Does anyone on here run a boarding kennels ?

B

BBH

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Is so can you tell me if you took over an existing business or started from scratch. How many do you cater for? Is it what you imagined and are you enjoying it.
 
I don't run one, but a woman who does came in and gave us a talk on her business. She started it from scratch. All I can say is, that woman deserves a medal! So much to do before you can even get building started. A lot of money involved as well.
 
LOL I have my own land so I guess thats a start. Already have a stable yard built so could possibly build some pens in the barn or start from scratch outside. A girl at work has suggested I look into setting up a kennels as there aren't many in the area. There is one at the vets for circa 80 dogs and another at an animal rescue place and she doesn't like either for her dog.

Am thinking it would be nice to offer more of a personal set up where I would keep the numbers small and take them out for proper runs on the beach etc.( assuming they are good off the lead and all get on ) I could also fence off the river bank as a huge play area.

Just musing really but would never put my dog in kennels and was wondering of a nicer set up for those that have to.
 
I've been volunteering at a rescue centre lately, and now have unbelievable respect for anyone with that many dogs to look after. Last Saturday the lady who runs the place had been up since 4am when I got there and she still hadn't had anything to eat or drink - and this was 11am! Mind you, she has about 80-90 dogs there so you could hardly call it small. The worst thing is definitely cleaning the kennels - dog poo smells SOOO much worse than horse poo! Eugh! You'll have to hire someone else to do the smelly work.
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It is hard to get insurance to walk dogs apparently, esp if there is a risk they might get away from you.

Also, you need to be in a remote location, but not too remote in case that puts customers off. They come out and test decibel something or other. I can't remember the proper name
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I don't board/kennel but I run a grooming salon. I have a woman who used to work for me who's hubby does in home pet sitting/dog walking. I think they went thru NARP to be listed as a registered pet sitter, but the insurance requirements were pretty strict. I believe that there is licensing required for kennels (whereas none for grooming, yet). I can't help with specifics on boarding, but I can with setting up a pet related business. If you have questions, fire away by PM.
 
Thankyou all very much for your thoughts. I can't imagine ever wanting 80 odd dogs to care for but about 10 between myself and a kennel helper would be good because that way they can be taken out and about more, rather than being stuck in a run all day.

I have had a book recommended to me which I will buy and investigate further. I don't think I will have problems noise wise as I don't have near neighbours and am on a busy road with other small businesses ie garden centres, fencing and shed yard, fishing lake and fish sales place.

Certainly food for thought.
 
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