How to Start a Pet Hotel Business in 2024
Last Updated: 12/17/2023
Opening a pet hotel can be an incredibly fun and rewarding business for animal lovers like me. Providing a comfortable, home-away-from-home for beloved pets while their owners travel or are away is such an important service. With more and more pet parents wanting luxury accommodations for their furry family members, the demand for pet hotels keeps growing. If you’re considering starting your own pet hotel, here’s my advice on how to get started.
Choose a Location
One of the first steps is finding the perfect spot. You’ll want a space in an area that’s convenient for pet owners to access but also quieter and low-traffic so pets aren’t stressed. Check zoning laws to make sure a kennel/boarding business is allowed. Being close to neighborhoods is great for drawing in local customers. Research noise limits and other pet care rules for your area too.
Make sure there’s enough room for animals to play and sleep comfortably. For dogs, plan on at least 12–25 square feet per dog for boarding spaces. Having outdoor yards or play spaces is ideal for walks and exercise. Good ventilation is key too — you want fresh air without loud fans or systems that could spook the pets.
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Get Licensing and Insurance
Look into what licenses and permits you’ll need to legally run a pet hotel where you live. Many places require a kennel license, pet shop permit, commercial boarding permit, or similar. Check with your local animal control office for specifics.
Liability insurance is a must in case a pet gets injured while staying with you. Work with an insurance pro to find a policy that covers boarding, grooming, walking incidents — anything pet-related. You’ll sleep better knowing you’re covered if an energetic dog causes property damage!
Build Your Team
Caring for pets takes kind yet confident animal lovers. Interview potential hires carefully to make sure they have professional experience handling animals safely. Do background checks too to screen for any history of neglect or abuse.
Hire staff capable of providing medications, first aid, and handling emergencies on site. Employees with vet assistant training are invaluable. Experienced dog walkers are essential for exercise and play time. Groomers on your team let you offer full-service care.
Design the Space
Make comfort and safety top priorities when designing your pet hotel. Choose floors that are slip-resistant and easily cleaned. Good ventilation reduces odors. Sound-absorbing materials help muffle loud barking. Security systems protect pets, people, and property 24/7.
For boarding, design rooms that house friendly pets together, grouped by size, age, and personality. Make sure cats have separate, quiet rooms to avoid stress. Have options for private rooms when needed for special needs pets.
Invest in sturdy commercial kennels and crates suited for each animal. Avoid chain link fencing that could harm paws and snouts. Use solid walls between kennels to prevent illness from spreading nose-to-nose.
Include indoor playrooms with pet-safe toys and structures. Have calming rooms for naps and relaxation. Outdoor yards should be big enough for zoomies with shady spots for resting. Natural grass, dirt, or wood chips make the best play surfaces.
Consider Offering Grooming
Many pet parents would love having boarding and grooming in one place. Think about the costs of adding this service — extra staffing, tables, tools, supplies. Make sure grooming rooms have separate air handling so dander and hair don’t circulate to the boarding side which could trigger allergies.
Spread the Word
Once your pet hotel is ready, get the word out! Drop off brochures and business cards at vet offices, pet supply shops, groomers, trainers, parks, shelters — anywhere pet lovers go. Post on neighborhood forums and social media. Host an open house so potential customers can see your facility first-hand.
Starting a pet hotel takes careful planning but is very rewarding for animal enthusiasts. Follow these tips to create a premier pet boarding and care experience in your community. With the right space, staff, focus on care and safety, and smart marketing, you’ll be on your way to success! Let me know if you have any other questions!
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Pet Hotel Financial Forecasts
Startup Expenses
Monthly Operating Expenses
Revenue Forecast
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of pets can I accept at my hotel?
A: Most pet hotels cater to dogs and cats as these are the most common household pets. However, you may also be equipped to handle other animals like birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even reptiles or fish if you have proper enclosures. Be sure to set policies on exotic pets.
Q: How much staff do I need to run a pet hotel?
A: Staffing needs will depend on the size of your facility and number of boarding pets. You’ll want at least one staff member present at all times for safety and care. Additional staff for busier check-in/check-out times, dog walking, grooming, and pet sitting are necessary so you can provide individualized care and attention.
Q: What kinds of amenities and services should I offer?
A: Ideal pet hotels go beyond just boarding and offer services like grooming, training classes, veterinary care, retail shops, and specialty pet menus and play activities. These extra amenities help attract and retain customers. Focus on services that interest your target market.
Q: What safety and health precautions should be in place?
A: Separating animals by size/temperament, sanitizing kennels thoroughly between guests, requiring proof of vaccinations, having cleaning protocols, utilizing pest control, maintaining secure facilities, and doing background checks on all staff are some key safety and health measures pet hotels should implement.
Q: What permits and licenses do I need?
A: Requirements vary by location but may include a commercial kennel or boarding facility permit, pet shop permit, local business license, seller’s permit, zoning compliance permit, and kennel employee permits. Consult your local animal care agency and government business offices. Proper insurance is also vital.
Q: How much will it cost to start and operate a pet hotel?
A: Startup costs including real estate, construction, equipment, permits, etc. can easily exceed $100k. Operating expenses like staffing, insurance, supplies, maintenance and utilities will be ongoing. Have a solid business plan and secure financing before undertaking this major business venture.
Q: What should I charge for pet boarding and other services?
A: Check competitors’ rates and your costs to care for pets. Fees usually range $15–50 per night for boarding depending on amenities. Extra services like grooming, training, and fancy food menus can command higher prices. Offer discounts for long stays or first-time customers.
