Most pet owners in the US choose dogs as their domestic pets. American households consider their pets part of the family and deserve equal care as their children.
Pet daycare business developers even invented technological innovations such as daycare software to give pets the best care they deserve. However, the current pandemic greatly affected everyone and everything, including the most sought-after service dog daycares. Establishments needed to close and stop operating, and pet owners were left doing the grooming, software, training, and walking by themselves during the quarantine.
Now that people are returning to offices and schools, the need for services like doggy daycares has increased significantly. But how can a safe and efficient business operation be established in a post-pandemic world? How can dog daycare software be helpful at this time?
If you are one of the business owners planning to reopen your pet business facility in the “new normal,” here are some dos and don’ts that you should remember.
AVOID THESE COMMON MISTAKES!
You might get so excited about reopening your facility that you forget about specific protocols and new rules provided by the government and health sectors. In a post-pandemic business operation, avoid common mistakes, such as:
Mistake #1: Resuming Regular Business Hours
Living in the “new normal” means doing the things you usually do differently this time. For example, you must cut the regular operating hours and develop shortened business hours. Automated scheduling for clients will help them arrange appointments based on your adjusted schedule, keeping them happy and accommodating.
Mistake #2: Forgetting about the Dissemination
Communication is vital, especially in business. Because you are opening your facility with many changes in the process, be sure to inform the public. Essential matters that they should know include:
- Updated operation/business hours
- New procedures have been developed and implemented
- Cleaning protocols in the facility
- Payment methods to ensure less contact
- Maximum clients catered to in a day
Using software programs helps you quickly disseminate this information to your new and repeat clients, who can easily see it in the application. Once they know that preventive measures are a priority, they will become comfortable doing transactions with you. This builds trust and a reputation for your business—another way of attracting clients.
Mistake #3: Setting Aside Special Treatments and Appreciation to Loyal Clients
Loyal customers play a significant and essential part in growing every business. Small businesses need their dedicated pet owners and recurring customers on top of everything. And because they are a substantial part of your business growth, a little appreciation would not hurt.
Giving these benefits and going the extra mile to show your appreciation in return for their loyalty significantly increases reliability and helps build relationships with them.
Mistake #4: Going Too Far on the Discounts
With people reopening their businesses after months of quarantine, you would want to draw as many clients as possible. Many believe enticing clients through discounts is the best option to regain lost revenue. But remember, the demand is high right after the reopening. Your service is vital to them, and if you are a trusted pet sitter, they will come anyway, whether there is a discount or not. You can offer service and promotional deals, but only to an extent.
Mistake #5: Forgetting About Your Employees
As your business operates with new opening hours and many procedural changes, your employees will work harder than ever. You might forget to give them a fair shift schedule and the appropriate rest days for the week. Be sure to consider the possibility of team member burnout and the possible health risks at work. Think about whether they deserve a bonus for any extended and additional tasks. You may also give them hazard pay as compensation for making the reopening possible.
Mistake #6: Overlooking Your Employees’ Health
In addition to the previous point, one of the primary considerations is your employees’ physical, mental, and emotional health status. As they continue working, you can assess them for any illness before returning to work regularly. Check on some COVID-19 symptoms occasionally and ensure proper action once any sign arises. This is crucial as you don’t want your business to become a hotspot for virus transmission.
REOPENING YOUR PET CARE BUSINESS THE RIGHT WAY!
After the pandemic, you have just read these common mistakes in reopening your daycare business. Here are some points to remember when improving your business and creating smooth-sailing operations after the pandemic.
Offer Memberships and Packages
Although you must not overdo the discounts, presenting membership and package deals is worthwhile in creating a business image. You can offer these promos and packages through software. Users can quickly check and see available offers and how to avail themselves. The software can also keep track of previous, ongoing, and future transactions, which can be a basis for the package deals.
Invest in Technology and Scheduling Systems
Businesses in the post-pandemic environment still need to observe and adhere to the protocols set to reduce virus transmission. Adopting daycare software solutions that align with the social distancing rule is essential. It will help you regulate the number of clients in and out of your facility and reduce overcrowding. Additionally, the system’s online and contactless payment makes the process easier and safer.
Start Social Media Campaigns
Because people spend most of their hours on the internet today, having an online presence and advertising your business through social media platforms is an excellent idea. You can encourage your clients to post photos of their pets, your facility, or anything about their experience with your service. It will serve as social proof that your clients speak for your business and endorse you to others.
Introduce Referral Programs
Referrals are perhaps the best strategy for gaining more clients. As you reopen your business, consider giving incentives to clients who refer their friends and offering discounts when these friends become new loyal customers. While you help current clients avail a deal for the following transactions, you are also earning new customers and eventually making your business reopening a success.
Offer Video Chat Consultations as an Option
Video chat consultations help you, your employees, and your clients save time. You may consider talking to them through video chats before they visit your facility. This proactive measure reduces the required time for consultation and maximizes revenue by discussing their needs before moving in.
Add COVID-19 Fee to Your Services
Businesses that have been closed for weeks or months have not seen their expected revenues. Thus pulling off their budget. You can add cost to your services as part of reopening and keeping the place safe and clean. This fee can be for:
- Provide masks and disposable aprons in the facility
- Footbaths and sanitizers at the entrance
- Wiping down seats and tables between appointments
- Other additional services
This extra fee, in line with the COVID-19 preventive measures, passes the cost to consumers with complete transparency. Clients will more likely understand and appreciate this than increasing the cost of your regular services, such as haircuts and others. Once the measures are no longer needed, you can remove the additional expense, and the pricing will remain the same.
Hire an Additional Staff member to do the Additional Cleaning
The new cleaning requirements for reopening your establishment are vital. Thus, hiring additional staff who will solely do the cleaning might be necessary. This way, the rest of your employees can focus on the core tasks and continue to provide high-quality service.
It might add to your operational costs, but will surely earn your client’s trust. Having a service that people can rely on is the key to staying ahead of the competition and succeeding in the industry.
Resuming business after the pandemic can be a great idea. However, its success depends on how you strategize and market your service or product. More than the points stated above, it is also essential to:
- Get your finances in check
- Staff your employees appropriately and carefully
- Communicate with clients in an organized, strategic, and consistent manner
- Ensure an accessible location for your facility
- Create an inventory and report of your monthly sales and activities
Why Should I Reopen My Dog Daycare Business?
If you are still hesitant about reopening your dog daycare management business, here are some points why fur parents significantly consider it:
- Dog daycares keep dogs from getting lonely.
- They won’t worry about being home late, knowing that their pets are being cared for
- They don’t have to let anyone into their home while they are gone
- When dogs arrive home happy and satisfied, they feel it’s worth their money
- Dogs can exercise all day!
- It develops dogs’ socialization and behavior as they make new friends in the facility.
- Dogs can get lots of attention!
- They can do their work and other matters with peace of mind.
