete descriptions of the different business structure options available. A lawyer can offer additional advice on business legal structures.
3. Develop a detailed business plan for the grooming and boarding business. Put together a list of long-term and short-term goals for the business. Determine the types of services you will offer and the rates you plan to charge. Put together a contract for both grooming and boarding purposes. Decide upon the type of animals you wish to board and whether you plan to specialize in grooming only particular breeds of dogs.
4. Create a business name for your boarding and grooming business and register the name with your state government. Once you have decided upon a name, complete an Internet search to see whether the name you have in mind is available. Be sure to search the boarding and grooming business name on the Federal Trademark Database (USPTO.gov) as well.
5. Secure the web domain name for your boarding and grooming business. There are a number of sites available for registering your web domain name, including Register.com and GoDaddy.com.
6. Determine whether a business license is required for a pet boarding and grooming business in your state and county. To find out about the licenses required by your state, contact your state licensing authority or use the permit tools found on the U.S. Government Business website (Business.gov).
7. Secure an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The EIN is also know as the federal tax identification number. To secure an EIN, contact the U.S. Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-829-4933 or apply online at the IRS website (Irs.gov). Register the business with state and local revenue agencies. The U.S. Government Business website (Business.gov) provides a detailed state tax guide with business registration requirements.
8. Obtain appropriate insurance for your pet boarding and grooming business. Discuss insurance options with a commercial insurance provider. Consult with other boarding and grooming businesses about the type of insurance plan they have and the agent they work with.
9. Secure financing for your business. Determine the amount of capital you will need to operate the grooming and boarding business. See whether there are any government-backed loans, local small business loans or grants available to help get your business started. A listing of small business loans and grant options are provided on the U.S. Government Business website (Business.gov).
10. Seek a location for your boarding and grooming business. Find a location that complies with local zoning laws by contacting your local planning and zoning office. The planning and zoning office contact information should be listed in the government section of your phone book. Call and speak to a zoning official about the type of business you plan to operate to inquire about the type of zoning your business will require.
Because you will be boarding animals, make sure you have access to an outdoor area that is well suited to walking dogs and provides adequate space for animals to play outdoors. The location should be easy for customers to access, yet in an area that is not sensitive to noise from barking dogs. The site you choose should have a separate area for grooming, boarding areas for both cats and dogs, office space and a reception area.
11. Invest in boarding kennels and grooming equipment. To provide grooming services, you will need to invest in grooming tables for grooming stations, grooming tubs, comb-out tables, stand dryers, cages and crates, shampoos and tool caddies. If you plan to groom larger dogs, a hydraulic table may be necessary as well. For the boarding portion of the business, you'll need basic tools such as dog treats, poop scoopers, water and food bowls, cleaning supplies, kennels or crates for dogs and cats of all sizes, leashes and collars. You'll need an office workspace with computer, phone, fax machine, and printer as well.
12. Market your pet boarding and grooming business by developing your website and utilizing advertising in local phone books and newspapers to get the word out about your new business. Send press releases to announce a grand opening with special coupons for new customers. Use social media marketing methods to generate buzz about your dog grooming and boarding business. Send brochures to all local animal shelters and pet stores for them to share with customers.
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