Start a dog boarding business from home

[@FirstStreetPets]

Pet sitters, I am now offering personalized consulting and coaching for your business! Contact me at [e-mail] for info.

[@susanrennie8188]

I’ve just started a dog home boarding business from my home in Scotland. Biggest hassle was getting the licence from the council (and all that entails) but now it’s great. Started 1st June, and in just 3 weeks I’m now fully booked (bar 10 days) from second week in July to end of October! I’m loving having dogs in my home again after the death of my own dog at Xmas. It’s a great way to earn a few pennies whilst indulging in my favourite things…dogs! Last week was a 14yr old Spaniel, this week it’s a 13 week old labradoodle!

[@FirstStreetPets]

@susanrennie8188 how exciting to hear from a fellow business owner in Scotland! I am in NorCal. In-home boarding is one of the services with the best profit margin. Be sure to check out my new series on the subject. I just recorded part 4 and will upload it tomorrow. firststreetpets.com/how-to-start-a-dog-boarding-business-from-home-part-one-is-this-the-right-business-for-you/

[@JeannaDeivanayagam]

Nice job bringing up insurance and going over some basics -- people usually skip over this and it's incredibly important.

[@FirstStreetPets]

Thanks! Yes it can be easy to overlook important details when starting a business 🐾

[@trish.goes.ironman]

I own a pet hotel and I am branching out soon, I've been handling rescue dogs since 2009- mostly deformed/abused pitbulls. BUT I tell ya, you learn something new every day with different dogs. YES, 99% of the time they are rainbows and roses. However that 1%.... that 1% 's for the dogs that are difficult to deal with when their parents aren't there never let your guard down when aggression happens always, aaaalways assert authority and dominance as soon as you see there's the slightest sign of aggression towards you and your resident pets. dominance - meaning you never let them take control.

[@FirstStreetPets]

For sure dogs (and cats) may behave differently away from their families! This is why it's so important to carefully filter dogs you care for, in the owner's home and especially in your own home.

[@CP-gt1sj]

I just wanted to leave a comment to let you know that you have a really good tone to your voice.

[@FirstStreetPets]

Thanks! I enjoy public speaking.

[@EricRobertson-ju4uk]

Good video thanks for posting it

[@dgusant2285]

I have watched your video 4 time. Thank you so much.

[@FirstStreetPets]

You're welcome! Have you started your business?

[@janawest7186]

I am in Grove Oklahoma. I’m consideration boarding small dogs. Thank you for your information. I really appreciate it. I have a friend who does this and really enjoys it , and I think I would too!

[@FirstStreetPets]

You're welcome! Did you start your business?

[@FirstStreetPets]

Check out my new multi-part series which will cover all aspects of in home dog boarding. firststreetpets.com/how-to-start-a-dog-boarding-business-from-home-part-one-is-this-the-right-business-for-you/

[@ernestp649]

Great video thanks for the information!

[@carpediem9382]

This is very helpful, thank you

[@marianaafonsodasilva8324]

Thank you so much for sharing your time knowledge with us! I'm doing dog and cat rescue for years, and I'm now preparing to start to turn my passion for pets into a job. I'm starting with petsitting and dog walking, but in hope of buying a piece of land soon, where I can receive dogs to spend the weekend 😀 Thank you for your advises

[@FirstStreetPets]

That sounds great Mariana! I wish you success with your business 🐾.

[@FirstStreetPets]

Check out my new multi-part series which will cover all aspects of in home dog boarding. firststreetpets.com/how-to-start-a-dog-boarding-business-from-home-part-one-is-this-the-right-business-for-you/

[@theresahinkle-i4q]

I’m looking to start my own Kennel business. Do you have another video that can provide guidance?

[@FirstStreetPets]

Congrats on your new business! I have a whole series of articles and videos. firststreetpets.com/category/pet-business/

[@pollymex7000]

Liked your video. Thanks. After 25 years of fostering rescue dogs I'm opening my doors 2 boarding. Can you tell me what forms I'll need and the best ways for marketing other than handing out cards and flyers?

[@FirstStreetPets]

Congrats on your new business! I have a whole series of articles and videos on pet business. I suggest starting with the updated dog boarding series here: firststreetpets.com/how-to-start-a-dog-boarding-business-from-home-part-one-is-this-the-right-business-for-you/ This is an older video specifically on marketing: firststreetpets.com/how-to-start-a-pet-sitting-business-part-three-marketing/

[@philipmarinakos4784]

Thank you so much for your time. There is so much to consider before embarking on my dog boarding business. This quick yet potent little video definitely challenges my objective(s) and forces me to ask myself, is wanting something a good enough reason to have it?

[@FirstStreetPets]

I'm pretty sure this was written by a bot :-)

[@DeanInglis-f4r]

What questions should I ask about the dog? I know some basics but maybe there is something I am missing. Thank you!

