doggy daycare/creche/day boarding

[lynspop]

Just out of curiosity I was wondering if anyone on here owns or works in a doggy day care/creche?
There doesnt seem to be any (that I know of) in the area where I stay (the Scottish Borders) but perhaps they are more popular/in demand in cities?

At the moment I work part time as a riding instructor but also run puppy & beginner dog training classes as well as doing the odd bit of 1-2-1 training and the idea of being able to do something with dogs on a more full time basis has been on my mind for a while. At the moment, financially I am not in a situation to stop my regular (horse) teaching hours but, within the next year I may be in a situation where I CAN consider trying to work with dogs as a main source of income.
Having already set up my small teaching business I do realise how hard it is to get work etc, but the idea of doing day boarding/ creche (whatever you want to call it) has been on my mind for a bit as a possible option.

For anyone who does do it, I wonder if they might share their experiences with me? Over PM if you prefer!

I realise this is the sort of business that only succeeds if there is demand etc, and as I have already mentioned having already started a doggy business, I know how hard getting business is, but just wondering if this sort of idea is viable/do-able?!

 

[BBH]

I am opening one next year so feel free to pm me any questions about our planning / research etc .

 

[TweedDogs]

Did either of you take the dog daycare/creche business idea any further. I too live in the Borders and have been looking for a day care facility for my two dogs. I have also researched running my own business as I do feel there is a need for such a service.

 

[Finlib]

I did doggie home boarding including day boarding ,day socialisation, dog walking (aso did cat feeding and horse turning out and bringing in.)
I did it for 2 years and built up a really good clientelle I was turning people away in the end .
I have 2 dog of my own and would take up to another 4/5 for overnight all day and holiday boarding .
I had seversal young dogs that would come 3 to 4 days a week for full days to socialise and learn to behave with other dogs. I would take them out on pub walks and introduce them to siting quietly with me in the pub garden with my dogs whilst I had a glass of lemonade .I often met these dogs later out with their families at the pub behaving really well!
I gave up when I moved house but found that it was quite rewarding and work came a lot by word of mouth.
I had insurance and was registered with the local authority.
I had more work than I could handle.