Doggy Business 101 How To Book

Many people cringe at the thought of developing a business plan but it is the preparation of this vital document that can ensure success for any business. I can only skim the surface of what goes into a business plan however Doggy Business 101 will guide you detail by detail on what you will need to have. If you take one step at a time it will not feel at daunting. Trust me when I tell you this was my least favorite part but the most critical. Not only for the fact of obtaining funding but also as importantly to give you a clear vision where you want to go.

Here are some of the steps which should be included in your plan:

Section 1: The Business and Its Scope - basically an overview of your Doggy Daycare and what you are envisioning. Also to include in this section your mission statement, name, estimated opening date, location, list of services, Rates, hours of operation and what exactly your position will be in the business.

Section 2: Market Analysis or Feasibility Study - Answer questions such as Why a Doggy Daycare would even work in your area, why is it need and what kind of completion you will have.

Section 3: Management and Personnel - Is this going to be a one man/woman show or will you have employees. List everyone you think will be helping you out such as your manager, staff members, independent contractors such as groomers or trainers and of course your team of advisers such as your accountant, lawyer etc.

Section 4: Financial Information - Now we are at the $$ part most important to make your business flourish. Many people underestimate the costs of getting going. Do not leave anything out because it will bite you in the long run (no pun intended) Refer to Doggy Business 101 for a list of Start-Up costs to consider.

Section 5: Bringing it all together - You'll want to make your business plan look professional by adding a Table of Contents. You'll also want to include appendices, such as citations of town regulations, websites, and sources of cost estimates, current tax rates, advertising quotes, etc. items that aren't essential for the plan but are impressive to anyone reading it and those deciding on lending capital. It also proves that you did your homework. You may also want to add any photos of the proposed facility and insert all of this material into an attractive folder of binder.

You will now have the core of your business plan and know exactly how much money you will need to start up your Doggy Daycare and keep it going. You can now present this comprehensive business plan to financial institution to ask for the loans required.

Marketing and advertising begin long before you open up your dog day care business and it never ends!
Here is an overview of some things that I did to get the word out. It must have worked because I was filled to capacity within 6 months! You will do some passive marketing while you are gathering information to determine the feasibility of the business and again when researching for your business plan. This naturally occurs because you are out talking to people about the business, your visiting veterinary clinics, visiting town halls for rules & regulation, checking out insurance agencies, and meeting with contractors. Marketing and Advertising must be more proactive. They require networking with other people on a frequent base. Marketing is not just a scripted text telling people about the business, it takes on many forms.

Some of the ways I promoted were:

Having a Grand Opening before your even open let people in to see your dream as it's being built. It's time to meet your neighbors and let them get to know you. You may also consider offering a discount on prepaid packages - It's a nice way to bring in some revenue while you're still getting up and running. REMEMBER to invite any dog related businesses in your area such as vets, groomers, trainers etc., they will be your best advertisement down the road!

Press Releases whether via newspaper, internet, magazines or radio Stations.

Creating a great website that is easy for people to move around in and easy to find.

You should always have printed material on hand. Handing out various types of printed material like business card, flyers and brochures can help get the work out quickly about your daycare.

Visit some of your local free Networking Groups. This will allow you to meet other likeminded business owners and really get a grasp on who's who in your town. One lesson I learned long ago is you're your relationships are your key. Never take anyone for granted and nurture them always.

Have a bunch of Tshirts printed out and use them as giveaways so you will have many "walking advertisements" for your business.
Internet or Radio Talk Shows

A MUST have and my favorite advertising that I used then and continue to use in ANYTHING I am doing is Send Out Cards. I was blessed to be introduced to this service and it has improved my relationships 10-fold. This online service gives you a great way to stay in touch with everyone in your life with REAL cards and gifts sent in the old fashion way (snail mail) that you can send right from your computer. I would take tons of pictures of my dogs, upload them to a card and send thank-you's to all my clients. Not enough people remember the client AFTER the sale.

You will want to be ready for anything at your Doggy Daycare. It took me a long time to gather all the forms I needed. I have included many sample forms in the back of Doggy Business 101. You may use these and customize them to fit your needs. No sense for you to recreate them all over again.
All of these forms are also available on cd.

1. Market Research Survey - You will use this to get a feel for what potential customers are looking for.
2. Hours of Operation & Rates - Also ideas on creating packages for those customers who visit your daycare more frequently
3. Application for Employment - an application specifically geared towards a doggy daycare worker.
4. Intake Application for a new Dog
5. Daycare & Boarding Requirement
6. Client Agreement
7. Report Card - Customers love these, makes them feel like their dog is #1 at your daycare
8. Incident Report - things do happen and you have to be prepared to document everything
9. Daily Check-In Tracking Form
10. Bed & Breakfast Reservation form
11. Instruction for Dog Sitting/ Walking Client Form
12. Daily Log
13. Doggy First Aid Kit Checklist