Running a dog daycare business in the UK is an exciting and rewarding venture, especially if you have a passion for dogs. But one of the first questions that people ask me is, "How much does it cost to start a dog daycare in the UK in 2024?".
Understanding the investment you'll need to make up front will help you plan effectively and avoid unexpected expenses. Let's break down the costs involved so you can start your journey on the right paw!
Initial Costs for Starting a Dog Daycare
Business Registration and Licensing
Business Registration: Registering your business with Companies House costs around £12 for online registration if you want to start trading as a Limited Company.
Dog Daycare License: Local councils in the UK require a dog daycare license, costing between £100 and £300 annually depending on your location.
Insurance: To be able to get a licence from your council you will need to show proof of insurance for your business, so not only does it protect you, your home, and your clients, you can't legally start trading without it. Firstly you will need home insurance that is specifically for running a business from your home. Your current domestic home insurance will become null and void as soon as you start running a business from home. Then you will need business insurance, for the Care, Custody and Control of the dogs in your care. This usually comes with Public Liability Insurance as well. We use Cliverton for both our insurances, they are always really helpful when we need to speak to them. The cost will depend on your home and the amount of dogs you are licenced to care for, but for a home dog daycare business in the UK caring for a max of 6 dogs a day it will cost around £120 per month.
Home & Garden Renovations
Renovation and Setup: You will need to make sure your home is safe and welcoming for the dogs to come and spend the day with you, and that the owners are happy to send them! You will need to have dog gates across doorways of rooms you don't want the dogs in and a quiet quarantine space for a sick dog. You should also consider having a space when a new dog arriving can come into your home without being ambushed by the others.
Do you have carpets? If you do I would consider a different type of flooring, even fully house trained dogs can leave a 'little message' on the corner of your sofa.
You will need to ensure your garden is totally safe and secure, and that any gates or doorways can be properly closed and locked.
You might want to create some different play areas in your garden, a sandpit, ball pit or concrete space to have a paddling pool.
A shower area is a must. I would recommend some sort of showering area close to your back door, so you can clean dogs off before they come into your home.
I would budget £500 - £800 for these costs depending on how your home and garden are already set up.
Equipment and Supplies
Essential Equipment: Dog Crates for feeding or quarantined, blankets, bowls, towels, toys, pooh bags, leads, collars, hypoallergenic treats, and toys can cost anywhere from £200 - £1000. I would not scripm on the leads, treats or pooh bags -you really do get what you pay for with them.
Grooming and Cleaning Supplies: Expect to spend about £100 on grooming tools, cleaning supplies, and sanitation equipment to maintain a hygienic environment.
Marketing and Branding
Website: A professional website can cost between £500 and £2,000, but you can create a very simple 1 page website for under £100.
Branding and Advertising: Initial branding (logo, business cards, flyers) and advertising (social media campaigns, local ads) can cost between £50 and £1000. If you can work Canva and create these things yourself the costs will be lower.
Ongoing Costs to Consider
Utilities and Operational Costs
A percentage of your monthly utility bills (electricity, water, heating) can range from £200 to £500. Get financial advice on how much of these you can put through as business expenses.
Regular maintenance and repairs should be budgeted at around £1,000 annually.
Supplies and Inventory
Monthly restocking of cleaning supplies, dog food, and other essentials can cost about £200 to £400.
Marketing and Customer Retention
Continuing your marketing efforts, including social media management and customer loyalty programs, can cost around £50 to £200 per month.
Starting a dog daycare business requires an investment of your time, money, and effort, but the rewards are so high. Not only do you get to work with dogs every day, but you also provide a valuable service to your clients. With passion, dedication, and the right financial planning, your dog daycare dream can become a reality.
If you have any questions or need more detailed guidance, feel free to reach out or leave a comment below. Here's to a barking good start in your new venture!
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