Starting a kennel business can be both exciting and rewarding, especially for animal lovers. However, many new kennel owners underestimate the responsibilities and complexities involved in running a successful facility. Without proper planning and knowledge, it’s easy to make mistakes that can compromise the health and safety of the animals, hurt your reputation, and ultimately lead to business failure. Below are the top 10 mistakes new kennel owners make and how to avoid them.
1. Underestimating Start-Up Costs
One of the most common and costly mistakes is failing to account for all start-up expenses. Beyond the basic facility setup, there are numerous other costs: licensing, insurance, staff wages, utilities, food, cleaning supplies, medical supplies, and marketing. Many new owners budget only for the physical structure and a few essentials, then find themselves overwhelmed when unexpected expenses pile up.
Tip: Create a detailed budget that includes all one-time and recurring costs. Build in a financial cushion for the first 6–12 months to ensure stability while your business grows.
2. Inadequate Facility Design
A poorly designed facility can lead to a host of problems, including sanitation issues, overcrowding, animal stress, and inefficiency for staff. Kennels should have separate areas for feeding, sleeping, playing, and isolation for sick animals. Inadequate ventilation, lighting, drainage, and space allocation can quickly create an unsafe or uncomfortable environment.
Tip: Consult with professionals experienced in animal facility design. Make sure your layout supports proper animal care, ease of cleaning, and compliance with local regulations.
3. Neglecting Staff Training and Management
Hiring staff who love animals is not enough—they must also be trained in handling, health monitoring, emergency protocols, and customer service. Many new kennel owners fail to invest in staff development, leading to inconsistent care, mistakes, or even dangerous situations.
Tip: Provide comprehensive training on animal behavior, kennel protocols, and communication skills. Hold regular meetings and performance evaluations to ensure everyone is aligned with your standards.
4. Ignoring Legal and Regulatory Requirements
Running a kennel involves more than just having a passion for animals; it also requires strict adherence to local laws and industry regulations. Some new owners skip important steps like obtaining permits, zoning approvals, liability insurance, or business licenses, which can lead to fines or forced closures.
Tip: Research and comply with all legal requirements in your area before opening your doors. This includes health codes, noise ordinances, and animal welfare standards.
5. Poor Sanitation Practices
Cleanliness is critical in a kennel environment. Disease can spread quickly if proper sanitation procedures aren’t in place. New owners often overlook the importance of a daily cleaning schedule, using appropriate disinfectants, and isolating sick animals.
Tip: Develop and enforce a strict cleaning protocol. Use kennel-safe disinfectants, clean all areas daily, and regularly inspect for signs of illness or parasites.
6. Failing to Screen Animals Properly
Some new kennel owners accept every pet without a proper intake process, risking fights, stress, or the spread of disease. Animals may arrive unvaccinated, aggressive, or poorly socialized, endangering others.
Tip: Implement a thorough intake screening, including vaccination records, temperament assessments, and health history. Have clear policies for denying entry if an animal poses a risk.
7. Lack of Marketings and Community Engagement
Simply opening your doors isn’t enough to bring in clients. New kennel owners sometimes overlook the importance of marketing and building relationships with pet owners, vets, shelters, and the local community.
Tip: Create a professional website, stay active on social media, and consider referral partnerships with local businesses. Hosting events or offering promotions can help spread awareness.
8. Misjudging Capacity
New owners may try to take in too many animals at once to increase profits, but overcapacity leads to stress, poor care, and unhappy customers. It’s better to maintain high standards for fewer animals than to overload your facility.
Tip: Know your limits and prioritize quality over quantity. Monitor staff-to-animal ratios and be honest with clients about your availability.
9. Not Preparing for Emergencies
Emergencies—from power outages to natural disasters or medical crises—can have devastating consequences if you’re not prepared. Many new kennel owners don’t have a solid emergency response plan.
Tip: Create a comprehensive emergency plan covering evacuation procedures, emergency contacts, backup power, and medical protocols. Train your staff to respond calmly and effectively.
10. Overlooking Customer Experience
While animal care is your top priority, customer service is just as important. Poor communication, unclear policies, or a lack of transparency can turn pet owners away, no matter how well you care for their pets.
Tip: Keep customers informed with regular updates, clear policies, and responsive communication. Offer tours, be open to feedback, and always aim to build trust.
Starting a kennel is more than just caring for animals—it’s about running a well-organized, legally compliant, customer-focused business. By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on quality care and operations, new kennel owners can build a successful, reputable business that keeps pets and their owners happy.
