help in business - Page 1

Hello all,

I have got a proposal from some clients to start a boarding facility in my Town House for the christmas hols

I wanted some feedback from the expereinced folks


how much should I charge per day for a dog to stay in my house for one month.

How should be my pricing?

What all should I watch out for?

I'm also supposed to give the dog some basic obedience lessons.


I have not seen or interviewed the owner or the dog yet.

Thanks for all your help

In all probability it is illegal.  Most areas require suitable facilities for any boarding facility.  These conditions are not possible in most homes.  Such as double fencing, 6' high, all hard surface floors and walls,  separation of the dogs for eating and sleeping.  Most towns, counties, and many states have kennel laws, check with your local AC agency.  

In home is under different rules than boarding kennels but are controlled by each local ruling. I think she is home pet sitting her home more so than boarding "kennel" kind of like the difference between a babysitter and a day care operation. Many breeding people charge boarding and they do not have boarding kennel licenses.

You will need to check with local and state agencies.  In our state, if you are keeping someone else's dog and charging a fee to do so, then you are required to have a boarding license.  I would be sure to do your research first before starting this up.  My business partner and training friend do board and train for clients, but she has a licensed boarding kennel, so we are legal.  You may also need to check with your homeowners insurance, as they may not cover you either if you are doing this out of your house.  There may also be city ordinances that would or wouldn't allow this type of a service.  Goodluck!!

Marsha Seck

Not pet sitting if the dog is staying overnight, that's commercial boarding and requires a license.  A "breeder" may get away with it if the dog they are watching is from their own breeding.