There are different aspects of dog crate enterprise depending on the business plan. Business templates include kennel management, dog transportation, crate wholesale or retail. Crate wholesale or retail depends on fabricated crates or branded ones. Kennels depend on crates for housing purposes while dog transportation requires specialized crates.
Material for dog crate
The materials used in the construct of dog crates depends on the manufacturer. Material choice are fabric, block, brick, wire, metal or plastic. A crate is built with safety of the animal in mind like proper ventilation, aeration, shock resistance, security or transportable.
- Wood
- Fabric
- Block
- Brick
- Wire
- Metal
- Plastic
- Combo materials
Types of dog crate
There are different types of dog crate based on design durability, price. Some have good safety features are made with durable quality material. Further features include lightweight, fixed, portable or folded design. Things to consider before stocking crates are clear sight of vision for the dog, ventilation, airflow walls or bars.
Popular veterinary kennel crates are mostly aluminum have appropriate bracing, lightweight perfect for movement and are very secure. Other types of crates are wire crates, solid plastic crates, wire crates, gunner kennels perfect for pet vehicle transportation.
More examples include soft side crates, decorative ones made from finished wood or raffia, soft-sided crates, hybrid crates made from aluminum and steel or wire mesh and collapsible crates.
Features
Features are based on the manufacturers design or functionality.
- Specifically designed for vehicles
- Foldable
- Travel/airplane compliant
- Heavy or lightweight
- Display crates
- One-hand collapsible
- Prevent injury
- Fabric on metal frame
- Durable quality material
- Fixed
- Portable
- Collapsible
Types of dog crates
- Aluminum crates
- Wire crates
- Solid plastic crates
- Gunner kennels
- Soft side crates
- Decorative crates
- Hybrid crates
- Steel or wire mesh
Equipment for dog kennel business
Dog kennel business provide boarding facility for dog owners. A major equipment is the crate, grooming table, feeding/drinking bowls. It is important to have adequate office space, exercise area, chains, collars, dog toys and office equipment.
Dog kennel equipment
- Dog Crate
- Grooming table
- Feeding/drinking bowls
- Chains
- Collars
- Dog toys
- Office equipment
- Boarding equipment
Learn the trade
It is important to learn the trade or obtain certification. Learn through mentorship, apprentice, institutions, online courses, partnership with experience kennel owner. Consider joining a related association for membership, additional training and support.
Staff and services
Staff requirements depends on the size or scope of the business. Job specifications involve cleaning the animal, feeding, veterinary care, training, waste disposal. Labor involves grooming, facility management, front desk staff, vet services.
Determine the price based on services rendered with consideration to prevailing prices in the market. Services include grooming, boarding, training, transportation.
Services
It is important to define the service like dog grooming, dog walking and kennel management. Others are veterinary services, dog transportation, dog sitting and dog training, sales of dog crates or doggie daycare.
- Dog grooming
- Walking
- Kennel management
- Veterinary services
- Dog transportation
- Dog sitting
- Training
- Dog crates sales
- Doggie daycare
- Dog spa
Register the business
Register the business as a sole proprietor or limited liability company. Get heath/liability insurance, join relevant associations. Choose a business name. Legal requirements are certificate of incorporation, sales tax, insurance policy, federal tax identification number, property lease, zoning approval, business license.
Legal
- Choose a business name
- Certificate of incorporation
- Sales tax
- Insurance policy
- Federal tax identification number
- Property lease
- Zoning approval
- Business license
Location
Locate the business in zoned area close to customers. Make sure the facility has basic utilities like water, electricity, good road network, adequate land area. The facility must accommodate boarding facility for kennel operators or store for crate dealers.
Marketing
Highly competitive effective marketing is required to attract patronage. Use television advertisement, radio and print. Print flyers, posters, banners, billboards, signboards. Use social media like Facebook, Instagram, and twitter. Build a website to offer services or eCommerce store to sell dog crates.
