Did you think of making your love of dogs into a business? If you love being with your pet and want to earn money doing something you enjoy, starting a dog daycare may be the perfect option. This guide will show you how to start your own dog daycare business from scratch, even if you’ve little experience or money. In 2025, pet owners in the USA will spend upwards of $150 billion on their pets, which shows how much the market for pet care is booming. This guide will show you the necessary steps to create a successful dog daycare company, from planning and cost to licensing and earnings. It will also teach you how to manage your daycare throughout the day and employ tools to make your business grow more efficiently and with greater efficiency.
Why Start a Dog Daycare Business?
Many ask, “Is dog daycare a good business?” The answer is yes, particularly in 2025 when more families work outside the home or on the road and require secure, enjoyable places to keep their pets for the daytime. Dogs are part of a family, and pet owners need the best care. That’s where you can help. A well-run dog daycare company is a fantastic way to earn steady revenue. It’s possible to gain anything from $60,000 to $160,000 annually, according to the number of dogs you look after and your location. Some owners who increase their capacity or offer additional services like grooming or boarding earn more. Beyond that, you will also enjoy your time with dogs and help them remain engaged, social, and loved even when their owners are absent.
Step 1 – Build Your Dog Daycare Business Plan
Before starting any project, you must have a business plan for your dog daycare. The plan will help you determine what your daycare will be like the number of dogs you’ll have, what it’ll cost, and what services you will provide. Numerous pet daycare businesses online have plans, templates, and examples that can help you. A solid plan should include your objectives, budget, and vision. Also, you should consider your dog daycare’s business model.
Can you run the daycare in your home, lease a space, or provide pets on the move? Do you offer basic daycare services or add additional features such as training, baths, or overnight stays? A well-planned plan can help you make informed decisions to avoid problems and prove to investors or banks that you’re serious about your venture. If you plan to start an animal daycare business out of your home or establish it in a commercial location, your plan is the foundation.
Step 2 – Know the Costs of Starting Up
The cost of starting a dog daycare company is crucial. The price in 2025 could differ based on the location, the size of your daycare, and whether you operate it at home or in a building. If you plan to start your dog daycare at your home, you could spend between $2,000 and $10,000 to prepare your premises. It could include cleaning materials, fencing, toys, and safety equipment. If you lease or purchase an office space, your costs can be as high as $50,000 or more for rent, renovations, and other professional items. If you hire assistance, you must also plan for insurance, advertising, pet food, licensing, and personnel. Setting aside extra for unexpected expenses, such as repairs or medical emergencies, is a good idea. The planning will ease anxiety and help you prepare for any eventuality as your business expands.
Step 3 – Get Licensed and Insured
You must obtain the appropriate documents to operate the daycare legally and securely. It means obtaining an in-home business license to run a dog daycare if you operate at home or a general permit to operate a business in commercial buildings. The rules can differ based on city or state, so you must always inquire with your local government offices before 2025. Many areas require a zone check to ensure the property can be used as a pet daycare. Alongside permits, carrying insurance on your business for dog daycare is crucial. Insurance covers you if your dog becomes injured or sick or causes damage to the property. A good insurance policy can cost you between $400 and $1200 per year, giving you peace of mind and showing customers that you’re a professional they can be confident in.
Step 4 – Choose the Right Location
Finding the right place to set up is among the most crucial aspects of starting a dog daycare business. If you’re operating from home, you must ensure that your place is neat, quiet, and spacious enough for your dog to play and relax in a safe environment. A well-kept yard with a fence and easy-to-clean flooring is ideal. If you’re renting out a building, choose a location that is easy for visitors to locate, has parking, and is spacious enough for dogs of different sizes to roam about. Avoid noisy or crowded areas that frighten pets or make it difficult for owners to take them away. A well-lit area helps your business stand out and makes clients feel more secure leaving their pets with you.
Step 5 – Set Up Your Facility
Setting up your dog’s daycare is about creating an environment where dogs feel secure, enjoy themselves, and receive the required attention. Your daycare must include safe areas to play, rest, eat, and take toilet breaks in the home or an independent building. It’s also wise to keep small and big dogs separated during playtime. Dogs require supervision, so ensure that someone always watches them when they play. Your home should be tidy and fresh, including plenty of toys, clean water, and comfy places where dogs can nap. They might require beds or crates to sleep peacefully if they stay longer. A tidy and well-organized space simplifies your work and allows you to earn the confidence of dog owners.
“Starting small is okay. What matters is giving pets a happy, safe place!“
Jess M., Dog Daycare Owner
Step 6 – Run Daily Operations Efficiently
To run a successful business for dog daycare, it is necessary to adhere to an everyday routine that keeps your dogs safe and happy. The dogs should be inspected in and out according to the exact timetable. During the daytime, they should be allowed time to play, nap, have snacks, and have meals. Keep track of the health of your pet’s eating habits, behavior, and feeding. It helps determine if something is wrong and makes owners aware that you are concerned for their pets. Cleaning is a significant element of your daily routine. Toys, water bowls, and sleeping areas must be kept clean to avoid bacteria. If your dog is injured or sick and needs to be contacted by the owner promptly, establish a strategy to handle emergencies. A well-run daycare helps increase the number of clients who return repeatedly because they appreciate how you care for their dogs.
Step 7 – Track Income and Manage Profit
New owners’ most frequent question is, “How much does a dog daycare business make?” In 2025, the earnings can be lucrative. If you take care of 10 dogs per day and charge $30 daily, you could earn $300 per day or $6,000 per month if working for 20 days. That’s around $72,000 annually, and you could make more when you expand or introduce new services. Profits from dog daycare businesses depend on the cost you charge, the number of dogs you allow to stay, and how you manage your finances. Keep track of the money you make and how much you spend. So, you can determine how much money you are spending and discover ways to increase your profits. An experienced business owner knows their numbers and helps keep the company strong through sensible decisions.
Step 8 – Use Software to Automate Your Business
To aid in the growth of your business and remain well-organized, you can use software designed specifically for the dog daycare business. These software programs allow you to track appointments, send reminders to pet owners, collect payments, and keep health records of each pet. A few of the most popular choices include PawLoyalty, ProPet, and Gingr, which are perfect for both large and small companies. Dog daycare automation simplifies the process, makes your business faster and more efficient, and makes it appear more professional. You will never forget to book appointments or lose documents, and your clients will appreciate how well everything is. Even if you’re starting to use Dog Daycare Management Software early, it can allow you to grow quickly and minimize errors.
Final Tips to Build a Thriving Dog Daycare
Starting a business in dog daycare is fun but requires effort and dedication. The critical aspects are keeping your dogs safe, building trust with pet parents, and adhering to all local regulations. Ensure every dog joining your daycare is safe, friendly, and vaccine-free. Speak to pet owners about their pet’s requirements and allow them to visit your facility before signing for it. If you do a great job, they will refer their family and friends to you, which will help you expand. You can share pictures and videos via social media to showcase happy dogs enjoying themselves in your daycare. Soon, you’ll be recognized as the city’s best location to care for pets.
Conclusion:
Now, you know how to start your dog daycare business from scratch. With a solid strategy, the right space, licenses, and innovative equipment, you could create something truly amazing by 2025. It doesn’t matter if you’re building a dog-friendly business in your home or opening an animal daycare in a massive facility. All that matters is that you are passionate about dogs, value security, and are determined to be at your best. If you work hard and with determination, you can create a business that will bring joy to your pet and peace of mind for owners and make money for you.
