Dog Community

My new crazy idea...

Posted : 8/18/2006 10:59:32 PM

Well, Im a teacher, so I couldn't do this myself, but Im trying to convince boyfriend that its a great idea (and he can run it! [

])

Its really far fetched, and is probably just a crazy idea that will never pan out....

But...

I thought it would be a great idea to start a doggy day care! I know, I know, it would be *a lot* to do.... but my vision goes something like this:

We would start out walking dogs (but it would have to be in the evening or weekends, when we're not working...) We would gain some clientele, and get experience with other people's dogs.

Then, I guess we would go for doggy day care, but we could, in time, expand it to include grooming, training, walking, boarding (??), pet photography (by yours truly) and we could also sell gourmet dog treats (again by yours truly), etc.

I think this would be a good investment as there is def. a growing market for it... and I don't believe there is one in my immediate area/neighborhood (although they are all over NYC.) It wouldn't be hard to come by a great loft space in Brooklyn.

I know there are a million things to consider.... Ive been looking around, and there is a manual on someones website, but it costs $500!!! The topics it includes are:
-Estimated start up cost
-What monthly expenses to expect
-Example layout of a doggy day care
-Safety Recommendations
-Selecting a location
-Pet Insurance Recommendations
-Client and pet release forms
-Advised inventory for startup
-How to screen dogs for day care
-Why dog walking is important
-The licenses you will need
-Pricing recommendations
-How to bring extra revenue into your day care
-How to handle dogs properly
-Decorating your day care and why its important
-What type of flooring is recommended
-Recommended air purifier for your day care

Of course, if this were to really happen (which I think its really more of a dream than reality), I would do a ton of research, and hopefully be able to find those things out on my own, without shelling out a few hundred dollars to have it all in my lap....

Anyway,
Just thought I would throw the idea out there and see if anyone had any input (I know some of us have professional pet care services!!!)

Xerxes

Posted : 8/18/2006 11:08:38 PM

I've been trying to put one of these together for the last year or so. I even had investors, but at some point they all backed out. We were looking at a piece of land that was 12 acres with signage front on two major highways. I'm still looking for investors and working on my business plan.

I wish you good luck, it's a service that is desperately needed.

alieliza

Posted : 8/18/2006 11:16:59 PM

ORIGINAL: Xerxes

I've been trying to put one of these together for the last year or so. I even had investors, but at some point they all backed out. We were looking at a piece of land that was 12 acres with signage front on two major highways. I'm still looking for investors and working on my business plan.

I wish you good luck, it's a service that is desperately needed.

Oh man, I have no business experience. I wouldn't even know how to get investors, or where to start with a business plan! Im clueless, but I have hopes and dreams, and Im a great learner (I consider myself to be a professional learner -- lol!)

loveukaykay

Posted : 8/18/2006 11:32:42 PM

I found a 127 acre plot and went to the humaine society and ran some things by them. I have a plan similar to yours but in addition it would include a no kill no turn away shelter. I know this would be lots of work but I know I can make it happen one day. At least I have it in motion. I will def need investors... which is why I talked with the HS but I think thats "barking up the wrong tree"... I plan on speaking to the mayor soon. Well see. I dont talk much about it bnecause I dont want to be one of those people who seems like they keep talking about something but never doing it lol. But I totally understand your dream! I want that too... a "dog world" type of place with everything dog. Good luck, you can do anything you want to if you put your mind to it and make it happen. I know that sounds cliche' but its true.[

]

sierra2002

Posted : 8/18/2006 11:35:42 PM

For some reason, I think that dream runs through a lot of dog-lovers minds... lol.

About month ago, I completed a business plan for a luxury dog boarding facility. It was just for a university class, but the professor is a business consultant so I think it helped a lot. The idea is still floating around for after I graduate, but until then, I'm keeping my options open.

I didn't get into many of the details you listed (specific purification system, decorations, etc) but I did get startup costs, pricing, location, the basic "business plan" stuff.
The plan ended up being 27 pages, I think - pretty detailed lists of market potential, market share, internal/external forces, pricing, description, etc. I even went so far as to draw it up in 3D Home Architect. But I loved writing it up (and got a good grade too [

]).

I'm sure your idea would be much less expensive than mine (Mine racked up a start-up cost of an estimated $800,000) but if you do have any questions, feel free to post em or pm me [

]

chewbecca

Posted : 8/19/2006 8:45:55 AM

ORIGINAL: alieliza

ORIGINAL: Xerxes

I've been trying to put one of these together for the last year or so. I even had investors, but at some point they all backed out. We were looking at a piece of land that was 12 acres with signage front on two major highways. I'm still looking for investors and working on my business plan.

I wish you good luck, it's a service that is desperately needed.

Oh man, I have no business experience. I wouldn't even know how to get investors, or where to start with a business plan! Im clueless, but I have hopes and dreams, and Im a great learner (I consider myself to be a professional learner -- lol!)

This is where having a trustyworthy business partner/manager would come in handy. Do you know of anyone? Is your boyfriend good with business?
You should first probably start out (after research) finding an actual lot of land. Find out what the land costs, find out what you need for building and materials (just gather an estimated costs of EVERYTHING) and then go to a bank and try to get a loan. Maybe? I have NO clue about how to do this stuff either.
I suppose it would be easier if you found a huge lot of land with an old building already built. We have huge abandoned buildings around here (I guess that says a LOT for how my city is doing economically).

Debbie R

Posted : 8/19/2006 8:51:21 AM

Check out this place it has just opened by me and two of my co-workers have been bringing their dogs there and they love it. I wish I were younger I would do it in a heartbeat

[linkhttp://data.gointranet.com/cgi-bin/unitloc/cbw/locator.cgi?cpage=doggiecam.html&cu=knelms&cl=Lacey]http://data.gointranet.com/cgi-bin/unitloc/cbw/locator.cgi?cpage=doggiecam.html&cu=knelms&cl=Lacey[/link]

chewbecca

Posted : 8/19/2006 8:55:23 AM

This idea could go SO many places.
You could hire a trainer (once you see how much profit you're making), an acupuncturist (er...whatever they're called), a groomer, a doggie chiropractor, a holistic specialist, you know, all kinds of consultants of sorts. I mean, if you wanted to make it that big. I always appreciate the businesses that, even if they grow, they still stay rooted with their customers AND they don't sacrifice quality.

determinedX2

Posted : 8/19/2006 10:22:20 AM

I work at a doggie daycare in VA, so if you have any questions feel free to ask. I'll do my best to answer them but I've only worked there a couple months. I know more about how it runs than the legal stuff.

By the way, it would be totally worth it. It's a fun job (well usually... sometimes it's bit gross, haha.) Good luck with your idea [

]

alieliza

Posted : 8/19/2006 11:17:32 AM

Thanks guys, for all your advice and encouragement!
I have so so many ideas, but I would need someone who is business savvy, because I most definitely am not! I do, however, consider myself to be highly capable, so if I ever got it together, I do have a degree of confidence I could make it work...

Its just the getting it together part...

gradyupmybutt

Posted : 8/19/2006 1:27:40 PM

alieliza, this is kind of funny. I have been seriously thinking about starting my own DDC. There is this fenced in property right down the street from me that is looking pretty tempting. I already know that it's zoned for commercial but that's all I know.

alieliza

Posted : 8/19/2006 5:07:06 PM

Do it!!!

My new *crazy* idea...

My new *crazy* idea...

My new crazy idea...

My new crazy idea...