[@FirstStreetPets]

Ask if the dog has been with a sitter before and how they did. Ask open-ended questions to get more accurate information. For example, don't ask, "Is your dog aggressive?" Ask, "Tell me about your dog's behavior around [people, kids, cats, other dogs, etc.]." Listen for red flags like, "He doesn't like men." What exactly does that mean? Another red flag is if they complain about previous sitters. Ask for specifics. Maybe they had a legit concern, or maybe they are never satisfied.

[@hamitcathart]

Hi my name Harriet and I'm starting a boarding business in my home. I have a large family room I'm converting. What is your suggestion on setting up the room. Only will be boarding up to 4 dogs. Thank you

[@FirstStreetPets]

Hi Harriet! You can check out my new series on dog boarding here. firststreetpets.com/category/pet-business/ I also offer personalized consulting here firststreetpets.com/pet-business-coaching-and-consulting/. I'd love to help you with your new business.

[@tiffanyburmeister7342]

What’s the best way to get more dogs into your kennel? We advertise on fb and newspapers but would expect more business at this point. We run promotions but looking for additional ideas for marketing. Thanks! Great video!

[@FirstStreetPets]

Glad you found my video helpful! Be sure to check out the new series I created in 2023. firststreetpets.com/how-to-start-a-dog-boarding-business-from-home-part-one-is-this-the-right-business-for-you/ Facebook and newspapers are hit and miss because someone has to see the ad at the time they have a need. Also, they have to be in your area. The best marketing tools I have found are a good website with focus on SEO and local referrals.

[@thetrimilliouseffect6372]

I help people with disability acceptance with their pets. And every animal cant come to my home. Your idea for going to others home to pet sit is right for me. I already have my business license. Working towards pet sitting in the client pet home for a couple of hours out the day for 30$ A DAY.

[@FirstStreetPets]

That's great! Hope your business is successful.

[@brendagutierrez6024]

Do you need like a license to run a home business?

[@FirstStreetPets]

@brendagutierrez6024 most cities require the payment of a tax for doing business there. It's not really a license although it's called that. Dog boarding does have some other significant requirements, however. Please check out my new multi-part series which will include legalities. firststreetpets.com/how-to-start-a-dog-boarding-business-from-home-part-one-is-this-the-right-business-for-you/

[@1Craigsworld]

most residential city's fine you and shut these down if it's zoned residential.

[@FirstStreetPets]

Yes this is a concern that should be taken seriously. I see many people posting on Rover and making videos saying they take 5-10 dogs into their home. If the local authorities find out you could have a lot of trouble. Best to do your research and run your business legally, OR keep it on the down low, like have only 1-2 dogs at a time and provide pick up and drop off yourself so there isn't traffic coming and going from your house.

[@johnnyallthecash2742]

do you think an HOA would ban dog sitting in the home?

[@FirstStreetPets]

It's possible than an HOA could restrist the number of dogs in a member's home. Not sure if they could restrict running a business from home, but it's always best to check first!

[@Gigichew]

i sold my home because HOA was too strict on the dog business

[@1Craigsworld]

definitely we live on an acre ,no hoa and they stopped us as a non approved home occupation .. via city ordince. Most residential is 100 % no go . Commercial zone 1 2 or 3 is no go if 1 side is within certain distance of any residence. also you cannot have dogs outside without special use permit. and cherry on top . If you jump thru all there hoops a noise violation can stl be imposed if you piss of a karen

[@FirstStreetPets]

Great comments and all sadly true! This is why many sitters provide this service under the radar. Cities and counties do not make it easy to work from home with dogs.

[@Sis_Izzie]

I am interested in starting my own Doggy daycare. I have a pitbull mix. Her name is Teal. she such a well behave dog. I have her legally registered as an emotional support dog. So many people are scared of Pitbulls and it's sad. Dogs are not bad. its the owners who make them mean. Since I been working all kind of jobs and long hours it's tough to let her stay home and since I do not make a lot of money Doggy daycares are expensive weekly. This is my first time having an interest in building my own business. Thank you for helping me with knowledge on creating a Dog business and all consist of.

[@FirstStreetPets]

You're welcome! Best wishes for the success of your business!

[@FirstStreetPets]

Check out my new multi-part series which will cover all aspects of in home dog boarding. firststreetpets.com/how-to-start-a-dog-boarding-business-from-home-part-one-is-this-the-right-business-for-you/

[@lydiadavis6414]

I'm interested. In California 👍

[@FirstStreetPets]

@lydiadavis6414 have you started your business? Check out my new multi-part series which will cover all aspects of in home dog boarding. firststreetpets.com/how-to-start-a-dog-boarding-business-from-home-part-one-is-this-the-right-business-for-you/