High-Level Guide for Supplying Your Dog Boarding Business

Setting up a dog boarding business requires purchasing a lot of equipment. Having the necessary equipment will ensure your business meets the safety and happiness standards of dogs and their owners. To start your dog boarding business, you’ll need to obtain a high-quality kennel from Trailside Structures along with care, safety, and administrative equipment. Below, we have listed all the equipment you’ll need to run a dog boarding business. 

Shelters

The most important thing you’ll need to get is a commercial dog kennel. Kennels from Trailside Structures provide a safe, enclosed space for the dogs you are boarding. Our kennels come in a range of sizes, depending on how many dogs will be in your care. Their capacities range from 3-16 dogs, but we can build multiple kennels on your property if you’re licensed to board more dogs. 

Adding Comfort

To make the kennels more comfortable, add dog beds in the insulated box area for them to sleep, and we can install an HVAC system to regulate the inside temperature. You’ll need to customize the kennel depending on the climate where you live. We deliver our structures all over the United States, and we can customize our kennels depending on the climate needs of your state. The kennels will also need a place for eating and drinking; our kennels come with a feed room that can be upgraded to have advanced feeders and automatic water bowls. Each dog should have their own designated sleeping area and food and water bowls. 

Dog Care Supplies 

There are a bunch of dog care supplies you’ll need to purchase. Some are practical, and some are for entertaining the dogs in your care. 

Supplies for Entertainment 

To care for your dogs, you’ll need leashes, toys, and treats to keep them happy and entertained. The leashes are for walks and handling the dogs. We recommend having a few different-sized leashes on hand in case an owner forgets to bring one. Toys will allow them to exercise and keep them occupied, while treats are rewards for good behavior. Our larger kennels can have utility and office rooms where you can store extra supplies. In our experience, your dog boarding business will benefit from having an outdoor play area for them to exercise, socialize, and let out some energy. Have enough space for all the dogs to run and play to maintain their physical and mental well-being. 

Practical Supplies 

Dogs can be messy, so be sure you have cleaning supplies, waste bags, and towels on hand to clean up any messes. Make sure you use dog-safe cleaning supplies, especially when cleaning the box and run areas to maintain a sanitary environment. We also recommend using an air purifier to keep the air hygienic and not smell as bad. You’ll need a washing area to clean supplies, we have a wash tub add-on available for our kennels. A washer and dryer are needed to clean any towels, blankets, beds, etc. after a dog leaves your care. Food and treats are essential; make sure you have multiple kinds to account for puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with allergies. 

Safety Equipment

There are a couple of things you’ll need to keep both your dogs and staff safe. If any dogs in your care need medicine or specialized food, have a refrigerator on site to safely store them. We recommend having a first aid kit on hand, both for your staff and dogs. Staff can get small injuries while handling the dogs, and if a dog is injured, a first aid kit will come in handy before taking them to the vet. Your first aid kit should at least include antiseptic wipes, bandages, a thermometer, and sting relief. You should also put a security camera in the kennel to keep the dogs safe at all times, which will make the owners more comfortable boarding their dogs with you. 

Administrative Equipment 

Along with the staff you have to hire for your dog boarding business, you’ll have to obtain some kind of administrative software to handle business operations. A computer software program will help you manage the day-to-day of the business, including your employees’ time, bookings, client communications, upcoming appointments, and more. Don’t forget to get some basic office supplies as well, like printers, computers, and cash drawers to handle the business side of dog boarding. 

Get Started with Trailside Structures 

Ready to start creating your dog boarding business? The key to successful dog boarding starts with your kennels. A commercial dog kennel from Trailside Structures puts the needs and happiness of your dogs first. We work hard to provide a comfortable and safe environment for dogs while their owners are away. Check out our kennel gallery and some past projects we’ve completed to see what our team can do for you. If you’re ready to start creating a custom commercial dog kennel, contact us today.