If you're a dog lover with space and time, starting a puppy daycare from home can be a fun and rewarding business. Here’s are some suggestions about how to get started with your doggy daycare at home, including puppy photos and grooming add-ons!
1. Check Local Laws and Zoning
Before getting started, check with your city or county to see if you're allowed to operate a pet daycare from your home. You may need:
- A business license
- A home occupation permit
- Commercial or liability insurance
Tip: Some areas limit how many dogs you can care for at once.
2. Prepare Your Home for Puppies
Your space needs to be safe, clean, and puppy-proofed:
- Fenced yard or enclosed outdoor play area
- Indoor play space free of wires, sharp objects, and toxins
- Separate zones for eating, sleeping, and play
- Easy-to-clean floors (avoid carpet)
3. Get the Right Equipment
Essential puppy daycare supplies include:
- Crates or kennels for nap time
- Toys (safe and chew-resistant)
- Food and water bowls
- Cleaning supplies and disinfectants
- Puppy gates and potty pads
4. Define Your Services and Pricing
Decide which services to offer, such as:
- Half-day or full-day daycare
- Grooming or training add-ons
- Pickup and drop-off
Typical pricing ranges:
- $20–$40 for half-day care
- $30–$60 for full-day care
Pro tip: Offer discount packages to encourage regular visits.
5. Set Up Booking & Communication Systems
Make scheduling and communication easy with tools like:
- Calendly or Acuity for online booking
- Jotform for collecting pet info and vaccination records
- WhatsApp or Instagram DMs for daily photo updates
6. Promote Your Daycare Locally
Use both online and offline marketing strategies:
- Set up a simple website or landing page
- Register on Google Business, Rover, Nextdoor, and Thumbtack
- Share daily puppy content on TikTok or Instagram
- Encourage reviews and referrals
7. Focus on Safety & Health
Safety and cleanliness are your top priorities. Be sure to:
- Require updated vaccinations (rabies, distemper, bordetella)
- Keep vet and emergency contacts available
- Have a basic understanding of pet first aid
- Separate aggressive or sick puppies immediately
8. Build Trust with Pet Parents
Strong communication builds lasting relationships:
- Offer intro calls or meet-and-greets
- Send behavior notes and photos
- Offer holiday treats or small gifts
- Create a referral or loyalty program
Final Thoughts
Starting a home-based puppy daycare can bring joy to both you and your community—plus steady income if done right. Focus on safety, clear communication, and a clean environment, and your dog-loving business will be set to thrive.
Quick disclaimer: Always check with local authorities to make sure you’re following all zoning and legal requirements.
